The Best BDSM Collars and Leashes for All Types of Kinky Play

A collar is a symbol in BDSM, and you want to have the right one to represent your kinky relationship.

But it can be tough to find a quality BDSM collar you can be proud of.

This article helps with the first steps of knowing the difference between various collars and figuring out which type you want.

Specifically, you’ll find out what makes a submissive collar, a play collar, a day collar, a pet collar, and a posture collar.

Knowing the Types of BDSM Collars

Different types of collars have different purposes.

If the collar will be worn anywhere outside a private space, like your home or a hotel room, then it’s important to know what kind of collar you’re looking for, so that you can present yourself or your partner authentically.

(If the collar will only be worn privately, then it only matters what you like. Still, knowing the various types can help you choose.)

Slave Collars and Submissive Collars

These collars go by many names depending on the BDSM dynamic at play between the individuals involved, and may also be called protection collars or ownership collars.

These are collars worn at kinky events or playspaces, and they indicate that the person wearing them is “owned” in a consensual sense by a Dominant, Master, Mistress, or person with another hierarchical designation.

The purpose of submissive collars is to let others in the playspace know that this person is with someone else and is not available. The big difference between a submissive or slave collar and a play collar is that the play collar only goes on during the scene, but the submissive collar stays on throughout the event.

When choosing a submissive collar, look for these features:

• Noticeable to others
• Comfortable to wear in-scene
• Potentially able to add a leash

Play Collars

Play collars are less serious than slave or submissive collars.

They are worn either during private kinky playtime or during a play “scene” in at an event or shared playspace. These BDSM collars are like a costume piece that helps the participant get into the role.

They are often worn by the submissive partner, or the partner who is bottoming in the scene. It is a visual reminder of which partner is in the lead and which is following the lead.

When choosing a play collar, look for these features:

• Comfortable to wear in-scene
• Potentially able to add a leash

Day Collars

Day collars are worn by submissives or consensual slaves who are in 24/7 style Dominant/submissive or Master/slave relationships.

A 24/7 D/s relationships is one in which the individuals involved maintain a power exchange in all or most aspects of their relationship, not just during sex or kinky playtime.

The purpose of the day collar is to allow the s-type individual to feel protected and owned without being obvious to people who they encounter outside of kinky spaces. Day collars are typically smaller and could pass as necklaces or chokers.

When choosing a day collar, look for these features:

• Comfortable
• Fits your personality
• Passes as acceptable jewellery at work or “vanilla” spaces

Pet Roleplay Collars

Pet collars resemble dog or cat collars and may be made from nylon or leather.

These collars sometimes include metal spikes as part of the animal roleplay aesthetic. Pet play collars may or may not indicate ownership.

Some people who enjoy animal roleplay will wear collars even if they play alone and do not have an Owner. These collars are often worn only while engaged in roleplay.

When choosing a pet collar, look for these features:

• Fun aesthetic
• Ability to attach a leash or other lead

Posture Collars

Posture collars are a special type of play collar or training collar.

They may be used for a scene, or they may be used as part of an activity or training between a 24/7 Dominant/submissive or Master/slave relationship.

These collars are not designed for long wear. Instead, they hold the head up so that the back and neck remain straight and the head faces forward.

When choosing a posture collar, look for these features:

• Is not painful to wear (although it may not be entirely comfortable)
• Fits properly so as not to cause choking, since the collar covers the entire throat

Considerations for All Collars

All collars should be adjusted to a size that does not restrict breathing or circulation.

Other than size and aesthetic, the most important thing to look for when choosing a collar is the type of material it is made from.

You want to make sure that they do not contain materials that you are allergic to, such as metal parts containing nickel (an allergen for many). You also want to check the quality of the material.

Now let’s get to the collars and leashes.

I’ve found some options that look and feel good for a variety of styles and purposes…

List of the Top 10 BDSM Collars and Leashes

I scoped out the best collars and leashes for all the different kinds of play that fetishists might enjoy.

These are the items that made the top of my list:

1. Bondage Boutique Faux Snakeskin Collar With Leash

Whenever I review BDSM gear or fetishwear, I love finding items that come in colors other than black.

Black is classic, and it sure is sexy, but sometimes I’m in the mood for some color.

This collar is red faux snakeskin with antique brass colored D-rings and a matching leash made of antique brass chain and a red faux snakeskin handle.

Pros:

• It’s not black! In fact, it’s a beautiful, deep red
• Three D-rings rather than just one
• Adjusts for size with a standard buckle
• Comfortable to wear
• Matching cuffs and other accessories are available

Cons:

• You will want to buy the whole set

2. DOMINIX Deluxe Leather Collar

The DOMNIX Deluxe Leather Collar is a great collar for multiple purposes.

The real leather makes it a longer lasting collar than many faux leather options. It is size adjustable with a buckle on the back and can be used as a play collar, slave collar, or submissive collar.

I like that it’s an inexpensive option in black leather, which makes it stylish in a classic way..

Pros

• Inexpensive for a leather collar
• Includes D-ring for attaching a lead.
• Adjusts for size with a standard buckle
• Well-made and durable
• Comfortable to wear

Cons

• The height may be uncomfortable for some individuals
• Not the most beautiful option
• Not suitable for individuals who don’t wear animal products

3. Bondage Boutique Black Rose Wrist-to-Collar Restraint Set

The Bondage Boutique Black Rose Wrist-to-Collar Restraint Set is different from other collars in that it comes with matching rose-detailed wrist cuffs. And the cuffs can be attached to any of the three D-rings on the collar with matching black chains.

