Content

• Steps
• Warnings

Although straitjackets are designed to control the movement of patients in mental hospitals, they can also be a magician's requisite. Harry Houdini's most famous tricks involve escaping from a straitjacket at high altitude. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to have a dislocated shoulder to get rid of your straitjacket, but you should practice doing the following steps.

Steps

1. 1 When you are being tied up, gently pull the fabric of the shirt over the front with your hands, which will give you an additional 5-10 cm of freedom. Breathe in deeply and contract all your muscles so that your torso reaches its maximum size. Since the sleeves are tied behind your back, make sure your stronger hand is over your weaker one.
2. 2 Relax. When the shirt is tied and buttoned, relax your body and exhale. Keep your body as small as possible by letting go of the stretched fabric. The straitjacket should fit much more freely.
3. 3 Push your main hand towards the opposite shoulder. This will move the slack in the fabric to the desired location.
4. 4 Raise your main hand above your head. Leave the other hand down. This way you can move your hands.
5. 5 Unbutton the sleeve buckle with your teeth.
6. 6 With your hands free, undo the buckles at the back, top and bottom.
7. 7 Step on the fabric of one of the sleeves and pull off your shirt.

Warnings

• Have a helper stay with you in case you can't get rid of the straitjacket yourself.
• This method does not work for all straitjackets; in some models, it is impossible to raise your arm over your head.