Levis, Leather, and Love

By Kevin Perry

Our hometown is the ultimate playground. You get friendly, you get sweaty, and you might get a couple of skinned knees [ALT: and you might get dirty], but it’s all in the name of good, clean(ish) Palm Springs leather fun. And as with any playground, some of us prefer to play a bit rough.

Well, we’ve got you covered… but just barely.

The Palm Springs leather scene celebrates a bit of the grittiest and gruntiest. It’s more than just a leather fashion statement; it can be a dance of empowerment and raw fun. So bring the testosterone tango out of the shadows and into the disco spotlight.

Tool Shed

600 East Sunny Dunes, Palm Springs | 10 am – 2 am daily

The buzz of a nearby streetlight tells the tale: the bar you are about to enter is safe yet secluded (and a bit on the dark side). Tool Shed is a short jaunt south of the bustling Arenas scene, and well worth the journey. You muscle your way into the intimate space, festooned by burly shoulders and bearded smiles.

The welcome wagon has never been this alluring.

If the bar area becomes too condensed, you can always step out to the smoking patio. There, you’ll find denizens enjoying cigarettes, medicinal fare, and oh-so-suggestive cigars. Now, catch your breath; the bar beckons you anew.

Rough Trade Gear

321 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs

To gear up (pun firmly intended) for your leather vacation, this destination is a must. From chaps to straps, Rough Trade is stocked with enough naughty and nice to make St. Nick blush. Conveniently located across the street from Hunters, this daddy depot provides upscale products for down-and-dirty shenanigans. So, lace up those boots – the tour continues…

Off Ramp Leather

650 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Unit 3,  Palm Springs

This is the Palm Springs leather place to buy you custom motorcycle leathers by Paul Johnson.  He also offers some off the rack items like belts, ties, lanyards, and vests.  If you’re like the boys at Off Ramp Leathers, your leathers are precious. Exceptional customer service is Number One. They will bend over backwards to make sure every customer is satisfied with their work. ONE MAN, ONE MACHINE, ONE PIECE AT A TIME. GUARANTEED. Paul Johnson, the creative force behind Off Ramp Leathers will repair or alter most any article of leather. Your prized leather garments will be fixed like new. And, Paul’s hand made custom leather pants, chaps, vests and shirts are among the best you will find anywhere. Paul has designed numerous one-of-a-kind title patches for the LGBT leather community’s contests, and donates to our community charitable events.

Gear Leather and Fetish

650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #1, Palm Springs

We’ve always been passionate about great gear. Whether it’s the stuff you wear to flag your fetish or the toys and equipment you play with, great gear makes sex better. And great sex makes your life better.

In 2005 we opened our retail showroom to share our passion for great gear with the world.  Our beautiful, light-filled shopping environment, outstanding service and exceptional curated collection of quality fetish products quickly earned us widespread customer and industry acclaim.

Our inventory includes over 2500 square feet of leather and neoprene clothing and accessories, BDSM gear, boots, briefs, jocks, socks, tees, gym wear, toys, and even playroom equipment.

Events

Palm Springs Leather Pride, Every October

International Bear Convergence , Every February

Hot n Dry, Four fun days of sobriety, fellowship, and sunshine, Every June

Blatino Oasis California, California’s Ultimate Gay and Bisexual Men Of Color Getaway & Retreat, usually the first weekend of May

PALM SPRINGS LEATHER ORDER of the DESERT