They're where people who are normally conservative and somewhat inhibited go overboard dressing in wild, tarty, sexy or, in the case of a Switch party, gender bending costumes.

Okay, maybe you don't want to talk about them, and perhaps you only think about them when you're making love with your partner, but fantasies are a normal part of everyone's sexual life or dreams.

But for most, they stay roiling hotly around in the mind, although, as inhibitions continue to be lowered with increasing sexual acceptance in society, more people are exploring fantasies and acting them out.

Fetish wear, groups and parties, for instance, are increasingly popular with many who have previously kept their desires hidden, deciding to explore their particular sexual obsession this way.

Yet despite the increasing relaxed social sexual climate, most women in particular are still afraid of being seen as "sleazy" if they talk about their fantasies. Men, some who might be secret cross dressers, also don't want to scare off their partners with what they might consider "kinky" demands. It can mean a relationship is never fully sexually explored or fulfilled.

"It's a time that gives people permission to cross certain lines innocently and in a playful way without embarrassment or shame," says Rebecca Rosenblat, sex expert, author of Seduce Your Man and host of the W Network show Between The Sheets.

Whether you buy a costume for fun or "sexcitement," Halloween has become a busy time for costumes, not just via the theatrical stores, but also adult sex stores and fetish clothing designers. They're finding an increased demand for sexual styles.

And not just low-end plastic and paper throwaways. At Toronto's Northbound Leather, the leader in leather fashion, fetish and fantasy wear, customers can spend serious dollars.

A latex catsuit can cost from $550-$1,200, although one in "wetlook" pvc can be under $200. Leather dominatrix outfits can also add up with all the extra equipment needed such as boots and whips.

Aren't We Naughty is a leading chain of Toronto adult stores and district manager, Mercedes Jones, says top sexy sellers for women every year are the Schoolgirl and Naughty Nurse designs.

Costumes that won't work if you're looking for sexual spark are Martha Stewart or Dr. Phil, says a survey conducted by It's Just Lunch, a dating service for busy professionals.

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