How to Buy a Sexy Slave Collar and Leash

One of the questions we get asked a lot here at LoveHoney is “how do you buy a bondage collar?”

This comprehensive guide aims to answer all of the questions that arise when you think about this seductive form of restraint, providing you with the information needed to enjoy collar and leash play with every sub and slave you meet!
 

Different Kinds of Collars

The range of collars out there is seriously huge and LoveHoney has such a fantastic variety that you may struggle to make a final decision.

The best place to start is by considering what you want to use your collar for. You may want it for role-play or you might be a fan of school-style discipline. Either way, you’ll want a collar that fits the scene and your mood.

Here is an easy overview of the main types of collar on the market:

Slave Collar
Versatile and easy to use, slave collars are usually made from rubber or leather and have buckle or Velcro fastenings to the back. The thing that makes them ‘slave’ collars is the attached O-ring or D-ring to the front, like that on the Bondage Boutique Leather Slave Collar With O-Ring. This allows you to attach cuffs, leashes or rope for a suitably submissive look and feel!

Posture Collar
Wide and specially shaped, posture collars keep the neck straight and the head upright. Ideal for school girl and headmaster role-play, these collars fit securely around the neck and restrict movement. As you can see from the Spartacus Leather Posture Collar with Large Ring, these are more serious fetish collars for the well initiated.

Decorative Collar
If you’re new to collar wearing, start here! Decorative collars, like the Bondage Boutique Leather Collar with 1 Inch Spikes, have no special features but allow you to adopt the BDSM look and get used to the tight feel in your own time. Often adorned with studs or chains, these collars are perfect for fetish nights and bedroom bondage.

Clamp and Collar
A clamp and collar set is a great way to experiment with the more fetish-driven side of collar wearing. Attached to the collar are a series of chains with nipple or clit clamps at the end. This restricts movement of both the neck and body, unless you want a self-inflicted painful pull on the clamps! Take a look at the Spartacus Leather Collar and Tweezer Nipple Clamps set for a great example.

Leash and Collar
Although we sell collars and leashes separately, there are some products that come with the two together. If you’re planning on some ‘obedient puppy and proud owner’ play then buying a matching set is ideal and saves a lot of hassle. The brilliant thing about buying a combined leash and collar, like the Sportsheets Bondage Collar and Leash kit, is that you’re ready to play as soon as your parcel arrives!
 

Why Buying a Bondage Collar at the Pet Store is a Bad Idea

You may be surprised by the price tags on some of the collars you find online but these have been designed to be worn by humans, with your comfort and safety in mind.

A dog has a thick layer of protective fur around its neck and, as such, most animal collars are finished quite poorly on the inside lining. Not only would this be uncomfortable to delicate human skin but it could potentially cause lesions and grazes from constant rubbing.

Similarly, animal collars tend to be quite slim in width, allowing it to sit comfortably on the necks of both big and small dogs. However, all humans have a very similar neck size and the traditional fetish collars are designed to sit in a way that allows you to breathe comfortably and doesn’t stop you from swallowing. You can’t guarantee the same shaping and safety with an animal collar!

One final point comes in regards to sizing. Animal collars are designed to be tight so your precious pet cannot escape from it when it’s time for walkies. Human collars are designed to be tight but not too tight and, therefore, are only adjustable between certain sizes. You are much more likely to get the sizing wrong on an animal collar so it’s really not worth the risk.
 

Fits Like a Glove!

Getting your collar to fit perfectly depends on two factors: measuring and fastening.

Before you buy a collar, use a flexible tape measure (like the ones tailors use) to figure out the circumference of your neck around the widest part. This will normally be around an inch above your collar bone and this is where the lower part of the collar will sit.

Take a note of this measurement and compare it to the maximum and minimum sizes on the product page. If your neck measurement fits comfortably within the sizes listed, this is the collar for you! If your size is not listed on the product page or you are barely within the sizes mentioned, it might be better to err on the side of caution and find something that gives a better fit.

Once you have ordered your brilliant bondage collar, it’s time to fasten it correctly. Whether your collar uses Velcro, buckles or poppers, it’s important to ensure that it fits comfortably and safely.

Fasten your collar in front of a mirror or, better yet, get a partner to do it for you. Your head should be upright and facing forwards and your neck should be straight. Once you have wrapped it around, tighten the collar slowly, making sure that you can still breathe and swallow. When you think you have the tightness right, try to slip two fingers under the collar all the way around. If you are unable to do this, then your collar is too tight!
 

Material Possessions

The final decision to make in your collar purchasing is the material.

Leather is a popular choice for collars because it’s so durable but some people find the stiffness of the material quite claustrophobic. Similarly, if you’re vegan, then leather might be the biggest turn off possible, so the Bondage Boutique Thick Leather Collar with O-Ring may not be for you!

PVC looks like leather but is more lightweight and flexible. The Bondage Boutique Xtreme Leather and PVC Collar is the best of both worlds and it feels great too.

Rubber collars are perfect for the fetishist in you! The smooth shiny material will complement any slave or dom outfit and it provides a secure fit as well. The Spartacus Rubber Fetish Collar with D-Ring is a great way to experiment with this versatile material.
 

Safety First

I know it’s boring but you should always consider the safety aspects whenever you’re indulging in anything BDSM related - and collars are no different!

Never over-tighten a collar and make sure that you stop as soon as you feel any discomfort. It could just be the collar chafing, which can be resolved by applying a little moisturiser to the neck, or it could be indicative of something more serious.

Do not pull sharply on any collar or leash. Although you may think that your sub can handle it, a strong tug can cause serious damage and even lead to whiplash!

Always remember and use your safe word when needed. It could be the difference between a fabulous BDSM experience and a terrible one!