Uniforms—fact, fashion, fantasy and fetish

Abstract

A uniform is a prescribed set of clothes which enables the observer to identify the wearer's organization or affiliation. Uniforms serve various other purposes, too, including functional ones. People have also been attracted to uniforms as part of fetishistic behaviour and fantasy. The interest of sexologists and sex therapists in uniforms derives from this aspect. This paper discusses some of these issues and outlines underlying aetiological theories about factors which may lead to an attraction towards uniforms. The roles of perceived power and of other paraphilias in relation to such attraction are discussed. Uniforms and attraction towards uniforms are not necessarily pathological; however, their study will contribute to our understanding of other fetishes and of normal attraction.