A woman sitting on a pillow at the end of bed wearing tight black clothes

A List of 27+ Kinks & Fetishes Explained

By Laura Miano - Guide

Published: 2 July 2023, Last Updated: 15 Feb 2024

The world of human sexuality is diverse and multifaceted, encompassing numerous kinks and fetishes that people may enjoy exploring. In this article, we delve into 27+ different kinks and fetishes, aiming to provide an informative and objective overview of each. It’s important to be aware of and respect individual preferences, as well as to prioritize consent, communication, and safety in all sexual encounters.

A man with a pacifier and bib pretending to be a baby — Age Play | Image: begbie86

1. Age Play

Age play is a type of role-playing that involves acting as someone from a particular age group, often involving a caretaker dynamic. For example, adult babies might wear diapers and use bottles, engaging in nurturing or caregiving scenarios. Age play can be a way for individuals to explore different power dynamics and emotional connections, and can be enjoyed in a safe, consensual manner.

Two submissive men in leather suits crawling on the floor while a person behind them holds their chain leash — Sadism and Masochism | Image: Zachary Krevitt

2. Sadism and Masochism

Sadism and masochism form the ‘SM’ in BDSM and involve deriving pleasure from pain and humiliation. Sadists enjoy inflicting pain or humiliation on others, while masochists enjoy receiving it. The psychological aspects of sadism and masochism might relate to power dynamics, vulnerability, and trust. Engaging in these activities safely requires communication, consent, and the use of safe words.

Woman lying on bed in between two men — Cuckolding | Image: cottonbro

3. Cuckolding

Cuckolding is a form of masochism where a man watches his partner engage in sexual activity with another person, often involving elements of humiliation. The psychology behind cuckolding might relate to feelings of inadequacy, submission, or arousal from vicarious experiences. To safely explore cuckolding, communication and consent are essential.

Bathroom sign on the wall — Bathroom Control | Image: Franck V

4. Bathroom Control

Bathroom control is a part of the submissive/dominant dynamic in BDSM and involves a dominant partner restricting the submissive partner’s access to the bathroom. This kink might be related to power dynamics and humiliation. Practicing bathroom control safely requires clear communication, consent, and an understanding of physical limits.

Woman sitting on a cushion attached to a man bent like a chair — Human Furniture | Image: DeeaFilm Studio

5. Human Furniture

Human furniture involves individuals acting as pieces of furniture, such as chairs or tables, and being used as such. This kink may be related to objectification, submission, or the desire for novelty in sexual experiences. To engage in human furniture play safely, participants should communicate their boundaries and ensure they understand the potential physical risks involved.

Hand holding a leather flogger — Impact Play | Image: Sex Paradise

6. Impact Play

Impact play involves activities like spanking, whipping, and flogging. It can be pleasurable due to the release of endorphins and the sensation of the strikes. Engaging in impact play safely requires understanding of the human anatomy, avoiding sensitive or vital areas, and utilizing safe words to ensure consent is maintained.

Close up on a woman's feet — Foot Fetish and Pedal Pumping | Image: R

7. Foot Fetish and Pedal Pumping

Foot fetishes, one of the most common fetishes, involve sexual attraction to feet and may include activities such as massaging, kissing, or licking feet. Pedal pumping involves arousal from watching someone (often a woman) wearing high heels pressing a car’s accelerator. The psychological aspects of these fetishes may relate to submission, objectification, or sensory experiences. As with other kinks, communication and consent are key.

Man peeking through the window blinds — Voyeurism and Exhibitionism | Image: Chris Nguyen

8. Voyeurism and Exhibitionism

Voyeurism involves arousal from watching others engage in sexual activity, while exhibitionism involves arousal from being watched. These kinks might stem from a desire for novelty, validation, or the thrill of transgression. Practicing voyeurism and exhibitionism safely and consensually requires clear communication and boundaries between all parties involved.

Couple being intimate with each other in front of a mirror — Katoptronophilia | Image: Getty

9. Katoptronophilia

Katoptronophilia is the sexual attraction to mirrors and may involve having sex or masturbating in front of a mirror. The psychology behind this kink could be related to self-love, validation, or the desire for visual stimulation. As with other kinks, engaging in katoptronophilia safely requires communication and consent.

