Kink 411

Please do not be shy about asking questions!

For more information, or if you have a question or comment on one of the answers below, please connect with us using the general enquiries email address located on the “Contact Us” page of our club’s website and we’ll consider your comments for a future update!. Please link here to be directed to the Heart of the Flag Federation Inc. website.

Does wearing leather mean that I have to get into other things?

Not at all. Leather is an attitude, a fetish, a lifestyle, a drug. And unique to each individual. Leather in the community is about passion… not just fashion. You might find that your leather vest and one armband is enough to get you off and you’re happy with that. Others might find it akin to their “first step”.

Leather leads to many doors: bondage & discipline, sado-masochism, latex & rubber, uniforms, boots… The more you explore, the more you learn. Never be afraid to ask someone a question in the leather community… just remember, the answer you are given may not be your cup of tea, and to show respect.

I’m versatile. Do I wear my armband on the left or right?

Since left signifies top and right bottom, unless you are feeling more in the mood for either, best to wear on both sides or not at all. Then again, wearing both might lead one to think you are suffering from either indecision or over-developed sense of balance.

How should the leather fit?

Snugly, not loose, too tight and you look like you’re trying to put 10 lbs of crap in a 5 lb bag.

I want to go to the Leather Ball, and plan on dancing all night… is it alright to wear my running shoes with my chaps, cuz I find them more comfortable?

Uhm… NO! A pair of used combat boots are just as comfortable. If need be, get a new pair of insoles for them. Just do it!

What type of hat, if any and why?

Traditionally, a peaked cap, sometimes called a Muir cap, was only worn by Masters. It still connotes a top or Master persona. So beware if that’s not what you want to communicate! Traditions around other leather caps, like rebel caps or baseball caps, are less established but in general signify sub rather than dom.

Should you let your butt cheeks show in back of your chaps?

Ask an honest friend. Chaps are the male bustier or push-up bra. It can take what one has (in front and in back) and lift it nicely for presentation. However, while you might think you are being daring or showing yourself as someone that likes it up the ass, remember, there is nothing worse than a cottage cheese ass spilling out of finely polished dead cow.

What cologne goes best with leather?

Anything by Channel or Christian Dior is fine! … Gotcha! This is actually a trick question… The correct answer is: Real leathermen don’t wear “fragrances”! There are actually some leather bars that will turn you away if you try to get in smelling like your grandmother’s vanity table. A man’s natural sweat is all that you need (word of caution, avoid eating garlic for dinner!).

What is the best way to clean my leather?

Nothing gets your Daddy going better than a good old tongue bath. However, if either of you are not in the mood, use a good damp washcloth. That’s it. Using polish too often doesn’t help the longevity of the leather. A simple wipedown does the job just fine.

What’s the best way to ensure my rubber/latex has a long life?

  • Store in a cool place, away from leather
  • Keep out of direct sunlight
  • Keep away from oils (massage oil, body lotion, engine oil) and oil-based lubes
  • Copper will stain colors
  • Fun to remove in the shower
  • Hand wash in lukewarm water with mild dishsoap
  • Hang to dry
  • Dust inside with unscented baby powder
  • Polish with rubber polish (Armor All, Black Beauty, etc.)

I’ve heard that it’s difficult to put latex on, and take it off. Any tips?

Putting it on: Apply a light coat of non-scented baby powder to the inside of your clothing. It will help slide on and avoid pinching or pulling hairs (however, if you’re into SM, consider it foreplay). You can also try using lube (Wet Platinum or Eros work best!). If using lube, make sure lube is silicone-based, not oil-based.

Taking it off: Jump in a shower with it on. It helps, especially if you’re with someone else.

Why do alot of rubbermen wear fireman boots or hip-waders?

To avoid line-ups to the urinals.

I’ve seen guys get whipped. Doesn’t it hurt?

Uhm… what do you think Einstein?

Actually some people have different pain thresholds. Others, while it might hurt, connect psychologically and spiritually to the experience, and can internalize the sensation and experience what some call an “out of body experience”. For some, again, the pain is secondary to the act of submission. This form of SM is NOT for everyone. It’s not something you can necessarily jump into your first time with your big leather daddy!

Hanky Codes

Wearing a hanky in the back pocket is a long-held way of quietly communicating what a fellow is “into.” Depending in which pocket the hankie sits, the individual is indicating his preference: left (active, top) or right (passive, bottom). Also note, that the “colors” have also experience a cross-over into other clothing accessories, such as arm bands, stripes on pants, piping on shirts, etc.

There are lots of long lists full of exotic colors & materials, most of which exist only in the imaginations of their writers or within very small specialized communities. Remember that these are meant to politely indicate one’s intentions for the evening as so find someone with compatible plans for the night (“What do you mean you’re not into ???, that’s all I’m into!”). This list is a basic one of hanky colors you are most likely to see.

RED Fisting
DARK RED 2-Handed Fisting
ORANGE Anything/Anytime
YELLOW Piss
PALE YELLOW Spit
OLIVE DRAB Military
HUNTER GREEN Daddy/boy
TEAL BLUE Cock & Ball Torture
ROBIN’S EGG BLUE 69
LIGHT BLUE Cocksucking
MEDIUM BLUE Cop
NAVY BLUE Fucking
PURPLE Piercing
MAROON Cutting
FUCHSIA Spanking
MAGENTA Armpits
LIGHT PINK Dildos
DARK PINK Tit Torture
BLACK Heavy SM
BROWN Scat
BEIGE Rimming
GREY Bondage


Jack Mackness at MLT/BBT 2008


Pride Toronto 2001


Leather Ball 12


Jack Mackness at MLT/BBT 2008

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