There are a vast range of different collars that each symbolise different things. Some relationships will only have a single collar to be given at a monumental moment of trust and commitment, such as with an engagement ring. However, others may utilise different collars for different stages of their relationship, or will provide their submissive different collars for different settings once the commitment has been made.

When it comes to the main styles of collar, it is often to be expected that a collar is made of leather and utilises a form of padlock, for the key to be kept by the dominant. This means that only the dominant is the one able to remove the collar whenever they like. More modern collars are more lightweight, as a padlock can often prove heavy on the neck, and instead incorporates different metals and locking mechanisms. For those with a more alternative style of dress, they might forego the standard collar style entirely and instead utilise tattoos, scars, alternative forms of jewellery or even no physical symbol at all, as hotly debated on chat forums.

Collars for specific settings can also include day collars, which typically consist of some type of jewellery inconspicuous to those outside of the scene. This allows for submissives to continue to work in professional settings and enjoy time with their family without having to worry about being inappropriate or having to explain their personal preferences. This also allows for the submissive to be reminded of their connection and commitment wordlessly even when away from their partner. Play collars are specific collars that are usually wider than usual and padded with cushioning. This allows for much more flexible movement as well as tugging during play, making it durable and dynamic within a play session. A posture collar is often rigid and boned, ensuring a specific form of posture to its wearer, often forcing them to stop turning their head or to realign their spine to better suit their health. A pet collar is also a collar worn by a submissive who also enjoys pet play. While not often utilising the same means of fashion as other D/S collars, these will instead likely look more similar to the traditional pets collar, such as with a little tag with their name.

Collars can also be worn to represent a period of transition in the lives of dominants and submissives, with training and consideration collars being common within the scene. Consideration collars are typically blue and are worn to show a level of commitment while both partners consider each other for a more permanent relationship and commitment. Similarly, a training collar is worn to symbolise a specific stage of the relationship where the dominant trains the submissive to a mould of relationship that will make them both happy. These collars are typically less restraining than more permanent collars, not utilising locks but instead maybe a simple buckle that is less intimidating. These collars are often red, but many also are not.

There is also a term about a “Velcro collar” that isn’t about a physical collar at all. It is instead a derogative term used on online chat communities to insult those who collar and uncollar too quickly. Since collaring is meant to be a serious, long-term commitment, those who uncollar in less than a year are often looked down upon, the same as for marriages which end quickly.