I have a friend who loves latex: he is constantly sending me images of women in smooth, tight latex outfits. As much as I love the energy behind his desires, it isn’t really my top kink. Nevertheless, it’s just friggin fun to play with leather and latex! And the images are sexy and inspiring. Among fetishes or kinks, leather and latex fetishes are popular and tend to have a broad appeal, crossing and combining often with other fetishes.
What is a leather fetish? Or a latex fetish?
Generally speaking, a leather or latex fetish is an attraction to people wearing this type of clothing or a fetish for the material itself.
In addition to “fetish fashion”, a leather fetish can include anything using leather, including bondage, whips, floggers and other BDSM implements. The fetish can sometimes be combined with BDSM or other kinks and stem from a desire to control an appearance and/or movement (in the case of latex, sometimes the attraction is the tightness and restriction it places on the wearer). My friend (who is a dominant) enjoys both the sexy aesthetic of latex, as well as the constriction it places on his submissives.
How do people participate in this leather/latex fetish?
According to Kinkly, leather is among the top five fetishes. People get their leather on by wearing it, finding toys that are made of it, and also using it in their sex play. For example, you might have a strong attraction to leather chaps. Or, the sight of a curvy body wearing a leather bodice could turn you on. Similarly, many options for bondage include leather products. Leather belts, leather straps and other pain play implements are popular as well. Often, the smell and feel of leather is a huge draw and helps put the wearer and/or the observer in a sexy state.
With latex, you can enjoy the look of latex, the feel of it, or both, and with or without a partner. “The term ‘Rubberist’ can actually apply to anyone who enjoys rubber or latex, whether that’s dressing up in it, or feeling another encased in an outfit as a ‘rubber partner’.”
Latex can “intensify touch,” so can be useful and a way to not only spice up your bedroom play but also help you explore your body sensations.
Also with latex, there are some pitfalls to avoid. Latex really grabs the skin, so putting on latex is a learned skill. In addition, some people have latex allergies, so you should watch out for that.
How to determine if you are into leather/latex
As with any kink or fetish, dipping your toe into it first by just being curious is the way to go. For example, if you find yourself drawn to BDSM porn or images you might want to pay attention to whether leather plays a role in your attraction. Similarly, if you are drawn to images of latex, try going to a sex store and just browse and touch the latex outfits to see if they excite you. If you want your partner to try on some leather or latex as part of your bedroom play, make sure you check in with them and ask them if they are interested and tell them why you have an interest. If they aren’t used to hard core kink play, don’t just blurt out your most intense fantasies or show them hard core images – it could back fire and scare them or turn them off. You could start with taking them shopping and/or going to a leather store and feeling different types of leather. (If you are opposed to leather, there are also faux leather options.) If you want to combine leather with a gift of lingerie, that is another way to incorporate it in your play partner’s fantasies.
If you want to search for others who have an interest in leather/latex or have these fetishes, you can try online sites like Fetlife. There are usually communities on there designated by kinks or fetishes.
As always, communicate your desires openly and with tact. You never know – you could be talking to your “latex soulmate”!