For the Love of the Harness: Kink & Fashion

April 1, 2025
ALEXANDER

For the Love of the Harness: Kink & Fashion

The leather harness is just a part of queer culture. We see them at club nights, at Prides, in porn, at sex clubs, at leather parties, and more; they have even started to spring up being worn by celebs on the red carpet. Not just part of the kink community anymore, it is a symbol of queer strength and sexuality.

Harnesses first started popping up in the leather community in the 70s and 80s. Perfectly sculpting the male chest and upper torso, they were worn as a symbol of sexuality and eroticism. As harnesses became more popular beyond the leather community, harnesses can now be a fashion accessory, and some versions have become elaborate accessory pieces. Even fashion designers have incorporated harnesses on their runways. The harness has gone from plain leather to elastic, neoprene, rubber, polyester, chains, metal, and more.

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Lovers of the harness note that wearing one makes them feel confident and erotic. Highlighting posture, pushing the chest out, and offering a handhold in the bedroom (or alleyway), this accessory has become a staple in many gay closets. The wearer instantly exudes a powerful energy, no matter the body type or age of the wearer. Harnesses can also be versatile; you can add them to your bondage gear, club wear, and even poolside outfit.

The harness can also communicate sexual desire and position. They can be paired with cuffs, facemasks, pup wear, to indicate what you are looking for sexually. You can go hardcore with a full-body harness or a simple and sleek top version; we've even seen Star Trek-themed gear.

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When shopping for a harness, pay attention to your body type. The fit should be tight, but not too tight, and loose enough that you are comfortable and can move around. If it is too tight, you can pinch your skin very easily. Make sure you pick the right material. Actual leather may be too rough on the skin, and some may have a reaction to neoprene or latex gear. Also, leather has to be broken in, so if you buy your first, wear it around the house to get used to it. Color also has a lot to say about your gear. The typical version is black leather, but, as you know, different colors mean different things in the kink community, so be mindful of what message you want to send out. Check out the hanky code colors if you aren't sure what colors mean what.

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The harness is an important part of queer history and sexuality. It is a symbol of strength, it is a reminder of the underground culture that existed before we could be out in the open, and it is a celebration of sex. It is bold, it is a statement, and it says that no one can fuck with your Pride or what you do in the bedroom.