The quick version
- Decide first if you want a day collar (a symbol you can wear out) or a play collar (gear for the bedroom, usually with a leash).
- Measure your neck before you order. Fit matters more than looks, and two fingers should slide under a worn collar.
- A collar is a symbol, not a restraint. Never hang weight from it, pull against it or tie it to something fixed.
- If it locks, keep the key within reach and agree where the spare lives.
- Never leave a collared person alone, and agree a safe word before anything is put on.
- Wipe faux leather with a damp cloth and let it dry. Keep metal away from damp.
Day Collar or Play Collar: Which Do You Need?
A play collar is built for scenes. It tends to be wider, with metal rings for a leash, and it lives in the bedroom. A day collar is built to be worn around the house or out, and looks closer to jewellery than gear.
Neither is better. The only thing to keep in mind is that a collar means something between two people, so talk about what before one goes on. A collar is a symbol of trust and agreement, and that conversation is part of the gear.
Which Collars Do We Stock?
Browse the full collars and leashes collection to compare materials and hardware side by side.
How Do You Measure and Fit a Collar?
Measure around the base of the neck, where the collar will sit, with a soft tape or a strip of string laid against a ruler. Compare that number with the fit range. For the Fort Troff, the 48.3 cm is the total collar length, not the neck size, so leave room for how far along the Velcro you will fasten it.
- Two fingers should slide under a worn collar. If they will not, it is too tight.
- The collar should not move or twist when the wearer turns their head.
- Never wear one so snug that it presses on the throat or affects breathing.
- If anything feels tight, tingly or hard to swallow, take it off straight away.
What Are the Safety Rules With Collars and Leashes?
The neck is the most vulnerable part of the body, so collars come with firm rules. Treat each one as non-negotiable.
- Never pull hard on a leash, hang weight from a collar or tie a leash to a fixed object, because the neck can be injured by sudden force.
- Never leave a collared person alone or unsupervised, in case they need help or a quick removal.
- Agree a safe word, and a non-verbal signal for when talking is not possible.
- If the collar locks, keep the key in reach and know where the spare is. A lock with no key close by turns a minor problem into a big one.
- Do not sleep in a collar. It can twist or tighten while no one is paying attention.
- Check in often, and stop whenever either person wants to.
For the broader picture on negotiation, safe words and starting out, the BDSM guide covers the ground rules.
Which Material Suits You?
Faux leather sits easily against the skin and wipes clean with a damp cloth. Neoprene lining, as on the Fort Troff, moulds to the neck and is easy to rinse. Chain leashes are strong but cold on bare skin, so warm them in your hand first. Padded options like the EDGE suit longer wear, and a day collar should be worn only for as long as it stays comfortable.
Whatever the material, wipe it down after use, dry it fully and store it flat. Keep metal parts dry, and keep the collar away from direct sun so the finish lasts.
Where Do You Go From Here?
Start with the conversation, then measure, then choose a style. If collars are only the start, the nipple clamps guide, the ball gag guide and the impact play guide are logical next reads, and the wider BDSM collection has the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a collar mean in BDSM?
It is a symbol of trust, ownership or commitment inside a dynamic that two people have agreed to. What it means is up to them, so talk before you buy one.
Can I wear a collar in public?
A day collar is designed for it. The Heartbound and Indica both look like jewellery rather than gear. Wear it only if you are comfortable, and keep the key within reach.
How tight should a collar be?
Snug but not tight: two fingers should slide under it, and it should never press on the throat or restrict breathing.
Can I use a collar for restraint?
No. A collar marks a dynamic. It is not for hanging, pulling hard or tying to a fixed point. The bondage furniture guide covers gear built for restraint.
What if I lose the key?
Keep a spare somewhere both of you know. Without one, you may need to cut the collar off, which is the sort of problem the spare avoids.
Why Buy From Pleasing Strings
Orders ship from our Australian warehouses in plain, unbranded packaging with a discreet billing descriptor. Same-day dispatch applies before 10am, shipping is free over $99, and our toys carry a one-year warranty on top of your Australian Consumer Law rights. Questions go to sales@pleasingstrings.com.au.
Related guides
- BDSM guide: a practical introduction for beginners
- Nipple clamps for beginners: how to choose and use them
- Bondage furniture Australia: is it worth the floor space
Last updated: 3 October 2026