Submissives in BDSM are often offered a collar as a sign of commitment from the Dom.  

In the BDSM lifestyle, a collar signifies commitment, much like a wedding band in the vanilla world. 

It is something a submissive works toward and being offered a collar from a Dom is a sign of trust and pride. One very important rule for wearing a collar: only the Dom who placed it on the submissive can take it off.  The submissive is to leave it on until the Dom decides it is appropriate to be removed.

There are many different types of collars.  There are training collars, which are given when a submissive is “in training”, or learning what is expected of her/him from the Dom.  A play collar is only worn in the presence of the Dom and usually during playtime.  Day collars are worn during the day, and most of the time, they are simple or discreet enough to be disguised as a necklace. 

There is an infinite amount of styles of collars on the market. 

Many are premade and relatively affordable.  Custom collars, though, are very popular.  Since each relationship is different, many couples choose this option to show the uniqueness of their love.  From leather to metal, to a mixture of both, the possibilities are endless. 

Collaring is very sacred and personal. 

Sometimes, there is a collaring ceremony.  They vary depending on the wants of the couple involved, but like a wedding, there can be guests, words exchanged between the couple, and friends involved in the process. 

The word collar may sound harsh, but it has a great deal of meaning to those in the lifestyle and receiving one is sacred.  Much like most other things in the lifestyle, it can be difficult to understand why someone would want to wear a collar around their neck. Most though, are very beautiful and some even extravagant.