Unusual Leather Lingerie

What Leather Lingerie Can do for You

Price-wise, true leather lingerie may be some of the most expensive pieces you add to your undergarment wardrobe. You probably won't want to collect a whole closetful or even a drawerful. Decide what you want your leather lingerie to do for you:

• Do you want it to help you make a statement for when you're in the mood for a little more rambunctious, wild and edgy activity in the bedroom than usual? If so, go all out and find the sexiest, most unusual leather lingerie you can. It doesn’t even matter if it looks like a costume if it makes you feel good and gives the right message to your partner.

• Would you prefer this to be your usual "look" for lingerie? If so, buy a few key pieces that are "unusual" in the sense that they're leather, but not so unusual that it seems like a costume. You may even want to get a few mix and match pieces—-a corset, a bra, boyshorts, etc-—since this is to be your signature look.

That being said, weigh the amount of wear and the excitement you'll get from your new leather wardrobe against the beating your wallet will take.

Buying Unusual Leather Lingerie

Unless you're fairly far from timid and you live in or around a town big enough to have a wide selection of fantasywear, you're probably going to end up doing your shopping online. In some cases, if you're really shy, you're even going to be hoping they don't advertise their shop name on the outside of the box in which they ship. Try these stores:

• Mild to Wild Leather: Looking for a leather v-neck babydoll with fringe? This is your place to shop. It comes with a matching g-string, too. You can also get a chain bra with leather trim. This, too, comes with a matching g-string.

• Dress Me Wicked: The most unusual piece here is the cupless corset with buckles. This is definitely not one of those pieces everyone has in their lingerie drawer.

• Risque Lingerie by Renee has a whole section designated to leather lingerie. It's not for the lukewarm lingerie lover. Unusual leather lingerie listed here includes a studded leather cami top, open bust zipper front corset, studded leather thongs, leather teddies, and leather sets. Free shipping is available.

Madam Leather is an edgy-looking site that offers everything from a strap-and-ring leather dress to a cincher corset.

Looking for Alternatives

If your style screams for leather but your wallet can't afford it, you can browse local lingerie stores or stores like Madam Leather for patent styles that run around $14.99 for lace-up mini shorts and $47.50 for a bustier. Patent styles and pleather have the same look and vibe as the more expensive, supple leather, but at a lower price.

Caring for Your Leather

Leather lingerie is definitely not wash and wear. It will take some caring for. Here are a few cardinal rules for keeping your leather in top condition:

• If it gets wet, let it air dry at room temperature.

• Blot stains with a clean cloth.

• Condition your leather.

• Don't put it in plastic for protection; use something breathable, such as cotton. Similarly, don't store two leather items against each other. They need room to breathe.

• Since leather lingerie is mostly nighttime, indoor wear, you won't be exposing it to much sunlight. For the record, though, don't let your lingerie experience prolonged exposure to UV rays.

Leather lingerie can last forever if you take care of it!