12 Most Popular BDSM Collar Types: From Basics to Advanced

BDSM collars serve as powerful symbols that go nowhere near simple fashion accessories in the ever-changing world of dominance and submission. These neck devices make the submissive status of the wearer explicit and create meaningful symbolism within relationships.

BDSM practitioners must understand collar symbolism completely. Six main types of collars exist in BDSM play, each with its own distinct meaning. The original Collar of Consideration marks the start of a potential Dominant-submissive relationship. A Permanent Collar shows a lifelong commitment. These accessories help communicate relationship status, boundaries, and agreements. Submissives earn their collars rather than simply receiving them. Couples often customize these with messages or symbols that hold special meaning.

This piece offers a complete guide to the 12 most popular collar types for both newcomers and experienced BDSM practitioners. You'll learn about simple training collars and advanced permanent options that "flaunt the permanent nature of the relationship between the Dom and the sub". The guide helps you understand their purposes, symbolism, and proper usage effectively.

Collar of Consideration

Collar of Consideration

The Collar of Consideration marks the first step toward a Dominant/submissive relationship. It shows both partners want to move beyond casual encounters. This special collar helps partners learn about each other before making bigger commitments.

What is the Collar of Consideration?

Most D/s dynamics start with the Collar of Consideration. The Old Guard leather community traditionally uses a blue leather collar. Modern versions include necklaces, bracelets, anklets, or other jewelry that don't lock and feel comfortable for daily wear. Many people still choose the traditional blue color because the BDSM community recognizes it easily.

This collar creates a trial period between the Dominant and submissive. Both people can learn about their desires, boundaries, and expectations without committing to a lifelong arrangement. Think of it like a pre-engagement ring in regular relationships – it shows serious interest without final commitment.

Symbolism of the Collar of Consideration

Submissives who wear this collar show they're ready to follow their Dominant's desires and expectations as they adjust to their new dynamic. The collar shows they want to explore deeper relationship levels and start serving under new guidelines.

Dominants who give this collar take responsibility for their submissive's care and build relationship foundations. The collar also shows they want to create trust before moving to permanent arrangements.

The BDSM community sees the Collar of Consideration as a sign that tells others the submissive isn't available. Other Dominants must respect this boundary – trying to pursue a collared submissive breaks community trust.

When to use the Collar of Consideration

Dominants usually offer this collar after they've gotten to know potential partners well enough. Both people should feel enough mutual interest to explore their dynamic further.

The Dominant usually decides when to offer this collar, though they might discuss it first. The submissive can then choose to accept it and move forward with the relationship. Some community members think it's taboo, but submissives occasionally ask their Dominant partners for this collar.

After accepting the collar, submissives receive new expectations and rules from their Dominant. Both people know they can end things if the dynamic doesn't work out. The submissive should return the collar to the Dominant personally if the relationship ends, showing respect for their time together.

Training Collar

BDSM relationships often move toward a more structured arrangement after the consideration phase. The Training Collar marks this second stage and shows a deeper commitment between dominant and submissive partners.

What is the Training Collar?

A Training Collar stands as the second collar exchanged between a Dominant and submissive. These collars usually come in leather with a simple design, mostly in red or black. Some Dominants prefer to give their submissives a chain training collar instead. The Training Collar shows that both partners have moved into a more structured relationship phase, unlike the Collar of Consideration that shows the original interest.

These collars work as practical tools throughout the submissive's training. They feature one or more rings to attach leads easily. Soft materials make them comfortable for extended wear. This design helps with psychological conditioning and physical control during training sessions.

Symbolism of the Training Collar

The Training Collar represents a deeper bond and responsibility between partners. Submissives who accept this collar agree to follow their Dominant's authority more deeply while taking on intense training. By giving this collar, Dominants show their dedication to guide the submissive based on what both partners want.

Many people see this collar as similar to an engagement ring in traditional relationships. It tells the community that the relationship has become serious. The submissive's behavior now reflects on their Dominant, making good conduct crucial.

This collar marks an important point between casual play and lasting commitments. It represents a time of learning and growth. Partners understand that this collar might later be replaced by permanent options as training moves forward.

When to use the Training Collar

Partners should exchange plenty of communication about desires, boundaries, interests, and lifestyle compatibility before using Training collars. Both people need to feel sure they share enough common ground to explore a deeper connection.

