What pieces of Leather mean to me.

-Small disclaimer: The following is not about the way leather is earned for every household/person, nor is it about the way leather should be earned as a whole. The following is about what the various pieces mean to me.--
My hope with posting this is that it may help those that have desire to learn about Leather get a start in some way, shape or form. Again, this is not the “one true way” to earn/award Leather, it is simple a way that it can be done. If you don’t agree with this format, tweak it so that it fits you or don’t use it at all. If you do like it, by all means use it as a foundation for your own journey and growth. I simply hope that by reading this it sparks your interest enough to keep learning and pursue your goals, whatever they may be.
Boots: With thick soles and tough leather, your boots are designed to save your feet from whatever life may throw your way; they are your base and foundation.

• For these reasons I believe that boots should be given once someone has a steady base and foundation in the Leather lifestyle. They should understand what it means to be Leather, some Leather history, understand how to care for leather, and are firm in their want to live their life as a person in Leather. They are not expected to be an expert in anything but they should show a drive to excel in whatever they do.

Belt: Belts keep your pants up, plain and simple (because showing your ass isn’t always the best idea).

• In my opinion belts should be given once someone has shown that they have enough knowledge to cover their own butt in times of need. Even if they do not know the exact answer that is needed, this person knows how to find the answer in a prompt manner. This person should be at the point of being at an intermediate level on a fair amount of subjects though still not expected to have mastered any one thing.

Pants/Chaps/Skirt: These articles give your lower body extra shelter and comfort from what could otherwise be harsh situations. Once again, they also assist with keeping your ass covered.

• Pants, chaps, and/or skirts should, in my opinion, be given after the Belt as a re-affirmation that the receiver can cover their backside, not only with words but with action as well. The receiving of pants/chaps/skirts should be because the person has done something that sparked an “ah ha!” moment in the giver’s head. Whether it is an awesome discussion/class or scene, this person knows what they’re doing and is stepping into being considered at an advanced level in one or two topics and still furthering their education in things they are less knowledgeable of.

Shirt: Shirts are made to cover your back. Similar to their bottom counterparts, they help protect the wearer from the elements.

• Shirts, I believe, should be given out in a similar fashion to pants/chaps/skirts as a way of showing that the wearer is competent enough to cover their own back without having to be watched over by the community for mistakes that a novice may make. Again they should be at an advanced level in a couple topics and furthering their education in the other areas. (See “Corset” below for further information on when a Shirt may be given)

Corset: Corsets specifically are made for support as well as looking good.

• Corsets should, in my mind, be given to those who have shown that they support the community, locally especially. They have proven themselves to be a pillar of their community, well respected and valued. For those who do not wish to wear a corset, a shirt may be given in place for the same reasons.

Vest: Throughout history vests, or waistcoats, were used as a sign of fashion and pomp. They added that extra flair that nobles loved and continued into modern day as a way of dressing up an outfit.

• I believe vests should be given to those who deserve that extra bit of flair and respect. A vest shows that the wearer knows what they’re talking about and can more than back it up with action, respectfully. Just as it brings an outfit all together in everyday life, a vest should represent someone that has it all together. The wearer has shown proficiency in the Leather lifestyle as a whole, community service, teaching and educating, a plethora of play styles and safety, and T.H.I.R.D. as a whole.

Cover: In military promotion ceremonies the cover is the last thing given to the officer receiving the promotion by someone that has significant meaning to them.

• In the same respect the cover is the last thing given to a person of Leather as significance of mastery. Whether Dominant/Top or submissive/bottom, this person has mastered first and foremost themselves, for if you cannot master yourself, attempting to master anything/anyone else will fail. This person may not be “into” all aspects of the Lifestyle but they are still very knowledgeable in them. They are also an exemplary model of Leather as a whole, including, but not limited to: community service, teaching and education, play styles and safety, and T.H.I.R.D.

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--Specialty Items: There are two other items that I believe to be important, though they may not be commonly used in the Leather lifestyle --
Gloves: Originally used to give hands extra warmth and protection, gloves may at times be considered luxury items, even when worn in situations of service (such as a butler’s gloves).

• Though it may not follow with the same reasoning as gloves have been given in the past, I believe that gloves should be given to someone that has shown a vast proficiency in the line of service. Whether it is teaching/training others how to become more proficient in service or demonstrating their ability to provide service, this person is service oriented and will do what they can to spread that love with others.

Spurs: Used to help “persuade” horses to get moving as well as being a sign of Knighthood in the medieval time period, spurs are not something commonly seen lately but still can have a great deal of significance.

• For this reason I believe that spurs should be given to those who have shown that they have the “get up and go” attitude and can “get things moving.” Ideally spurs should come after a vest since they wearer has already shown aptitude towards many skills and an overall “knightly” air about them. The wearer has shown proficiency in the Leather lifestyle as a whole, community service, teaching and educating, a plethora of play styles and safety, and T.H.I.R.D. as a whole.