Garment fetishism
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Garment fetishes are types of sexual fetishes that revolve around, or fixate upon any specific garment such as gloves, stockings, or on a collection (or style) of garments that appear as part of a fashion or uniform.
The clinical definition of a sexual fetish would require that a person is fixated on a specific garment to the extent that it exists as an exclusive (or recurrent) stimulus for sexual gratification.[1][2]
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[edit] Relative prevalence of garment fetishism
In order to determine the relative prevalences of different fetishes, scientists obtained a sample of at least 5000 individuals worldwide from 381 Internet discussion groups. The relative prevalences were estimated based on (a) the number of groups devoted to a particular fetish, (b) the number of individuals participating in the groups and (c) the number of messages exchanged. Within the sample population, for example, 12 percent were turned on by underwear. The top garment fetish was footwear related (high heels).[3][4]
[edit] Types of garment
Common fetishes in clothing relate to footwear, female underwear and uniforms. However in principle any garment can be fetishized, that is, a focus of arousal for some people, and so a wide range of other garments have been the subject of less common fetishes.
Separate from fetishes as a paraphilia, are garments worn to enhance appearance (tight jeans, other eyecatching clothing); in this case the differentiator is whether for the person concerned, the clothing is the focus of a sexual fetish, or is merely appreciated and found pleasing and enhancing.
[edit] Jeans
Jeans fetishism is a sexual fetish relating to jeans or denim. It can also involve printed or electronic material with jeans being worn.
The style and cut of jeans can also enhance their sexual appeal. Jeans with pockets on the back are thought to better show off one's buttocks and be more flattering. Stretch jeans are often viewed as attractive because they have the appearance of being skin tight, while not binding like regular denim jeans would. An extreme example of fetish denim would be "Zip Around Jeans", so called because their zipper unzips starting in the front and continues all the way to the back. This style of jeans was first made in the late 1970s and early 1980s by Rag City Blues. More recently, modern low rise cuts of this style of jean have been made by Frankie B, BEBE and by Lip Service.
[edit] Jacket
Jacket fetishism [1] is most usually associated with the fixation or attraction to padded nylon jackets -- though it is also associated with leather jackets, particularly in association with Bondage (BDSM). In a survey, researchers at the University of Bologne found that 9 percent of people were turned on by jackets, making it the third most popular garment fetish after Shoes (heels) and Costumes. [5]. The most popular jackets amongst jacket fetishists are the Snorkel Parka, the MA-1 bomber jacket and down jackets with a nylon shell.
[edit] Gloves
Glove fetishism is a sexual fetish where an individual is obsessed and fixated by another or oneself wearing gloves on their hands. In some cases, the fetish is enhanced by the material of the glove, (i.e. leather, silk,cotton, latex, satin, nylon, or fur).[citation needed]
[edit] Footwear
Shoe fetishism, also known as retifism (after Nicolas-Edme Rétif), involves being fixated on shoes or other footwear to the extent it may interfere with sexual expression. Although shoes carry sexual connotations in mainstream culture (for example, women's shoes are commonly sold as being "sexy") this is not generally considered to be shoe fetishism, although it may qualify as a form of partialism.[citation needed]
[edit] Boot
Boot fetishism is very closely related to shoe fetishism. Many of the same sexual appeals regarded high-heeled shoes apply to boots. In most cases the fetish of the boot is accompanied by a fetish for the material which it is made from. Examples could be leather or latex. High-heeled boots create the illusion of a longer-legged appearance which is considered to be more physically attractive. In general, boots can be divided into three primary structural categories and sub-divided from there. There are ankle-length, knee-high, and thigh-high boots.[citation needed]
[edit] Sneaker
Sneaker fetishism is a specific form of Shoe fetishism and like boot fetishim it can be accompanied by a fetish for the material from which it is made. In the case of sneakers the outsole and sidewall are made of rubber.