The relationship usually becomes more intense as partners build trust and truly get to know each other. This stage can reveal challenges. Submissives might test boundaries while working through their feelings about submission. Dominants often face new feelings about responsibility and personal freedom.

Wearing this collar sometimes becomes a reward during training. Unlike permanent collars, partners might remove the Training Collar more often as part of training, which shows its temporary nature.

Protection Collar

Protection collars stand as powerful symbols in the BDSM community. They give submissives both security and status. These collars focus on safety rather than relationship progression, unlike other collar types we discussed earlier.

What is the Protection Collar?

A protection collar shows ownership and safeguarding in BDSM dynamics. The protecting Dominant's initials appear on these collars with a small "P" to show their protective purpose. People sometimes mix them up with other collar types. Yet protection collars have a specific role - they show that someone watches over and protects the wearer.

These accessories carry more weight than consideration or training collars. They may not come "equipped with heat-seeking missiles and high-powered lasers," but they send clear boundary signals to others. Some protection collars look simple enough to wear daily, while others stand out based on specific needs.

Symbolism of the Protection Collar

The protection collar tells other Dominants that a submissive is "off limits". It acts as an "aegis" or shield that warns against approaching the submissive without the protecting Dominant's permission.

The collar also represents responsibility. A Dominant who gives this collar promises to protect the wearer. Submissives find security and healing time through these collars, especially after bad relationships, abuse, or harassment. Many call it the "most important collar of them all" because of its protective role.

When to use the Protection Collar

Protection collars work best for submissives who:

• Need guidance in new BDSM environments
• Need healing from abusive or failed relationships
• Have dealt with stalking or harassment
• Go to crowded BDSM events where clear boundaries matter

The protection collar stays in place as long as the submissive needs it. High-standing community Dominants usually offer or receive requests for this protection. Once accepted, the submissive becomes "literally unapproachable" without the protecting Dominant's knowledge.

Play Collar

Play collars differ from relationship collars as functional accessories made for BDSM scenes and activities. These practical devices work both as esthetic pieces and functional tools in the ever-changing world of power exchange.

What is the Play Collar?

Play collars are special accessories worn around the neck during BDSM scenes or activities. Leather and other sturdy materials make up these collars that focus on function rather than symbolism. Their strong construction lets users tug, pull, and interact physically without causing damage.

Physical characteristics often include:

• D-rings for easy leash attachment
• Bells that jingle during movement
• Sturdy construction for scene durability
• Adjustable fit for comfort

These collars tend to be more visually striking than everyday options. One experienced practitioner noted that play collars "really run the gamut, are often more interesting or gaudy than their longer wear counterparts". Materials range from simple ribbons to heavy wrought iron and chain pieces.

Symbolism of the Play Collar

Play collars ended up carrying less symbolic weight than other collar types. They show a temporary change into roles for specific scenes rather than deeper relationship commitments. Many practitioners find that putting on this special collar signals that "a kinky play is about to begin".

These collars may or may not hold important meaning, unlike consideration or training collars. Their main goal stays practical—they help scene activities through physical features rather than showing relationship status.

These collars help participants step into their dominant or submissive mindsets. They create a clear line between daily life and BDSM activities, especially for people who don't maintain 24/7 power exchange dynamics.

When to use the Play Collar

Play collars work best in several situations:

• During specific BDSM scenes or sessions
• For temporary power exchanges between partners
• When physical control elements (leash attachment, pulling) are needed
• At BDSM events or parties between play partners

Some practitioners use play collars alongside more permanent collars during scene-specific activities. This approach adds special functions without removing important symbolic collars.

Couples who keep vanilla appearances but enjoy occasional BDSM find play collars perfect for transitions—putting one on marks the start of power exchange activities. Play collars look more obviously BDSM-oriented than day collars, so people usually keep them to private settings or dedicated kink events.

Day Collar

Day collars stand out among the many types of BDSM collars because they are subtle and practical. These discreet accessories help wearers stay connected to their BDSM dynamics as they go about their daily lives.

What is the Day Collar?

Day collars let you express your BDSM connection in public without drawing attention. They're quite different from typical BDSM gear and naturally blend with everyday clothing while keeping their symbolic meaning. You'll often see day collars as:

• Chokers or tight necklaces
• Pendants with subtle BDSM elements
• Bracelets or anklets (if your workplace doesn't allow necklaces)
• Jewelry with small locks or O-rings

The main goal of a day collar is to give you a constant but subtle reminder of your relationship dynamic. These collars focus on being wearable and socially acceptable, unlike the ones used in scenes.

