10 Common Sexual Fetishes, Explained

Human beings are weird little creatures. We invented taxes, HOA meetings, and Crocs, so let's stop pretending that liking stockings or handcuffs is where society finally crossed the line.

Sexual fetishes are far more common than most people realize, and despite the mysterious reputation, many are surprisingly ordinary. Some revolve around specific clothing, body parts, sensations, power dynamics, or experiences.

Whether you're curious or cautiously exploring, here's a look at some of the most common sexual fetishes.

FOOT FETISH | Podophilia

We did the footwork.

Think this fetish is weird? Clearly, you've got no sole. Foot fetishes are so common that at this point they're basically the Honda Accord of kinks.

Foot fetishes can involve shoes, stockings, heels, arches, toes, and pretty much anything happening below the ankle. Sometimes it's the shape, and yes, sometimes it's just the smell.

We still don't fully understand why some people are wired this way, but on humanity's Richter scale of weird, this barely registers.

Speaking of Feet... Somebody Made THIS »

CUCKOLDING FETISH | Troilism

"That's a terrible idea. Can my husband watch?"

When most couples try to spice things up, they think of lingerie, candles, or a weekend getaway. Cuckolding takes that idea and responds with, "Take my wife, please." Somewhere out there, a guy is booking a hotel room and quietly wondering if they offer seating with a better view of the bed.

Cuckolding is one of the most searched sexual fetishes and often overlaps with Hotwife culture, power dynamics, humiliation play, and partner-sharing fantasies. In many cases, the attraction isn't just the event itself; it's the entire dynamic that comes with it.

FYI: This is also one of those hobbies where everybody involved should probably have a robe handy before room service arrives. (You're welcome.)

The Cuck Chair has entered the chat.»

EXHIBITIONISM FETISH

"LOOK AT MEEEEE"

Most people prefer to keep their sexual proclivities hidden away behind closed doors. Exhibitionists looked at that concept and said, "Nah." Think influencer energy, except the content they're trying to share with the world is their junk.

Exhibitionism often revolves around excitement tied to being seen, noticed, or adding anticipation to the mix. It can overlap with public fantasies, wearable toys, and a little audience participation. For many people, the thrill isn't getting caught — it's the possibility that they might get caught. Nobody wants a public indecency charge, but "what if somebody sees?" can be a powerful little voice.

But sending an unsolicited dick pic? That's neither cool nor erotic. Don't do that.

About That "What If Somebody Sees?" Thing... »

MONSTER FETISH | Teratophilia

"Hear Me Out."

Mystified by the Lovecraftian rise of monster and tentacle fantasies? As they say, one person's nightmare is another person's Hentai. Somewhere out there, a person looked at fangs, horns, claws, tentacles, and creatures from another dimension and thought, "Yes, RAW."

Monster fetishes can cover a surprisingly wide spectrum: dragons, demons, centaurs, ogres, tentacles, dinosaurs, and even unicorns for people operating on the Lisa Frank side of the internet. Apparently ordinary humans weren't getting the job done.

Just remember: if you can dream it, somebody probably turned it into a dildo.

Abandon Reality, All Ye Who Enter Here »

BONDAGE FETISH | BDSM

Because these boots aren't going to lick themselves.

Once upon a time, bondage was tucked away in the dark corners of the internet. Then somebody handed your aunt a copy of Fifty Shades of Grey and suddenly everybody knows what a safeword is. Welcome to the moment bondage went fully mainstream.

Even though the concept eventually jumped the shark, for real BDSM practitioners this is an art form. The ropes, cuffs, and blindfolds are just the props. Underneath it all are trust, power exchange, and dynamics that go far beyond the gear..

Just remember: calling yourself a Dom because you enjoy telling people what to do is like calling yourself a chef because you own a microwave.

The Props Department Is This Way »

EXTREME INSERTION FETISH | Polyembolokoilamania

NO HOLES BARRED.

We humans love pushing ourselves to our limits. We invented CrossFit, hot dog eating contests, and reality television. So naturally, somebody eventually looked at a dildo and asked, "But what if...bigger?" No longer relegated to the darker corners of the internet, interests like fisting, big toys, and gaping have become a BIG deal in plenty of bedrooms.

Extreme insertions can involve the mouth, vagina, or butt and appeal to people for all kinds of reasons. Some enjoy the physical intensity, some enjoy the psychological thrill, and some simply looked at moderation and decided it wasn't for them.

This is also a higher-risk type of play that requires careful preparation, communication, and enough lube to need a foot pump.

We're Going To Need A Bigger Drawer »

NYLON FETISH | LEG WORSHIP

Some people had a very different experience at JCPenney.

Paging leg lovers: a nylon fetish — yes, as in stockings and those tacky beige pantyhose your Mom used to pull out of an egg-shaped container — is absolutely a thing.

Nylon fetishes can involve stockings, pantyhose, thigh highs, and fishnets, but at the end of the day it's really about the legs and what you wrap them up in. Some people like to simply look at stockings, others like to feel them, and some people just like to awkwardly compliment other people's hosiery with excessive enthusiasm.

"Sir, you've mentioned my pantyhose six times."

Proceed To The Hosiery District »