Two naked men wearing robber masks grovelling on the floor before a dominatrix sitting on a throne — Domination and Submission | Image: Ezada Sinn

10. Domination and Submission

Domination and submission form the ‘DS’ in BDSM and involve power dynamics and control. The dominant partner may use physical or psychological means to assert control over the submissive partner. Engaging in domination and submission safely requires communication, consent, and the use of safe words.

Dried candle wax on a woman's back — Edge Play | Image: pasiphae

11. Edge Play

Engaging in edge play can involve pushing personal boundaries and exploring more intense sensations. It’s essential to approach these activities with caution, clear communication, and informed consent. Remember that what might be risky for one person may not be for another, so understanding individual limits is crucial.

Face of a woman covered by a transparent plastic with her mouth open — Breath Play | Image: Jaspereology

12. Breath Play

Breath play is a form of edge play that involves restricting someone’s airflow for a period of time, which can be done through choking or smothering. This kink can be dangerous due to the risk of injury or suffocation, so it’s important to practice caution, establish clear boundaries, and ensure all parties are aware of the risks.

A man's fist with a black background — Fisting | Image: Luis Quintero

13. Fisting

Fisting involves the insertion of an entire fist or hand into an orifice, such as the mouth, vagina, or anus. This kink may be related to the desire for intense stimulation, fullness, or the thrill of pushing physical limits. Practicing fisting safely requires patience, communication, and the use of proper lubrication to avoid injury.

Woman in lingerie wearing a blindfold and tied to a metal bed frame — Bondage and Discipline | Image: Naked

14. Bondage and Discipline

Bondage and discipline form the ‘BD’ in BDSM and involve restraining or tying someone up using various restraints, such as ropes, cuffs, or scarves. Once restrained, the other partner may engage in discipline, such as teasing or impact play. Practicing bondage and discipline safely requires an understanding of knot techniques, safe words, and ensuring that circulation and breathing are not compromised.

Three clothed women with naked men behind them — Group sex | Image: Gravitas Ventures

15. Group sex

Group sex, or orgies, involve more than three people engaging in sexual activities within the same space. Swinging is one form of group sex where couples exchange partners consensually. Group sex can be appealing due to the variety of experiences, novelty, and social dynamics. Ensuring a safe and enjoyable group sex experience requires communication, consent, and an understanding of personal boundaries.

Garden sprinkler spraying water — Urophilia | Image: Methi SOMÇAĞ

16. Urophilia

Urophilia, or urolagnia, involves deriving sexual pleasure from urination, which can include watching a partner urinate or participating in golden showers. This kink may be related to submission, humiliation, or the sensory experience of the act. As with other fetishes, practicing urophilia safely requires communication and consent.

View from below of a shirtless man with abs — Orgasm Control | Image: Calbra

17. Orgasm Control

Orgasm control involves a dominant partner controlling when a submissive partner is allowed to climax. This may involve edging (bringing a partner close to orgasm and stopping) or using chastity devices. The appeal of orgasm control may stem from power dynamics and the heightened anticipation of eventual release. Clear communication and consent are necessary for engaging in orgasm control.

A man kissing the side of a car — Objectum Sexuality | Image: Westend61

18. Objectum Sexuality

Objectum sexuality involves sexual attraction to inanimate objects, which can range from sex dolls and vibrators to more unconventional items like cars or musical instruments. The psychology behind this kink may involve personification, novelty, or sensory experiences. As with other kinks, communication and consent are essential when exploring objectum sexuality with a partner.

Woman in between two naked men — Double Penetration | Image: Petrenko Andriy

19. Double Penetration

Double penetration involves simultaneous penetration of two orifices, such as the vagina, anus, or mouth, with any combination of dildos, hands, or penises. Double penetration can be pleasurable due to the sensation of fullness and increased stimulation. Practicing double penetration safely requires communication, consent, and an understanding of personal limits.

Couple making out inside a closet — Claustrophiliac | Image: Eric Ray Davidson

20. Claustrophiliac

Claustrophilia involves deriving sexual pleasure from engaging in sexual activities in confined spaces. The appeal of this kink might be related to the sense of intimacy, vulnerability, or the thrill of the unusual setting. As with other kinks, engaging in claustrophilia safely requires communication, consent, and an understanding of physical and emotional limits.