Symbolism of the Day Collar

Day collars grew from BDSM traditions as a way for submissives to show their status quietly in public. These pieces act as visible signs of the bond between dominant and submissive partners. Submissives find these collars grounding - a constant reminder of their position and relationship during daily activities.

The dominant partner sees these collars as symbols of responsibility and respect. Collars have shown status, loyalty, and connection throughout history, and day collars keep this tradition alive in modern relationships.

Day collars now exceed BDSM communities and have become meaningful symbols in different types of relationships. Many couples find these collars more meaningful than traditional diamond rings. They are a great way to get intimate and emotional alternatives to usual relationship symbols.

When to use the Day Collar

Day collars work best when you need subtle symbolism. They're perfect for:

Work environments and professional settings Social gatherings with non-BDSM participants Daily activities where obvious BDSM gear wouldn't fit in

Some people keep several day collars to match different outfits. Others pick one versatile piece that works with everything they wear.

Day collars help you bring your BDSM identity into vanilla settings without risking your professional or social life. You can stay connected to your role and relationship even when you're away from your partner.

Permanent Collar

A permanent collar represents the deepest commitment in BDSM relationships. Many people see it as equivalent to marriage in traditional relationships.

What is the Permanent Collar?

Permanent collars are the most significant type of collar you'll find in BDSM dynamics. They mark a relationship's permanent status. These collars usually have:

• Lock systems with keys the dominant keeps
• High-end materials like stainless steel or titanium
• Personal engravings of names, dates, or special messages
• Designs you can wear all the time

Training and protection collars might be temporary, but a permanent collar shows a lasting commitment. All the same, these collars don't need fancy designs - they can be simple jewelry pieces the submissive always wears.

Symbolism of the Permanent Collar

A permanent collar works just like a wedding ring in traditional relationships. Dominants who place this collar accept responsibility for their submissive's wellbeing and the authority that comes with it. The submissive who accepts the collar shows complete trust and dedication to their dominant partner.

These collars mean more than just jewelry. Once locked, they become a symbol of identity. The exchange creates a visible sign of deep devotion, and often involves formal ceremonies that look like wedding rituals.

When to use the Permanent Collar

Partners should really explore their dynamic and build deep trust before considering permanent collars. You'll often see these collars during:

• Formal ceremonies with community members present
• Celebrations of long-term D/s bonds
• Shifts into 24/7 power exchange relationships
• Special moments like engagements or anniversaries

Taking off a permanent collar is a big deal. Most times, it means the relationship has ended or the partners need a break from their D/s dynamic. The whole ordeal carries such weight that nobody removes these collars without serious reasons.

Ownership Collar

Among other BDSM collar types, the ownership collar stands as the most important symbol. It marks the submissive as their Dominant's "property." This powerful symbol exceeds simple accessories and represents the ultimate power exchange dynamic.

What is the Ownership Collar?

The ownership collar, also called a slave or formal collar, shows that the submissive fully belongs to their Master or Dominant. These collars have unique features that set them apart from casual options:

• They can be locked for added symbolic security
• Submissives receive them after training completion
• The wearer can't remove them at will
• They might have personal engravings or identifying marks

These collars use high-quality materials to show their lasting value in the relationship. The submissive wears them all the time as visible signs of their bond with the Dominant.

Symbolism of the Ownership Collar

BDSM communities place deep meaning in ownership collars. Submissives see their collar as proof of their total surrender and loyalty to their Dominant. The collar reminds them of their service commitment and their role in the relationship.

Dominants who give this collar take on full responsibility for their submissive's care. The act becomes more than just putting on jewelry. It turns into a serious promise to protect and guide their submissive.

Many people in the lifestyle see these collars like wedding rings in regular relationships. Both show that partners are exclusive and committed to each other. The collar tells others in the BDSM community that this submissive has a committed partner.

When to use the Ownership Collar

A Dominant should give an ownership collar only after testing compatibility and finishing training periods. Partners need deep trust, good communication, and clear expectations before this exchange.

The collar's importance often leads to formal ceremonies that celebrate this power exchange. These events range from private moments to community gatherings. Each ceremony highlights the sacred bond being formed.