[edit] Sock
Sock fetishism is a sexual fetish relating to socks. Sock fetishists are sexually aroused by wearing socks, partners wearing socks, pictures concerning it, or the object itself (well worn or brand new). Like feet and shoes, sock fetishists often require some specific attraction in the object which may include special colors, shapes, or smells. People with a fetish for socks may have no special attraction to feet or shoes.[citation needed]
A common sock fetishism, though becoming less so, is Loose Socks.
[edit] Stockings
- See also: Stocking
[edit] Sweaters
Sweater fetishism is a sexual fetish in which someone enjoys dressing in a sweater, or derives sexual pleasure from viewing another person dressed in this manner. While this is a general term, it tends to break down into subcategories based on the person's preference: such as wool, mohair, alpaca, cashmere, etc. Some also tend to focus on certain items or aspects, such as hats, gloves, scarves, etc or such adornments as buttons or belts.
Some other like particular kinds of sweaters such as turtleneck sweaters or cardigans. Sometimes this fetishism is related with bondage (BDSM) and sado-masochistic practices.
The B-movies director Ed Wood was known to have a love for angora sweaters[citation needed].
[edit] Uniforms
A uniform fetish is a sexual fetish in which someone enjoys dressing in a uniform, or derives sexual pleasure from viewing another person dressed in this manner. It does not require any actual sexual contact per se. Among the commonest uniforms in heterosexual uniform fetish are those of a schoolgirl, nurse, French maid, waitress, cheerleader and Playboy Bunny. Nuns' habits could also be regarded as uniforms. People may fetishise someone dressed as a policeman, soccer player, soldier, doctor, dentist or firefighter. The uniforms may be realistic, or made more sexual by being made of leather or latex. [6]
[edit] Schoolgirl uniform fetish
A schoolgirl uniform fetish is a sexual fetish in which someone derives sexual pleasure from viewing others dressed like schoolgirls or someone enjoys dressing in the typical uniform of a schoolgirl in either a school skirt or culottes. The schoolgirl uniform fetish is common in both Japanese and Western pornography, making it one of the most widespread clothing-oriented fetishes worldwide.[citation needed]
In Western pornography, the typical uniform is a somewhat adjusted version of the classical type. This is sometimes described as a Catholic school uniform, though in the United Kingdom it is also worn in most public and private schools[citation needed]. It usually includes a pleated skirt or culottes in green, blue, or red plaid or tartan, similar to those which actual schoolgirls wear for school, but one often cut much shorter, or otherwise altered to increase the sexual appeal of the look. Sometimes there is a blazer, and if one is worn it should ideally have a school crest on the breast pocket for authenticity. The blouse is usually white, and when worn without a blazer, the lower section may be knotted up to expose the subject's abdomen. Sometimes, when the blazer is being worn, there is also the inclusion of a school tie. Ankle socks, especially lace trimmed, are also popular, but more traditional are black or white knee-high socks.
In the United Kingdom and United States, there is also a corresponding Girl Guide/Girl Scout uniform fetish which is also popular[citation needed]. In North America there is also a corresponding cheerleader uniform fetish.
