The Leather Uniform...Which Is Not
Master and I have recently begun to delve into the Leather subculture. I find the history of it to be quite interesting. Upon reading "The leatherboy Handbook" by boy Vincent L. Andrews, I decided to try wearing the leather uniform to our next lifestyle outing. Granted, it is geared towards gay males. However, I was determined to follow the guidelines to the best of my ability. The first thing I purchased was a pair of combat boots for each of us from a local army surplus store. Of course, they did not have my size in the full leather ones, and being the impatient type, I did not want to order them online. I settled for jungle boots instead. I figured it was probably fitting that Master should have the better pair anyway. His boots are the second piece of gifted leather he has received from me.
The next thing on my list was bootblacking information and supplies. I watched countless YouTube videos and read innumerable articles and forums on the best way to polish combat boots. Armed with black Kiwi polish, an applicator brush, cotton balls, a rag, water and spit, I began to try to shine our new boots. After 2 days and at least 4-5 coats, mine were passing fair, but Master's only had a sheen instead of a shine. Due to my frustration, we enlisted the help of his friend who served in the army. He shined our boots for a beer. Apparently, I should have kept at it indefinitely because it takes quite a bit of polish to fill in the pores.
Levi's 501 jeans are the preferred brand, but I did not own a single pair, not to mention 501s are not made for women. As far as wearing any of the jeans I had, they were all too long to wear with shoes that do not have a 4-inch heel and have rhinestones, embroidery or rips in them. It can be rather difficult to find petite pants which is why I have not bothered to look for quite some time. I petitioned my friends to tell me where to start my shopping expedition so as to limit my stress level. Luckily, the first store they suggested had a rack of Levi's in the juniors department. I bought all 3 pairs that fit after 5 trips to the fitting room.
While I was out shopping for jeans, I decided to look for some plain white T-shirts and a plain black leather belt. Did you know that stores expect women to pay $12 for one white V-neck T-shirt while men get a pack of 3 for $10? If they had had the men's shirts in size small, I would have bought them. I decided to make do with my not-plain-white T-shirts at home since I'd just spent $100 on jeans. Also, women's belts are hardly plain, but men's belts are too long. I would just have to wear my star-studded black belt.
Saturday night, dressed in my boots, Levi's, star-studded belt, white tank top with beading and a black jacket, I went to the local dungeon with Master for an educational forum and demonstration. I thought I was the only female in jeans. Accustomed to dressing up in fetish wear myself, I ogled other women's stilettos and corsets and felt a twinge of envy. I felt very plain beside them. The dungeon caters mostly to the fetishists and not to the leather community. The funny thing is that the leather uniform is supposed to be plain for a reason. I wasn't there to stand and model, which seems to be the new definition of S&M. I was there to learn. I was there to introduce Master to someone he could learn fire play from. It wasn't about being seen in the scene. However, I was grateful and a bit taken aback when a Lady I know told me I looked fabulous as always, and towards the end of the night, when we got our renewed membership cards, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the woman behind the counter had given us a 12-month membership for the price of 6 months. She was also wearing jeans. :)
