Why are people so drawn to leather? Well, it might be the distinct smell of leather, the smooth and rough feeling of it against the skin, or the durability of the material. Whatever the case may be, people are drawn to it on all sorts of levels.
The most obvious leather kink can be just the simple act of wearing leather. Donning a leather harness, leather pants or even leather boots could be enough to stimulate someone’s kink for leather. How the leather feels against your skin, how it looks on someone’s body, and even the way leather sounds can be a huge turn-on for some. This is a form of hyphephilia, which is sexual arousal from the rubbing or touching of certain material, in this case leather.
Nowadays these kinks go further with leather. We have seen a huge influx of people exploring the world of bondage, discipline and dominance, in which leather plays a huge part. From leather outfits and leather straps to leather boots and leather gags, the list goes on and on — and you can find it all in the BDSM world. Bondage has become a huge commercial market for all sexual communities.
But leather has also always transcended BDSM, crossing over into other kinks such as puppy play, where at least one participant acts out canine mannerisms and behavior. Leather is often used for the harness, the mask or hood, the leash, and even the collar. Puppy play falls under the BDSM category because of its connections with role-playing and the dominance mentality. Other leather kinks with the same mental mindset include pony play and kitten play.
Psychology of Leather
There is something to be said about escapism in our modern society. Sometimes people live their life according to what society deems normal and accepting. In our current society, we get comfortable blending into the masses and eventually being comfortable becomes mundane. So, people seek an escape, a different persona, a submission to their true inner desires. These desires deserve to be explored and honed, because this is where our self-identity sometimes comes to the surface and can lead to strength and confidence. Of course, not all kinks are for all people. It takes time and experimenting to know what’s for you and what is not. But the good thing is, there is more acceptance now of these different kinks than ever and it’s easier to find a group to support you.
Leather in the Gay Community
Not all gay men like leather, but there are some gay men that do. When asking these men what draws them to leather, some say it gives them a sense of power and control. Others will tell you that leather gives them a feeling of heightened masculinity and some men find that power attractive and sensual.
So, where did the leather craze come from? Some believe it was stimulated by the rise of biker gangs in the 1940s and 1950s. These bikers, visually, spoke to the true sense of rugged masculinity and created a visual persona of power and independence. So, in a sense, wearing leather in the gay community makes some men feel more confident, powerful, strong and hyper-masculine. The kink was largely formed by gay men based off the biker culture, and in the 1970s, the “Leatherman’s Handbook” by Larry Townsend was introduced. This was a book that contained codes and detailed rules for those who wanted to participate in the subculture.
Leather in All Forms
Although the leather fetish may have originated in the gay community, it quickly evolved to influence many facets of society. With the help of famous stars such as Judas Priest, Joan Jett, Freddy Mercury and Meat Loaf, leather has quickly become a symbol of power and control. This exposure has launched leather into the mainstream and it has become popular in all sorts of media. From Britney Spears to “American Horror Story,” we have seen leather become a modern-day symbol of all things authority and seduction. There is something to be said about its primal history, versatility and seductive draw.
The leather sex industry has exploded in the last 10 years and we have seen a huge spike in production of leather products to meet the needs of leather kink consumers. Online stores for these products have been multiplying as well, making it even more accessible and discreet for anyone who would like to explore their leather side. You can now find leather products being sold in sex shops, by online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, and even in certain leather bars.
It may not be for everyone, but in the commercial space we are seeing huge profits in the exploration of this kink. One thing is for sure: that leather will be around for a long time, in one form or another, and it will still evoke the same rawness and strength it always has.
Larry Lentz II is the president and CMO of Twelve Two Enterprises, the parent company of Helmet Grease Premium Lubrication Co.