If the relationship ends, tradition says the submissive must give the collar back to their former Dominant. This practice mirrors returning engagement rings in vanilla relationships after a breakup.

Eternity Collar

Power exchange relationships reach their highest level of commitment through the eternity collar. This unique symbol creates both physical and emotional connections between partners that last forever, unlike temporary accessories.

What is the Eternity Collar?

Eternity collars serve as lockable devices that wearers can keep on continuously. These collars use premium materials like jewelry-grade titanium or stainless steel. Their construction features tight hinges and clasps that blend almost invisibly. Hidden hex screws, special locks, or tongue-in-groove enclosures secure these collars to create an unbroken circle around the neck. Comfort comes from their lightweight design, which makes them weigh much less than regular stainless steel collars.

Symbolism of the Eternity Collar

The eternity collar ended up becoming more than just another relationship symbol. It quietly says "I belong to you. Always". This piece changes from simple jewelry into part of the wearer's identity—both emotionally and symbolically.

Dominants who lock this collar make a solemn promise, while submissives wear it as their eternal pledge. Many people see getting an eternity collar as life-changing as traditional wedding rings, but with deeper personal significance. Partners develop closer bonds and mutual respect through its constant presence.

When to use the Eternity Collar

Eternity collars mark these most important relationship milestones:

• Collaring ceremonies or anniversaries
• Transitions into 24/7 submission dynamics
• After building deep trust and compatibility

Submissives who want an ongoing connection to their dynamic often replace their day collars with these. The bond shown by eternity collars strengthens power exchange while highlighting protection and care between partners.

Posture Collar

Posture collars stand apart from other BDSM collar types. They go beyond relationship symbolism and focus on physical restriction and discipline in power exchange dynamics.

What is the Posture Collar?

A posture collar's design features a wide, rigid structure that completely restricts neck movement. These unique collars stretch from the collarbone to the chin or jawline. The wearer must keep their head upright and cannot look down. Sturdy materials like leather, metal, rubber, or PVC make these collars more rigid than standard ones. Most designs come with D-rings that allow leash attachment or other restraint accessories. You'll often see decorative elements such as spikes or locking mechanisms on these collars.

Symbolism of the Posture Collar

These collars turn discipline into something tangible. The wearer cannot look down, which creates submission through physical control rather than emotional bonds. Dominants show their authority and training skills by using these collars. Submissives signal their acceptance of physical restrictions by wearing them. The collar creates instant vulnerability because the wearer cannot hide or avoid eye contact.

When to use the Posture Collar

These collars work best in formal protocol scenes, training sessions, and discipline exercises. You should use them only for short periods - never during sleep or extended wear. Their restrictive nature needs careful monitoring. Long-term use might cause discomfort, limit blood flow, or lead to serious medical issues. They serve best as training tools in scenes that need extra submission and body position awareness.

Formal Event Collar

Special attire plays a crucial role during celebratory gatherings. BDSM relationships use formal event collars to mark their most important milestones and ceremonial occasions with meaningful symbolism.

What is the Formal Event Collar?

Elegant metal or chain designs characterize formal event collars created specifically for ceremonial occasions. Premium materials like stainless steel or titanium with custom engravings make these collars truly special. Many couples choose matching collar sets - the submissive wears a neck collar while the dominant displays a corresponding wrist collar.

Symbolism of the Formal Event Collar

Formal event collars carry ceremonial significance similar to wedding attire in traditional relationships. These collars symbolize the partners' bond, just as formal attire adds meaning to vanilla weddings. These collars often become treasured mementos of relationship milestones, carefully preserved in permanent collections.

When to use the Formal Event Collar

Formal event collars are perfect for:

• Collaring ceremonies that celebrate commitment
• BDSM community gatherings with formal protocol requirements
• Power exchange relationships' anniversary celebrations

Special occasions become sacred rituals through formal event collars that honor the deep connection between partners. Guests should feel honored to receive an invitation to witness these events, much like attending a traditional wedding.

Self-Collaring Collar

Unlike traditional collar exchanges, self-collaring offers a different path. You have the choice to collar yourself without involving a Dominant partner.

What is the Self-Collaring Collar?

