Wear Your Kink on Your Sleeve
12 June 2012
No Comment
by Nic Rathert
I might be a dying breed, but I am a huge fan of flagging. Also known as hanky-code, which was originally used by gay men in the 1970s, flagging is a color-coded system that signals to prospective partners the types of sex/play you enjoy. The BDSM community later adopted this fashionable means of communication and expanded on the idea by using placement on the body to indicate “top” or “bottom”.
Being able to signal to others or spot compatible play partners certainly makes things easier when out at a party or strolling community events. Additionally, I love the exhibitionist element of flagging. Having my sexuality on display, even if I’m the only one to know, can feel sexy and empowering. This love for kinky accessorizing makes me all the more excited about the recent influx in available erotic wearables.
More and more companies are coming out with products that not only signal sexual interests, but are also functional once you find that interested partner. For those of you interested in a stylish way to incorporate your sex life into an everyday ensemble, I’ve found a few options spanning various styles and price-points.
Aslan leather is well known for its high quality and attractive leather goods. A particular favorite is the Bondage Belt, which also comes in rubber. This belt looks hot wrapped around your hips, and even hotter when wrapped around you or a lover as restraints. Another take on this idea is the Handy Cuff that can be worn as a wrist cuff during the day and as wrist restraints during play. No more awkward interruptions as you dig through your nightstand drawer!
For those of you looking for a more delicate approach, let me introduce INCOQNITO. This company was founded with the mission of creating elegant jewelry that could be used to enhance sexual pleasure. I wouldn’t recommend these products for the heavier or more advanced players, but they’re great for beginners or those more interested in the erotic element of wearing sex toys. The Blade II is a gorgeous sensation toy that can be worn as a necklace. The hand cut glass blade is designed to be used for light scratching along the body. For a different kind of sensation, check out the Droplet Necklace. This wrap-around necklace hides a set of vibrators at each end. Small but mighty, these can be used to stimulate nipples or any other tasty bit in need of a little buzz.
The last example is for those looking to splurge on a piece of jewelry-meets-art-meets-kink. Betony Vernon has created dozens of incredible pieces that work towards her mission to “dismantle the pleasure taboo.” The first item to catch my eye was the Petting Ring, which is worn on the thumb and index finger and used to enhance hand jobs. The female-bodied counterpart is the 3 Spheres Massage Ring. Turn the ring so that the spheres are on the palm-side of the hand and massage away.
So, go, treat yourself or someone you love to something that will not only make you look good, but also feel good.
Nic Rathert is the Tour and Special Events Manager at Kink.com. She has spent years working in various roles within the Sex Positive, Sex Education, and Queer Porn communities. When not sharing her love of Kink.com with all of San Francisco, she keeps busy with her many, glorious cats.
I might be a dying breed, but I am a huge fan of flagging. Also known as hanky-code, which was originally used by gay men in the 1970s, flagging is a color-coded system that signals to prospective partners the types of sex/play you enjoy. The BDSM community later adopted this fashionable means of communication and expanded on the idea by using placement on the body to indicate “top” or “bottom”.Being able to signal to others or spot compatible play partners certainly makes things easier when out at a party or strolling community events. Additionally, I love the exhibitionist element of flagging. Having my sexuality on display, even if I’m the only one to know, can feel sexy and empowering. This love for kinky accessorizing makes me all the more excited about the recent influx in available erotic wearables.
More and more companies are coming out with products that not only signal sexual interests, but are also functional once you find that interested partner. For those of you interested in a stylish way to incorporate your sex life into an everyday ensemble, I’ve found a few options spanning various styles and price-points.
Aslan leather is well known for its high quality and attractive leather goods. A particular favorite is the Bondage Belt, which also comes in rubber. This belt looks hot wrapped around your hips, and even hotter when wrapped around you or a lover as restraints. Another take on this idea is the Handy Cuff that can be worn as a wrist cuff during the day and as wrist restraints during play. No more awkward interruptions as you dig through your nightstand drawer!
For those of you looking for a more delicate approach, let me introduce INCOQNITO. This company was founded with the mission of creating elegant jewelry that could be used to enhance sexual pleasure. I wouldn’t recommend these products for the heavier or more advanced players, but they’re great for beginners or those more interested in the erotic element of wearing sex toys. The Blade II is a gorgeous sensation toy that can be worn as a necklace. The hand cut glass blade is designed to be used for light scratching along the body. For a different kind of sensation, check out the Droplet Necklace. This wrap-around necklace hides a set of vibrators at each end. Small but mighty, these can be used to stimulate nipples or any other tasty bit in need of a little buzz.
The last example is for those looking to splurge on a piece of jewelry-meets-art-meets-kink. Betony Vernon has created dozens of incredible pieces that work towards her mission to “dismantle the pleasure taboo.” The first item to catch my eye was the Petting Ring, which is worn on the thumb and index finger and used to enhance hand jobs. The female-bodied counterpart is the 3 Spheres Massage Ring. Turn the ring so that the spheres are on the palm-side of the hand and massage away.
So, go, treat yourself or someone you love to something that will not only make you look good, but also feel good.
Nic Rathert is the Tour and Special Events Manager at Kink.com. She has spent years working in various roles within the Sex Positive, Sex Education, and Queer Porn communities. When not sharing her love of Kink.com with all of San Francisco, she keeps busy with her many, glorious cats.
