View source for Leather (material)

[[Image:L237MAIN.jpg|thumb|right|Leatherware from [[Westward Bound]]]]
'''Leather''' is a material made by treating (tanning) the skin or hide of animals, usually cattle.
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Leather is very strong, and may have a characteristic odour that some people like. Some, such as those into [[animal transformation fantasy]], may like the fact that it is animal skin rather than artificial like [[PVC]].

It is widely used for making [[shoe fetishism|shoes]] and [[boot]]s, and also for making clothes. In a [[BDSM]] context, it is used for making various [[SM equipment|equipment]] including [[blindfold]]s, [[handcuffs]], straps and [[whip]]s. Leather clothing and other objects may be [[fetish]]es.

== Rawhide ==
Leather that has not been fully tanned is called rawhide. Rawhide has the property that if soaked in water it can be stretched, and will then shrink as it dries out. It can thus be used to make bonds or [[corset]]s that keep tightening, or ropes that will eventually [[suspension bondage|lift]] someone off the ground.

== Leatherette ==
[[Image:Leatherette outfit.jpg|thumb|left]]
'''Leatherette''' is an artificial fabric intended as a substitute for [[leather]]. On the [[fetish]] scene, it may be a substitute for [[latex sheeting]]. It is made by covering cloth with a layer of plastic or [[rubber]].


== See also ==
* [[Leather]] for other contexts.
* [[Fetish Fashion]]

== External links ==
* [http://backdrop.net/sm-201/index.php?title=Leather Article on SM-201]

[[category:Leather]]