For the hundreds of years of its existence bdsm subculture has developed certain bdsm fashion trends that are now readily associated with this lifestyle. However, the erotic and daring bdsm fashion items are also favored by people who do not include bondage/discipline or sadistic/masochistic practices in their sexual relationship. On the other hand, not all bdsm practitioners will follow bdsm fashion.
Bdsm fashion can vary among different communities, including gay and lesbian bdsm ones, cultures and generations. Materials commonly used in bdsm fashion plays are latex, rubber, spandex and fishnet. But perhaps the most popular trend in bdsm fashion for all times is leather style. Originally developed out of biker culture in mid-1900-s, it is now very popular among bdsm practitioners, so there are even leather clubs all over the world. Leather in bdsm fashion is a frequent theme of fetish photography and other kinds of bdsm artwork. A possible reason for such popularity is perhaps association of this material with power and aggressive sexuality and its actual aesthetics. However, as bdsm fashion garment and equipment can be rather expensive, bdsm toys and clothes made of vinyl or latex present an alternative look and cost less.
Items of clothing characteristic of bdsm fashion are high-heeled shoes and boots, especially those with stiletto, boots, corsets and stockings (garters). A word should also be said about edible underwear which can be consumed while undressing the partner or used as a gag. (Care should be taken for underwear that contains sugar not to come in contact with vagina as this increases the risk of infection spreading). A very popular bdsm fashion accessory is the bdsm ring with the related symbol that resembles the Yin-Yang but has three arms dividing the circle. It can be worn in everyday life without attracting much attention but serving as a sign for those initiated.
A special niche among bdsm fashion garment is taken by such bdsm fashion accessories as collars, muzzles, cuffs, decorative bondage and the like. These bdsm fashion clothes not only create the specific atmosphere for the scene, but are also used for such bdsm practices as movement restriction, suspension, etc.
There exists a number of bdsm fashion magazines, websites, designer bureaus and even Leather Archives and Museum where the history of bdsm subculture and bdsm fashion trends are represented. |