Different strokes for different folks (Picture: Getty Images)
Some people are born with their fetishes, some experts believe.
Yes, even loving used underwear.
Melissa Cook, resident sex therapist at SofiaGray, a used underwear buying and selling platform, tells Metro.co.uk this is a more common fetish than you might think.
‘An underwear fetish is when someone gets highly aroused by underwear or undergarments such as socks and tights,’ she says.
‘In these cases, someone may experience arousal or sexual desire by underwear as a whole, or even a specific style or colour of an undergarment.
‘Some people simply need to see or feel the underwear for them to be aroused whereas others are aroused by wearing it or a partner wearing it.
‘Some individuals prefer to smell and handle the underwear, especially when the fetish is associated with used underwear. Others may want to collect used underwear.’
There are plenty of ways this fetish can take shape – different people can be drawn to different aspects of used underwear.
‘Some people simply need to see or feel the underwear for them to be aroused.’ (Picture: Getty Images)
For some people, it’s thinking about what the wearer would have done while wearing them, while for others it can be about the sensorial experience of touch and smell.
Melissa explains: ‘When someone has a fetish associated with worn underwear, they usually fantasise over what has been done while someone was wearing the underwear.
‘As well as this, these individuals will typically experience a sexual urge because of the unusual nature of their fetish.
‘The underwear will also likely contain an odour which includes pheromones and can add to the sexual excitement.’
Melissa has seen people request certain types of used underwear worn in specific contexts, such as knickers worn at work or even the gym.
‘I think the most important thing to remember is that there isn’t a one size fits all when it comes to underwear fetishes,’ she adds.
Research hasn’t been able to agree upon why some people develop a used underwear fetish.
A study in the BMJ says any fetishism ‘can originate in childhood’, and others suggest people are simply born with it – like sexuality.
‘Some studies believe that those with worn underwear fetishes developed it because they associate underwear to a time when they were discovering their sexuality at a young age,’ Melissa says.
‘Other studies determine this type of fetish to the thrill and unusual nature of it.
‘Some experts believe that fetishes are simply something we’re born with in the same way that we are also born with our sexuality.’
There isn’t a clear conclusion, but one thing’s for sure: used underwear fetishes are increasingly becoming more common.
An Italian study, Melissa cites, of 5,000 individuals from 381 fetish discussion groups found that 12% had an underwear fetish.
‘I think used underwear fetishes are becoming more common because it’s now easier than ever to buy and sell worn undergarments,’ Melissa explains.
‘There are specific websites purely for this which has undoubtedly opened our eyes to new experiences.
‘Whereas years ago, you might not have heard of this.
‘It’s also easier than ever for people to buy and sell used underwear anonymously – further adding to the thrill and excitement of the fetish.
‘What’s more, fetishes including used underwear fetishes can be incorporated into a healthy relationship including those long-distance relationships.
‘It’s not uncommon for couples to send worn underwear back and forth in order to feel closer to their partner.’
Whether it’s for solo pleasure or to enjoy with a partner, used underwear fetishes are enjoyed by many.
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‘It’s not uncommon for couples to send worn underwear in order to feel closer to their partner.’