It’s really a sexy look. The biggest drawback is that it has to be used as a set because the chains detach from the wrist cuffs only. That means the collar can’t easily be worn alone.

Pros:

• Unique rose detailing
• Sexy matching chains and wrist cuffs
• Three D-rings rather than just one
• Adjusts for size with a standard buckle
• Comfortable to wear

Cons:

• Chains are permanently affixed to the collar
• The included leash is nylon rather than matching chain or faux leather

4. Bondage Boutique Lead Me On Soft Collar and Leash

This set is perfect for beginners who aren’t sure about collar and leash play. It can be used for private playtime; scene play; and pet play. That being said, it probably doesn’t make the best slave or submissive collar for extended wear because it’s fairly plain looking.

But if you’re interested in experimenting with how collars feel, this is a perfect choice that won’t break your budget.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Comfortable to wear
• Adjustable with Velcro

Cons:

• Not particularly attractive

5. Mercer Padded Leather Collar

I cannot hide my love for this collar. It is among the pricier on this list, but it is beautiful and high-quality.

The Mercer Padded Leather Collar is made of smooth black latigo leather on the outside and soft, comfortable lambskin on the inside. One of my favorite things about it is that the lambskin comes in a variety of dye colors — including silver, gold, black, purple, and red. And the stitching on the black leather matches the interior dye color.

Pros:

• Available in multiple accent colors
• Extremely comfortable
• Matching wrist and ankle cuff sets are available

Cons:

• More expensive than other collars
• Not suitable for individuals who don’t wear animal products
• Metal accents are made of nickel, which some people are allergic to

6. Sex & Mischief Black Day Collar

The Sex & Mischief Black Day Collar is a really simple, lightweight collar that looks cute to wear anytime, anywhere.

If you’re into the 24/7 Dominant/submissive or Master/slave dynamic then this is a great way to feel “owned” in public spaces without being outed at work or other sensitive environments.

The collar basically looks like a choker. The attached o-ring hints at a BDSM dynamic, but is a fashion accessory rather than a functional attachment.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Passes as a choker-style necklace in public
• Soft, comfortable velvet material
• Easily adjusts with Velcro

Cons:

• Does not fit larger neck circumferences, with a 16-inch maximum

7. O-Ring Choker

The O-Ring Choker from J.T.’s Stockroom is another lightweight day collar.

Rather than the Velcro closure of the Sex & Mischief Black Day Collar, this one has an adjustable buckle closure, like a true collar. But it is narrow enough that it still looks like a piece of jewelry.

That being said, this is a tiny choker and is not going to fit larger neck sizes.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Comes in red or black
• Passes as a choker-style necklace
• Made of high-quality latigo leather

Cons:

• Quite small maximum circumference of 14.5 inches
• Not suitable for individuals who don’t wear animal products
• Metal hardware is made of nickel, which some people are allergic to

8. Joanna Angel Posture Collar

The Joanna Angel Posture Collar is the only posture collar on this list, though not because they aren’t fun.

This collar has a moderate height that will raise most individual’s heads proud and high without being too uncomfortable for a long session. The curved jawline makes it comfortable to wear even while it prevents slouching.

The collar is on the smaller side but should fit most necks. And it comes in the signature black and pink of punky and petite porn star Joanna Angel.

Pros:

• Super cute punk colors — black and pink
• Comfortable for a posture collar
• Effectively corrects posture and holds chin high

Cons:

• Does not fit larger neck circumferences, with a 16-inch maximum
• Not suitable for individuals who don’t wear animal products
• Metal hardware is made of nickel, which some people are allergic to

9. Leather Collar with Spikes

The Leather Collar with Spikes is a tough-looking leather collar that shows you aren’t to be trifled with — even if you are someone’s pet.

This collar has the look of a traditional spiked, black dog collar with an O-ring for attaching a leash.

It’s a perfect choice for pet play and goes well with other leather pet play accessories.

Pros:

• High-quality leather that will last for years
• Comes in two sizes for better fit
• Lockable buckle for additional control
• Includes O-ring for attaching a leash

Cons:

• Does not fit larger neck circumferences, with a 16.25-inch maximum
• Not suitable for individuals who don’t wear animal products
• Metal hardware is made of nickel, which some people are allergic to

10. Bondage Boutique Chain Lead with Leather Handle

The Bondage Boutique Chain Lead with Leather Handle is a classic piece of pet play gear.

In addition to adding to the aesthetic of pet roleplay, it can also be used for slave and submissive play.

The clasp attaches to any O-ring or D-ring on collars, harnesses, or cuffs. The metal chain adds a nice sound to play, drawing attention to being owned. And it’s quicker and easier than adding rope as a lead.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Versatile
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Not suitable for individuals who don’t wear animal products
• Contains nickel, which some people are allergic to

My Favorite Collar…

The best all-around collar is hands-down the Bondage Boutique Faux Snakeskin Collar with Leash.

It’s gorgeous.

It has three D-rings for multiple attachments.

It has matching cuffs and accessories available.

And it comes with a cute, matching chain leash.

This collar can be used in:

• Slave play
• Submissive play
• Pet play

Pretty much the only thing it can’t be is a day collar (unless you’re really comfortable with an obvious BDSM collar around colleagues and family members).

Get the full details about the Bondage Boutique Faux Snakeskin Collar with Leash by clicking here.