A Bushel of Dominants: What Kind of Top Are You?

There are countless kinds of dominants.

So, to match to our article "A Parade of Submissives: What Kind of Bottom Are You?", we're exploring a few domination styles to help you budding tops discover which one you might be.

For those already experienced in the giving side of BDSM, our list might even inspire you to try something new -- or maybe learn who you truly want to be as a top.

But before we dive into the different kinds of tops out there, let us remind you: BDSM should be respectful and inclusive. Domination cannot always be "safe," as participating in edgier kinds of play is -- for some-- an alluring element of the taboo surrounding kink. However, following Risk-Aware Consensual Kink (RACK) principles can help ensure everyone involved is aware of the hazards that come along with certain BDSM activities and consents to participate despite them.

READ: BDSM 101.

With that in mind, here are a few dominant types to explore:

The Sadist

The Sadist is a person who doesn't necessarily find it pleasurable to emotionally top another person. Rather, they're into delivering intense sensations.

They don't want or need a title or protocols for behavior. They're merely after a warm bottom (quite literally sometimes) to play with.

The Leather Dom

This is someone who respects the history and traditions of BDSM leather culture.

READ: Why Leather Belongs In the Fetish Hall of Fame.

They're well-versed in the hanky code, know proper boot blacking techniques and revere the long-established rules of order for the proper wearing of a cap, a vest, or a pair of chaps -- and might even have the titles and sashes to prove it.

Bottoming to this top often involves not only physical play but the ability to recite codes of behavior as well as correctly cleaning and maintaining their dominant's leathers.

It's also fairly common for these dominants, along with those they're involved with, to consider themselves proud members of the leather community -- and not merely casual players.

The Mentor

This dominant finds pleasure in improving their submissives' lives.

This may or may not involve physical play -- though it almost always includes an aspect of striving to be a positive force in their bottom(s)' lives, using consensual power exchange to help guide and further motivate their bottoms.

This can include monitoring their diet or finances, encouraging exercise or a healthy sleep regimen while providing emotional support.

Needing to understand their desires and who they are as people, Mentors tend to be especially attuned to their submissives.

This dominant can also play a pivotal role in age play as a caring parental figure or affectionate nanny -- spanking, changing diapers or babysitting their little(s) while wearing a kind smile.

The Nobility

Though "gentleman" or "gentlewoman" can be used, "Nobility" is inclusive of all genders.

Noble tops are refined, elegant, reserved and perhaps terrifyingly intense dominants. Think Dr. Hannibal Lecter (minus the whole killing and eating people thing): a perfectly polished, thoroughly restrained top who's also burning with barely restrained ferocity.

READ: Erotica: Yes Mistress.

The Wild Thing