Cruelty free isn’t just all the rage, it’s a lifestyle for vegans worldwide. But what happens when you’re a vegan kinkster? BDSM and leather have gone hand in hand since the first Dom/me placed the first collar on the first sub’s neck. When you’re a vegan into bondage, how do you balance your ethics while still indulging your restraint fantasies? Luckily for you, vegan leather is gaining popularity and becoming more and more widely available. Fashion has embraced all kinds of vegan leathers, and kink is catching on. Lately there’s been a bloom of cruelty free bondage products available, in a variety of different materials. As a professional Dominatrix, I’ve often been asked about cruelty-free, synthetic, and other faux leather accessories and restraints, so I’m here to answer all your questions!
What is vegan leather?
Vegan leather is any material with a leather-like feel and aesthetic made to replace standard animal leathers. It’s often called pleather, PU or faux leather. You can find vegan leather bags, shoes, and accessories from more and more designers and stores, and the kink scene is no different. Cuffs, collars, and harnesses all now come in various kinds of traditional leather alternatives and in a wide range of prices—from basic restraints you can throw on a sub, to slick, luxe, designer harnesses.
What is vegan leather made of?
The most common kind of vegan leather is PU: polyurethane. To put it simply, PU is a kind of plastic that’s textured to look like leather. It’s the cheapest option, and most widely available, but some people prefer not to use synthetic leathers with plastics in their play.
Another leather replacement is latex. This naturally occurring substance can be produced in a wide range of colours and thicknesses, perfect for collars, cuffs, and other restraints. It’s slick, smooth, and shiny, with a hot fetish aesthetic.
Other leathers with more natural origins are slowly gaining traction in the fetish world. Leather-like materials made from cactus, corn, pineapple, and mushrooms are going into production and kink-gear creators are crafting their wears with them. Right now these materials can be expensive, but as production costs go down they will become more affordable and more widely available.
How to clean and store vegan leather
Vegan leathers can be easier to clean and store than animal-derived leather. Using harsh disinfectants on standard leather can damage the texture, and it needs to be stored where it can breathe or it risks going mouldy. It also needs to be moisturised so it doesn't dry out and crack. That can be a lot of maintenance to upkeep. Yet another reason to embrace vegan leathers! PU leather can easily be wiped down with your favourite disinfectant (I love Viraclean myself). You may want to be gentler with more expensive faux leathers and latex, but for pieces that aren't in… wide usage at the dungeon, a good wipe down with a gentle soap and water will do. Make sure you dry all your gear completely before putting into storage. PU does prefer a cool dry space to rest, and it can be worth wrapping in tissue paper for longer-term storage.
Vegan leather kink accessories
Here are some of my favourite vegan leather options!
Nudie Co
This sex shop stocks a range of vegan leather gear in a few different materials at totally reasonable prices. They’ve got cuffs, blindfolds, gags, and strap-ons. I love their Bound To Please Silicone Cuffs.
Lolliwraps
This brand makes their harnesses and collars from corn leather, and they come in an array of colours and styles. Lolliwraps is taking off big time, so be sure to keep an eye on their socials for when their pre-orders open. My favourites are the Zoe Leg Harness and the Tori Bra Harness. HOT!
Restrained Grace
Restrained Grace has both vegan and non-vegan accessories. Their colour schemes are pretty magical, and their range of collars is wide. My fave is the Dove Grey Vegan Leather BDSM Hogtie.
Von Bondage
This shop has vegan and non-vegan equipment. I adore their Vegan PVC BDSM Restraints.
Alternatives to vegan leather
If you can’t splash out on costly faux leather fetish gear, or can’t find something cruelty-free that you like, use your imagination! You can use all kinds of things to truss up your sub. Can’t find a vegan collar you like? Try a stainless steel variety! Haven’t found the right kind of vegan restraints? Use rope bondage, faux-silk scarves, or your very own hands. Dominance and restraint isn’t just about having the right gear, it’s a state of mind. If you’ve got the right attitude, you can assert your power without flashy fetish restraints. There are many ways to keep your play cruelty free… for the animals, anyway.
Are you a sex worker with a story, opinion, news, or tips to share? We'd love to hear from you!
We started the tryst.link sex worker blog to help amplify those who aren't handed the mic and bring attention to the issues ya'll care about the most. Got a tale to tell? 👇☂️✨
