10 Uncommon Fetishes You’ve Probably Never Heard Of, Explained

Let’s face it: humans are inherently peculiar creatures. We have full conversations with our pets, believe the stars' alignment at birth shapes our personalities, and willingly eat foods we know will set our mouths on fire. So, it’s no surprise that our sexuality includes some wonderfully unique interests. You probably have a neighbor who’s into leather, a boss who loves a good tickle, or a friend with a thing for balloons (don’t pop it till you try it). 

Fetishes are often met with that judgmental, pearl-clutching look. But here’s the thing: fetishes are way more common than you think. A recent study in Montreal found that almost half of the folks interviewed were aroused or intrigued by at least one type of uncommon desire, and 33% had acted on this desire. As a sex educator who works with people with uncommon desires, I’ve truly seen it all and for the vast majority of people, fetishes add a sense of playfulness and pleasure to the lives of those who embrace them.

In this article, we’re delving into ten lesser-known fetishes, explaining what they’re all about, and providing guidance on exploring them safely and consensually. 

What is a fetish?

I define fetishes as “an enduring fascination with a specific sensory element, such as a body part, body action, or object. These elements of desire are typically not regarded as sexual by most of the population.” Fetishes tend to begin during sexual development and be specific, long-lasting, and powerful. Although it is a common misconception that exploring one’s fetish is necessary for arousal, in my experience many people with fetishes have a lot of varied desires. For example, I spoke to someone with a sneeze fetish who shared, “I love long makeout sessions, eye contact during sex, erotic massages, and sneezes.”

What makes fetishists unique is they see that extra sexy something that others don’t see in their fetish object. As a fellow foot fetishist describes, “It’s like trying to explain to someone what’s so sexy about asses or breasts. You can talk all you want about how soft, round and cute they are, but if someone doesn’t get it on their own, no amount of explaining will change that. The same is true for feet. They just look beautiful to me. I could tell you that I like nice, round toes, nicely curved arches, well-shaped soles etc. but it wouldn’t mean anything to you.”  

What’s the Difference Between a Fetish and a Kink?

Although the terms kink and fetish are often used interchangeably - they have different meanings.

A kink is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of  “unconventional” desires or sexual practices, which are often flexible and shift over time through experiences and exploration. Power play, role play, public sex, BDSM, or exhibitionism are examples of kinks. 
A fetish, on the other hand, is more specific and long-lasting, involving a focus on a particular object, body part, or body action. While kinks can develop at any age (often through sexual experiences), fetishes tend to emerge at a younger age and are often deeply ingrained and less likely to change. 

How to Communicate Your Fetish to Your Partner

Sharing a sexual fetish with a partner is difficult in a world that is still struggling to become sex-positive. How can one set the stage to talk about an uncommon desire?

Bring it up in a non-sexual setting. If you’re ready to share, pick a relaxed and low-pressure environment - like a casual date or a cozy night in. Use this time to open up a broader conversation about fantasies and desires, creating a safe and playful space for the discussion.

Ask them about their desires. Show genuine curiosity about your partner's pleasure by asking what excites them. This approach not only encourages openness but also demonstrates that the conversation is about mutual exploration, not just your interests.

Reflect on your desires. Before bringing up your fetish, think about what specifically excites you and how you’d like to explore it with your partner. For instance, if you’re into feet, clarify what that looks like for you: Is it a foot massage during foreplay? Kissing or licking your partner’s feet? The clearer you are, the easier it will be to explain - and the more confident you'll feel sharing it.
  

How to Set Boundaries During Fetish Play

To engage in responsible fetish play you need to start by having a conversation with your partner about their yes’s, maybe’s and no’s. If you are the partner with the fetish, consider writing a short story or sharing visual examples to clarify your desires and give your partner a clear fetish explanation. Have a candid conversation about what turns you on and listen to what your partner is open to exploring and what boundaries they hold. Developing safe fetish practices involves starting slow, creating a safe word, and checking in with your partner every step of the way. 

Rare Fetishes to Explore

Latex Fetish

Many fetishes involve an enjoyment of different materials, including latex, rubber, leather or silicone. Latex fetishists often enjoy the way latex clings to the skin like a second layer, creating a heightened sense of touch that can be both erotic and empowering. For others, the arousal associated with latex stems from the sense of being hidden or transformed. Others find pleasure in the sound and smell of latex, which can evoke an almost primal sensory response (give it a sniff!). A fun component of having a latex fetish is exploring the fetish wear and kinky outfits!

Tickling Fetish

A tickling fetish, also known as knismolagnia, involves deriving pleasure from the act of being tickled or tickling others. For some, the sensation of tickling is intensely stimulating, creating a mix of physical arousal and uncontrollable laughter. The dynamic often includes elements of power exchange, as the person being tickled loses control. The fetish can focus on specific areas of the body, such as the feet, ribs, or neck, and may be combined with sensory play like with feathers and ticklers, impact play or bondage or other BDSM tools to heighten the experience. 

Balloon Fetish (Looners)

One of my favorite unique fetish communities are the looners - those who feel arousal from the sight, touch, or sound of balloons. This fetish often develops from a balloon phobia which becomes eroticized over time. The looner community includes the poppers (who are into balloons popping) and the non-poppers (who will do anything to prevent a balloon from popping).  The poppers go so far as to describe a balloon popping before they are done as synonymous with when your vibrator dies just when you’re at the edge of orgasm. This community reframes balloons as a kinky toy - which can be used to have sex on, as a tool of stimulation, or to have as a sexy prop. 

