I use rubber bands also. The kind that have a cloth coating. And yes, it does take some time for them to get use to it but eventually they will leave it alone. Try putting in the topknot and then giving a favorite treat or toy to try and take their mind of it. We use to play fetch after they got their hair done.
As far as clothes go I think there are some really comfortable things out there that are lightweight and allows free movement so they don't feel so confined.