A hand squeezing a blue stress ball — CBT & BNT | Image: Sensory Genius

21. CBT & BNT

CBT (cock and ball torture) involves inflicting pain or discomfort on male genitalia, while BNT (breast and nipple torture) involves similar activities on female breasts and nipples. These kinks can be enjoyable due to the increased sensitivity of these areas and the release of endorphins. Practicing CBT and BNT safely requires understanding the anatomy, using caution, and establishing safe words to maintain consent.

A man covered in mud — Coprophilia or Scatophilia | Image: Whistler

22. Coprophilia or Scatophilia

A scatophiliac gets off on the thought, sight, touch, and smell of human excrement. They might enjoy watching someone use the bathroom, or enjoy rubbing poop over their bodies.

A man hugging a tree trunk — Dendrophilia | Image: Mojpe

23. Dendrophilia

To end on a somewhat more wholesome note, dendrophiliacs have a sexual attraction toward trees. They get off on the different textures and shapes of a tree. Not to be confused with tree-hugging, the term dendrophilia literally translates to love of trees.

Two pair of arms touching each other — Sensation Play | Image: Sonja Lekovic

24. Sensation Play

Sensation play involves engaging in various sensory experiences during sexual activities, such as using ice, feathers, or wax to create unique and pleasurable sensations. This kink may be related to a desire for novelty, exploration, or the sensory experience itself. Engaging in sensation play safely requires clear communication, consent, and an understanding of personal limits and potential risks.

Woman wearing a black latex suit — Latex and Leather | Image: Supplied

25. Latex and Leather

Latex and leather fetishes involve sexual attraction to or arousal from wearing these materials or seeing others wearing them. The appeal of these materials may be related to the tight, form-fitting nature of the garments, the sensory experience, or the association with BDSM culture. As with other kinks, communication and consent are essential when exploring latex and leather fetishes.

A woman in scrubs wearing face mask and holding a white stick — Medical Play | Image: Supplied

26. Medical Play

Medical play is a type of role-playing that involves acting out medical scenarios, such as examinations or treatments, in a sexual context. This kink might be related to power dynamics, vulnerability, or the fetishization of medical settings or procedures. Practising medical play safely requires understanding the limits of role-playing, communicating boundaries, and ensuring informed consent.

Edited image of a giant woman in sportswear standing inside a stadium — Macrophilia | Image: Getty

27. Macrophilia

Macrophilia involves sexual attraction to or arousal from the fantasy of interacting with giant beings or being a giant being oneself. This kink may be related to power dynamics, vulnerability, or the novelty of the fantasy. As with other kinks, engaging in macrophilia safely requires communication and consent when exploring with a partner.

Pair of hands attaching electrode pads to the back of another person — Electrostimulation | Image: Microgen

28. Electrostimulation

Electrostimulation involves using electrical currents to stimulate the nerves and muscles for sexual pleasure. Devices like violet wands or TENS units are often used for this purpose. The appeal of electrostimulation may be related to the unique sensations it produces or the novelty of the experience. Practising electrostimulation safely requires an understanding of the devices, and potential risks, and maintaining communication and consent with a partner.

Blue denim pants with urine stain — Omorashi | Image: ImagePixel

29. Omorashi

Omorashi involves arousal from having a full bladder or witnessing someone with a full bladder. This kink might be related to submission, humiliation, or the sensory experience of the act. As with other fetishes, practicing omorashi safely requires communication and consent.

Remember, no matter what your kink or fetish may be, the most important aspect of exploring these interests is ensuring that they are consensual, safe, and respectful to all parties involved. Clear communication and an understanding of personal boundaries are key to enjoying these experiences in a healthy, enjoyable way.

Laura Miano is a Sex Therapist in Training whose passion is centred on breaking down barriers surrounding sexuality and encouraging people to explore their sexuality in new ways. She celebrates diversity and believes that each individual is entitled to their own sexual identity. To contact her or see more of her content, email [email protected] or follow @lauramianosexology.