A collar is a popular icon inside the BDSM community and most people like to use it. Some newbies in the BDSM community take a collar as another fetish accessory, therefore neglecting the importance of it. They are completely unaware of the significance of a collar or philosophy behind its usage and what it symbolizes.

In the BDSM community, the collar is as important as a wedding ring for a married couple. The type of collar one wears describes the relationship between Dominant and submissive.  A collar shouldn’t be removed without first taking permission from Dom (the dominant partner), even if it is not locked. You can wear a collar at different times depending on the reason it was gifted to you, what it’s made of, and what type of collar you have. Although there are many types of collars but the meaning of a collar and rules related to its usage will be exclusive to your relationship. Let’s take a look at the types of collars and select one or as many as you like for your relationship.

Collar of Protection

A collar of protection is gifted to a submissive who is recovering from a failed or abusive relationship. The collar of protection is known as a symbol of security and it provides the time to heal if required. A collar of protection shows that she is unreachable without the knowledge of the protecting Dominant. Collar of protection is often denoted by the initial of the Dom and a small “P” to highlight the protection.

Collar of Consideration

A collar of consideration is usually the initial step in a new relationship between a Dominant and submissive. The “collar of consideration” is often worn for a certain period of time, and then the couple decides to move on or cut the relationship. A collar of consideration shouldn’t be taken lightly and it must not be given on a casual interest. Both parties need to realize the underlying meaning of this commitment, before giving or accepting the collar of consideration. However, it is not a lifetime commitment and both can’t put any blame on other, if one is willing to leave the relationship at some stage.

Training Collar

A collar of training is actually the second step in relationship, which comes after the collar of consideration. Mostly, there are some conversations about likes and dislikes, discoveries about personalities, and the fact that is there a possibility to extend this relationship. Once the couple decides to move on, Dom offers this collar to the submissive.

Formal Collar or Slave Collar

Formal collar is mostly known as the slave collar and it is ultimately the final step in a Dominant/submissive relationship. A formal collar is a symbol of attachment between the Dominant and submissive. It bears the equal level of commitment and bond as a wedding ring. In offering formal collar, the Dominant shows respect, trust, commitment and other elements which are necessary for a D/s relationship.

At the end, no matter what type of collar you wear, just remember what it represents and value it with respect.

If you’d like to add any other collars, please make a comment using the link at the beginning of this article or start a topic in our Forums.