In Japanese pornography, the female often wears a Japanese school uniform, known in the sex industry as buru-sera (anglicized Japanese slang for "bloomer/sailor" outfit, as Japanese schoolgirl uniforms are commonly patterned after blue Prussian sailor uniforms and their gym uniforms, which is also a common fetish[citation needed], are comprised of gym t-shirt and "bloomer" panties). Typically this is based on the summer sailor fuku type (white blouse with blue sailor colour and red tie, as well as a blue pleated skirt), except the skirt is shortened significantly. However, numerous variants exist; these can be based on Catholic schoolgirls or uniforms from anime or hentai, such as the "bustier plus miniskirt" outfit seen in Bible Black. Generally, "authentic" uniform design maximises the display of the body's curves with minimal skin exposure.[6]
[edit] Underwear
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It has been suggested that Jock sniffing be merged into this article or section. (Discuss) |
Male & Female underwear in the form of panties, pantyhose, stockings and garters, boxerbriefs, jockstraps, g-strings and the like, is a common theme in garment fetishism.[citation needed]
Stocking fetishists usually find sexual partners clothed in sheer nylon or silk stockings to be sexually stimulating, or find the act of a person donning or removing a pair of stockings arousing. Some men find it arousing to collect and wear stockings, sometimes hidden under a pair of trousers.[7]
There is crossover between stocking and pantyhose fetishism, the unique silky sheer aspect, feminine 'association' and allure of both being the link. Many current day males fetishistic preference for pantyhose over stockings may be related to the fact that pantyhose are in almost direct contact with female genitalia or perhaps more importantly are the preferred hosiery for most females when skirts and dresses are worn.[citation needed]
Fetishism concerning female panties can involve printed or electronic material depicting exposure of panties, usually of a softcore nature.[citation needed]
[edit] Suit and tie
Suit and tie fetishism or a suit fetish describes a fetishistic attraction towards men and women wearing business and/ or formalwear (or photos or video of men and women in such clothing, or the objects of clothing themselves), and also men who get aroused when they themselves are in such clothing. Generally, the fetish and arousal first appears in adolescence, but many men report having arousal from seeing other males in a suit and necktie (or from wearing one themselves) from pre-school age. Typical people with a suit and tie fetish are fixated on the thought of their neck being compressed by a tight collar, or having sexual encounters that involve at least one of the participants dressed in a suit or tuxedo, and will seek out visual and tactical stimuli to aid their sexual fantasy.[citation needed]
[edit] Leotards
- See also: spandex fetishism
There is a sexual attraction to leotards.
[edit] Other objects
[edit] Glasses
Glasses fetishism is the name used to describe a fetishistic attraction to people wearing prescription glasses, sunglasses, or cosmetic contact lenses or in certain cases, to the act of wearing glasses or the glasses themselves. In many cases wearing glasses during sexual acts and ejaculation on glasses play an important role. An entire genre of pornography has developed around the theme of women wearing glasses during sexual acts. Although attraction to people wearing glasses is generally not considered to be a form of paraphilia, extreme forms of this attraction appear to be paraphiliac.[citation needed]
Glasses fetishism in anime, especially on female characters, is called meganekko.
[edit] Types of fabric
Garment fetishes are often specified in terms of the fabric or material involved, rather than garment type. this gives rise to sub-genres based for example upon materials such as leather, rubber, fur, latex and PVC.[citation needed]
[edit] Leather
Leather fetishism is the name popularly used to describe a sexual attraction to people wearing leather and or to the garments themselves. The smell and the sound of leather is often an erotic stimulus for people with a leather fetish. Leather uniforms may also be come a fetish. Leather is occasionally finished with a glossy surface and produced in bright colors, providing visual stimuli for some leather fetishists.
The feel of tight leather garments worn may be experiened as a form of sexual bondage. Bondage equipment is made from leather straps. The term "leather culture" was applied in the 1960s in the USA gay sadomasochistic subculture as an umbrella term for alternate sexual practices. The pony fetish involves the use of equestrian like gear fitted to humans.
[edit] Latex/PVC
Latex fetish is the fetishistic attraction latex latex clothing or garments and sometimes called rubber fetishism as latex is a type of rubber. Latex or rubber fetishists may refer to themselves as "Rubberists". One example is Mr. Blowup.[8] He wears air inflated latex suits .[9] One variety of latex fetish involves the attraction to transparent rubber.
PVC fetishism is closely related to latex fetishism and involves a sexual attraction to shiny plastic clothes made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurathane or similar man made materials. PVC may be mistaken for shiny patent leather.
