hi uh do u know where guys get like those leather chest harnesses? feels like there’s a billion online stores but idk what’s good or bad
Hey there! So you're more likely to find a sale or a good deal online, but I would recommend shopping in person to get your first one. Not every city has gay kink and sex shops, I realize that. But if you get a chance to travel, immersing yourself in a city with a robust gay culture is something you should experience once in a while either way. And you may be surprised which cities have them! There's a great store in Fort Wayne, IN for instance, and in Columbus, OH. Not to assume you're from the Midwest like me of course, but it goes to show there are surprises.
In person you'll get a better sense of fit, materials, maybe get it fitted to you, and see how it looks before making a decision. I got my first harness at The Men's Room in Chicago, but I'll be honest: I didn't want to pay a lot of money, so I settled for something that falls apart when pulled on and doesn't fit properly. To get a good harness, especially in leather, that will almost always be over $100. That can be a stretch, but if the quality is high enough and you enjoy it enough, it could be worth it! I don't regret my most expensive harness, but I do regret my cheapest one. My city does not have leather bars, but it has leather events at one bar where leather store vendors from around my region set up shop. That's where I got my favorite one, and the shopkeepers were so helpful (they were there on behalf of 64Ten in Chicago).
When choosing a harness, there are lots of factors to consider: Would you wear it over your clothes, or directly on your skin? Would you incorporate it into an outfit, and if so, would that be a clubby outfit or a more punk/alternative look? Classic leather, sporty, or circuit-y? Do you plan to have sex in it? Do you want it to be tugged on, and can it take that pressure? If you're shopping in person, give them a little test pull to see. It should be snug, but have just a little bit of wiggle room for this reason. Do you want it to be its own thing, or part of a complete look? Do you want to be able to attach it to a jockstrap/codpiece? What color should it be? Whatever color you prefer. Colors can "mean" things per the handkerchief code, but in most settings people won't read too much into it. So colors can mean as much or as little as you like.
What if in person doesn't work? While I can't vouch for fit or the shopping experience, online is a convenient and practical option. Most IRL stores also have an online presence, and here are a few sites/retailers that have been recommended to me:
665 Leather, leatherwerks, and Mr-Riegillio.
I have straight up messaged people on Grindr and Scruff like hey, I see you have leather tagged in your profile. Could you tell me more about that? Sometimes this goes pretty well, and who knows, they may even let you try on your stuff. I'm not "in the scene" but I love letting people try on my harnesses. And I would for you if I could! Good luck and have fun.
you know mr riegillio im really glad you guys are doing your service for the gay community by making all this leather fetish wear. but im not sure why anyone would want a leather covid mask??
Something new arrived last night from Mr. Riegillio. These beauties feel like a second skin and will be joining me at Snowbound Weekend in just a few hours...