Carpet Fetish

A carpet fetish is when someone is turned on by the idea of being wrapped in a carpet and stepped on. The feeling of being stepped on, coupled with the weight and texture of the carpet can feel very arousing to the carpet men. There are not one but two carpet men who hold down the streets of New York. I first met Georgio Carpet at a kinky event when I accidentally stepped on him when trying to order a drink. I later interviewed him and he shared,  “You know some people want to grow up and be a fireman or a doctor, well I’ve always wanted to be a carpet.” He is truly living his best life, being a carpet at kinky events in Brooklyn all the time!

Food Fetish (Sploshing)

A food fetish, sometimes called “sploshing” when it’s messy or wet, involves the eroticization of foods like whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or if you want to get George Costanza about it, messier options like a pastrami sandwich. The sensory experience - sticky, gooey, or slippery textures - heightens the arousal for many as well as combining the pleasure of eating with other pleasures. Although bringing whipped cream into the bedroom may be an easier sell than sandwiches - all ways to explore food and sexuality are equally valid and can drive exploration with different types of pleasure.

Quicksand Fetish

Quicksand fetish involves being into the concept of someone sinking or being partially submerged in quicksand. Some are drawn to the physical sensations or visual aspects of quicksand, such as the way mud or sand clings to the body, adding an erotic tactile component. Others are aroused by losing control and vulnerability, submitting to the power of the quicksand. While actual quicksand isn’t really safe or easy to find, using sandboxes or mud pits can provide a similar sensation for safe exploration. Quicksand fetish used to be more common when quicksand was prominent in movies (like Indiana Jones), but now it is less likely to become a fetish - showing the power that pop culture and media have to impact fetish development. 

Sneezing Fetish

The sound or sensation of sneezing is incredibly sexy to some people. Like an orgasm, sneezing involves someone losing control, making a face, and sometimes having some liquid come out. Indeed, there is a Reddit thread of faces, asking people to postulate if the person is sneezing or having an orgasm, as they look so similar. I’ve talked to many people with fetishes about their different sneeze preferences, where some enjoy softer gentler sneezes and others enjoy noisy sneezes that come in threes. 

Diaper fetish

Diaper fetish or ABDL (Adult Baby/Diaper Lover), involves arousal from wearing, using, or seeing others in diapers. For some, this fetish is tied to a sense of regression, comfort, or caregiving, allowing them to embrace a childlike role or experience nurturing from a partner. What better way to feel free of adulting than to be in a diaper?  Others may enjoy the tactile sensations of the diaper itself or the taboo nature of choosing to engage in a practice that some may even view as ridiculous (which can be part of the appeal!). 

Vore (Vorarephilia)

Vore is a fetish involving the fantasy of being consumed or consuming someone else. This often includes scenarios where someone is swallowed whole, shrinking down magically, or being eaten by a fantastical creature. In my work, I helped a couple plan to make a sexy mouth fort so they could safely explore this fantasy. The appeal of this fetish often lies in the intimacy of being eaten and the vulnerability and power dynamics of being someone's lunch. The Vore community is highly creative, with an abundance of artwork, stories, and roleplay scenarios bringing these fantasies to life. 

Bicycle Fetish

A bicycle fetish is often tied to the tactile, aesthetic, or sensory aspects of cycling. Enthusiasts may be drawn to the sleek design, the feel of the materials, or the rhythmic motion of pedaling. The fetish can also stem from the physical sensations of riding, such as the vibrations - which can feel arousing even for those without a bike fetish! For others, the imagery of bicycles - such as the curves of the frame, the treads of a tire, or the shine of the metal -evokes a sense of eroticism. I talked to someone with a bike fetish and she shared that she is particular about who she rides bikes with because it is a connected pleasurable experience for her.  

Tools and Toys for Kink and Fetish Play

Exploring fetishes invites creativity, and incorporating toys can elevate the experience to new heights. With so many types of fetishes and kinks, the options for fetish gear are just as diverse, providing endless opportunities to enhance pleasure.
Here are some ideas to consider:

Panty Vibrators

With any fetish or kink, one partner can learn all about their partner’s fantasies and then talk them through a sexy scenario while they are wearing a panty vibe. Feeling daring? Give your partner the control and wear the Lock n Play Panty Vibe in public and see how long you can keep a straight face while you talk about your fetish fantasies with your partner.

Collars and Leashes

Many kinks and fetishes include elements of control and power. Using leashes and collars can create a sense of surrender and submission, perfect for certain fetishes such as tickling or vore. Whether it’s kinky toys, BDSM toys, or fetish-specific items, these tools help bring fantasies to life.

Blindfolds and Masks

Restricting one sense, like sight, can amplify others. Many fetishes such as carpet or latex fetish are very sensory, so putting on a blindfold or a mask can enhance the experience by heightening touch, sound, and anticipation.

Explore, discover, and embrace your kinks

Fetishes remind us of the vast diversity of human desire, showing that our unique turn-ons are not just quirks but meaningful parts of who we are. I hope this fetish guide has been helpful in learning about uncommon fetishes, the safest ways to explore fetishes, addressing common misconceptions, and providing some playful tips to enhance your fetish exploration.

Niki Davis-Fainbloom is a Canadian-born, New Orleans-based sex educator, writer, researcher, and coach. Since receiving her Master’s degree studying the psychology of sexual dysfunction from NYU, she has facilitated hundreds of sexual education workshops at locations including Planned Parenthood, New York University, and The United Nations. Her work blends cutting-edge research, humor, and practical advice to help people develop the skills to build deeper connections and experience more satisfying intimacy. Specializing in kinks and fetishes, Niki has built a thriving coaching practice that helps individuals and couples embrace their unique desires. After completing advanced studies in Sex Therapy at Guelph University, she has focused her work on demystifying fetishes, reducing stigma, and empowering people to integrate their desires into fulfilling and healthy romantic and sexual relationships.