Submissives use self-collaring collars as personal symbols to declare their submission trip. This practice changes traditional collaring dynamics, where submissives usually receive collars from Dominants. The collars come in various forms - from traditional leather pieces to elegant jewelry. Wearers pick materials, colors, and styles that appeal to their personality.

Symbolism of the Self-Collaring Collar

A self-collaring collar stands as a symbol of autonomy and self-ownership. It shows how someone takes control of their submission trip while embracing their submissive desires. Many practitioners see it as a "badge of honor" that confirms their role and deepens their commitment to learning about their submissive identity. These collars also represent the idea that "you are your own owner" - nobody else controls your body and mind.

When to use the Self-Collaring Collar

Self-collaring works well:

• If you have to learn about submission on your own without a partner
• During times of self-discovery and boundary exploration
• To commit to personal growth in submission
• While recovering from previous BDSM relationships

Practitioners often celebrate self-collaring through personal ceremonies. They create meaningful rituals that honor this self-commitment.

SM Collars

SM collars are powerful physical symbols of relationship agreements that exceed ordinary accessories in BDSM power exchange dynamics.

What are SM Collars?

SM collars signal the submissive status of a person within BDSM dynamics. These collars feature leather bands with metal D-rings for practical use. The design options go beyond traditional styles. Couples can choose from obvious leather straps to subtle jewelry pieces like necklaces, chokers, bracelets, or watches. Some practitioners use piercings, tattoos, dog tags, or earrings as alternative collar symbols. Each couple defines their collar based on their unique priorities.

Symbolism of SM Collars

BDSM communities view collars as more than accessories. These items represent subservience, devotion, and ownership. Submissives experience deep emotional connections while wearing a collar. The collar symbolizes their surrender, commitment, and desire to serve. Dominants who give collars show their commitment to guide, protect, and cherish their partners. Like wedding rings in vanilla relationships, collars create a physical reminder of invisible devotion. Both parties feel a deep psychological connection to this symbol.

When to use SM Collars

Relationship agreements determine how couples use SM collars. Some pairs treat collars with great significance, similar to wedding rings. Others see them as fun additions to kinky play. Partners should discuss the collar's meaning to avoid confusion. Collars serve an important purpose at BDSM events. They set clear boundaries by showing others that they need a dominant's permission to approach a collared submissive.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

BDSM collars add depth to anyone learning about power exchange relationships. These collars might look like simple accessories at first glance, but they carry deep meanings that grow from the original consideration through permanent commitment. Each collar type creates its own rich language of consent, commitment, and communication between partners.

Clear boundaries and explicit agreements help BDSM relationships thrive. Collar exchanges become physical proof of these understandings. Your choice between discreet day collars for public settings or prominent posture collars during intense scenes reflects both practical needs and relationship dynamics.

Trust forms the base for all collar exchanges. Partners build deeper trust as they progress from consideration collars through training, protection, and permanent or eternity collars. On top of that, it's worth noting how practices like self-collaring show BDSM's evolution and equip people to define their own path of submission.

Partners should talk about their expectations before picking any collar type. The meaning of collars varies across relationships and communities. Good communication prevents misunderstandings and makes sure both partners share similar views about what wearing a specific collar means.

BDSM collars are more than fashion statements or accessories. They represent commitments, boundaries, desires, and agreements while serving as powerful symbols within relationships. Your trip through the world of BDSM collars might start with curiosity but often guides you to deep connections built on trust, communication, and mutual respect.

FAQs

Q1. What is the significance of a BDSM collar? A BDSM collar symbolizes the relationship between a dominant and submissive partner. It represents commitment, ownership, and the power exchange dynamic within their relationship.

Q2. Are there different types of BDSM collars? Yes, there are several types of BDSM collars, each with its own meaning. These include consideration collars, training collars, day collars, play collars, and permanent collars, among others.

Q3. Can BDSM collars be worn in public? Some BDSM collars, like day collars, are designed to be worn discreetly in public. These often resemble regular jewelry and allow the wearer to maintain their connection to their dynamic without drawing attention.

Q4. What is a posture collar used for? A posture collar is a rigid collar that extends from the collarbone to the chin, designed to restrict neck movement. It's used in BDSM for training, discipline, and to enforce an upright posture during scenes.

Q5. What does self-collaring mean in BDSM? Self-collaring is when a submissive chooses to collar themselves, symbolizing their commitment to their own submission journey. It represents autonomy and self-ownership within their BDSM practice.