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What is a Bondage Collar?

I get asked all the time about their meaning, and the etiquette of wearing a collar or giving one to someone else. BDSM collar have many meanings, and most of them have little to do with 50 shades.

Your Questions Answered

I get asked all the time about their meaning, and the etiquette of wearing a collar or giving one to someone else. BDSM collar have many meanings, and most of them have little to do with 50 shades.

The lifestyle of BDSM (Bondage, Dominance, Sadomasochism among other acronyms) is one that is often misunderstood. What the outside world, or ‘Vanilla’s’ see as something akin to abusive or controlling, is actually a beautiful situation built on a deep understanding of self and partner. It’s built upon the ultimate exchange of respect, and just like a ‘normal’ relationship sometimes love.

And for certain couples, mostly those in the Bondage/ Dominance portion of the BSDM acronym, when love comes into the mix, usually so does a Bondage Collar.

Thanks to Joe of JSVImages for this beautiful shot of Whitney in the Cherry Blossom Collar.

So what is a Bondage Collar?

Simply put, Bondage Collars (also called a Slave Collar, BDSM collar, or Ownership Collar) are a symbol of love and devotion. They are a promise ring of sorts, showing the commitment between two or more people in a relationship.

The collar is often a necklace or device worn about the neck, but can also be a bracelet or anklet and several other symbolic items.

These devices are usually permanently attached to the wearer, often referred to as the Submissive, by a small padlock. The keys are held in trust by the other party of the relationship, usually referred to as the Dominant.

What does a Bondage collar mean?

Bondage collars are highly personalized to the relationship. A collar may simply be a sign of the couple’s relationship, or it can be something more significant in the line with a wedding ring.

Regardless of the type of relationship, a bondage collar is an announcement that the relationship itself has moved beyond what would be considered the ‘casual dating’ phase to something more permanent and lasting.