Collars are often viewed as one of the most important symbols or accessories in BDSM. There are many different forms of collars and many of them care of a special meaning.
Most collars are made of leather, but steel, rubber and latex collars can be found.
Posture collars are usually made of thick, heavy leather or slightly padded steel. They are wide than normal collars, cover most of the neck and stretch upward to cover the sides of the face and often the chin. This makes the wearer keep the chin up and usually prevents them from easily turning the head. Another form of posture collar extends up the back of the head, keeping the wearer in a submissive position with his head lowered at all times.
Posture collars are often combined with a head harness.
Collars may be used in role-playing games involving humiliation because they have connotations of control and pet-like status, especially when worn with a leash. The purpose of bondage collars, also known as play collars, is as an accessory for bondage. Many have D shaped rings on them to attach rope or leather cuffs to. They are most commonly made of leather.
The term humiliation collar does refer to any specific style of collar but refers to any collar that is humiliation play. This often refers to puppy play or other forms of animal play.
A collar of consideration is often handed out by a dominant to a prospective long term partner as a first step before an ownership collar. This custom is said to have originated in the old guard leather community.
Ownership collar are also known under many terms like slave and permanent collars. The style of this collar is unimportant to most people - it is the meaning that counts. Many people use very plain leather collars as ownership collars while others prefer nicer materials. Sometimes jewelry is used for a ownership collar.