Leather fetish; the feel, the smell, the durability. It’s a second skin that lasts, and lasts, and lasts…
The leather fetish is one of the most popular kinks out there and revolves primarily around, well, leather garments.. Jackets, vests, boots, chaps, harnesses and many more different items and accoutrements are all part and parcel of this scene. For some, wearing leather garments is a way self-consciously distinguishing themselves from the mainstream. Many people associate leather culture with BDSM practices and its many subcultures. But for others, wearing black leather clothing is simply an erotic practice that expresses heightened masculinity or sexual power. Some love the smell, some the sensation against the skin, the noises it makes as they move… every leather kinkster is different, which makes it an amazingly diverse scene with a long history.
So how to get into leather? Well, quite simply, you gotta wear some! Check out stockists like the Recon store, Regulation London, Fetish Freak, Gear Berlin and you’ll find pretty much ANYTHING you can imagine made in leather. From aprons, to caps, to harnesses, to pup masks, to hoods, to gloves… if you can dream it, they probably sell it.
However this type of gear requires some maintenance. If you’re thinking about making your first leather purchase, you’ll need to know how to get the most out of it. When looked after properly, leather gear can last a lifetime, so it’s well worth making the extra effort.
Leather may be tough, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be damaged. Water, urine and oil-based lubes can all dry-out and damage leather. You don’t want your gear to feel stiff and nasty when you put it on, but you don’t want to limit your play, either. A specialist protector can create a barrier against water and oil-based stains and should be applied regularly. With fetish play, stains are likely to occur. Some guys like their gear to be stained, but if you don’t, they can be removed easily if done properly. Blot the stain with a clean cloth – nubuck cloths are ideal for this, as you don’t need any liquid to use them effectively. Piss and oil-based stains should never be left overnight! You’ll need to give your gear a quick clean following any water-sports.
To give your leather a sheen, you can polish it from time to time. Then when it is clean and dry, your leather gear should be hung up in your wardrobe or a similar storage area free of damp and at room temperature. Always hang your gear on padded or wooden clothes hangers, as these will help your gear retain its shape. Your gear should be kept free of dust and cleaned regularly, even if you haven’t worn it in a while.
Finally, get your gear on and get out there! There are hundreds, of Leather fetish events worldwide. From Recon’s frequent fetish parties, to Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco, to Leatherpride in Belgium, plus dozens of clubs and parties offering Leather nights. You can find out about these on Google, but best way to find the really good ones nearest to you, is to get to know other leathermen!
“Where to find other leather guys?” You cry. Well, the Recon app of course! There’s a ton of men who could be willing to introduce you and give you any further advice you may need. Plus check out www.recon.com for member spotlights, how-to guides and more, updated weekly!
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