Latex fetish involves wearing clothing made from latex, observing it worn by others, and having sexual fantasies about wearing latex garments, catsuits, hoods, divers or industrial protective clothing. A common latex fetish icon is the dominatrix wearing a skin-tight glossy black latex or PVC catsuit.
A subgroup of the PVC fetishism is clear PVC clothing such as clear plastic raincoats, slipcovers, and custom clothing made out of clear PVC.
Many sex toys such as dildos and butt plugs are made from rubber or similar materials, and this may be factor contributing to a type of rubber fetish. Some rubber fetishists have what is termed a medical fetish or have a sexual interest in klismaphilia - medical gloves and catheters of latex, as well as condoms. Other fetish objects may include disposable diapers and plastic pants.
[edit] Spandex
Spandex fetishism is a fetishistic attraction to people wearing stretch fabrics or, in certain cases, to the garments themselves. One reason why spandex and other tight fabrics may be fetishised is that the garment forms a "second skin," acting as a fetishistic surrogate for the wearer's own skin. Wearers of skin-tight nylon and cotton spandex garments can appear naked or coated in a shiny or matte substance like paint. The tightness of the garments may also be seen as sexual bondage. Another reason is that nylon-spandex fabric (preferred by many spandex fetishists) is often produced with a very smooth and silk-like finish, which lends a tactile dimension to the fetish - as well as a visual one.
In comic books, superheroes, superheroines, and supervillains are generally depicted as wearing costumes made of spandex or a similar material. The superheroines always wear skintight, very flashy and bright-coloured costumes that usually cover only just enough of the female body to be presentable. Fantasies involving superheroes or the wearing of superhero costumes are commonly associated with spandex fetishism.
Full-body suits called zentai entirely immerse the wearer in skin tight fabric. The suits are essentially catsuits with gloves, feet, and a hood. The wearer gets to experience total enclosure and those who enjoy erotic objectification might make use of the garment's anonymizing aspect. Zentai fetishism appears to be quite popular in Japan and Europe. The word zentai means whole body in Japanese.
[edit] References
- ^ Masters WH, Johnson VE, Kolodny RC: Human sexuality, 5th ed. New York: Harper Collins, 1995.
- ^ de Silva WP (1999). "ABC of sexual health. Sexual variations" (PDF). BMJ 318 (7184): 654–6. PMID 10066212.
- ^ Scorolli C, Ghirlanda S, Enquist M, Zattoni S, Jannini EA (2007). "Relative prevalence of different fetishes". Int. J. Impot. Res. 19 (4): 432–7. doi:. PMID 17304204.
- ^ Dobson, Roger (2007). Heels are the world's No 1 fetish. The Independent Online Edition.
- ^ http://news.independent.co.uk/sci_tech/article2303022.ece Dobson, Roger (2007). Heels are the world's No 1 fetish. The Independent Online Edition.]
- ^ a b The Visual Dictionary of Sex, Dr. Eric J Trimmer (editor), ISBN 0-89479-011-0; A & W Publishers, 1977
- ^ Kunzle, David (2004). Fashion and Fetishism. Sutton. ISBN 0-7509-3808-0
- ^ Cobbett, Bill. (April 1997) Secret Magazine The story of Mr. Blowup. Issue 12; Page 86.
- ^ The Globe and Mail (April 27, 2000) More proof that the Net's a weird place: A new book assembles strange Web sites. Page R7
[edit] Sources
- de Silva WP (1999). "ABC of sexual health. Sexual variations" (PDF). BMJ 318 (7184): 654–6. PMID 10066212.
- "Fetishists can't take eyes off sexy specs", Mainichi Shimbun, March 13, 2002. Retrieved on 2007-04-26. (English) (Article on glasses fetishism in Japan)
- Dr. Trimmer, Eric J. The Visual Dictionary of Sex, ISBN 0-89479-011-0; A & W Publishers, 1977
- Kunzle, David (2004). Fashion and Fetishism. Sutton. ISBN 0-7509-3808-0
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