Dear Altairboy,
Here's a translation of the article in German recently posted on your site. Think of this translation as a thank you for all the time you've spent creating this site . . .).
As a fan of leather and bondage, I have always been fascinated by and interested in the stories and myths about chastity belts. These iron belts that in the Middle Ages allegedly protected the feminine sex from the clutches of undesired attention represented for me - as for many bondage lovers - a unique bondage device. Besides the obvious and intended purpose, these metal belts had the unavoidable accompanying side effect of preventing the wearer from touching herself and achieving sexual satisfaction. Belted in metal like this, she would be unable to betray her husband and was at his mercy. She was forced to be absolutely faithful to him.
The chastity belt supposedly first appeared some time between 1100-1300, although there is no proof from this era that a belt for this purpose actually existed. But whether they were real or a myth was secondary to me. Just the thought of such a device - a device that could ensure chastity, control your sexual freedom and leave you completely dependent on someone else - fascinated me. From an objective point of view, the historical iron chastity belt of the Middle Ages was not designed to fulfill the fantasies of today's SM scene. Rusty iron, primitive metal work and, in light of my recent experiences, unrealistically long periods of confinement, would make the chastity belt of the Middle Ages either a myth or an unbearably painful instrument of torture, not a wearable, useful device. Realistic reflection indicates that a damsel locked in a tight, rusty iron belt (there was no stainless steel . . .) would not stay healthy long. Consider the reality of menstruation or the danger of sores and infections that an unremovable iron belt might cause. You can be certain that these problems would ensure that a knight returning from months on Crusade would not be coming home to a lusty and passionate bride . . .
There are also some accounts - believable ones in my opinion - that explain the chastity belt as an instrument of torture from the criminal justice system used to extract confessions or as an example in the case of adultery. (Anyone who has been locked in a chastity belt will have a much better understanding of this.)
Other accounts of the origin of the chastity belt state it was used for discipline in convents or as a medical instrument to prevent masturbation, which was believed to be the cause of several diseases.
Another tradition ascribes the invention and introduction of the chastity belt to the last Tyrant of Padua (Francesco Carra) in 1395 at the time of the early Italian renaissance.
Still other accounts from the 16th and 17th century state that women from the Italian nobility, especially from Florence, wore beautiful chastity belts forged of gold and silver. This is the origin of the term "Florentine Belt" as a synonym for a chastity belt. It seems clear that the chastity belt was an expensive handmade object available only to the nobility and perhaps the wealthy merchant class.
A collection of tales called "The Conversations of Aloisia Sigea" describes the manners, morality and immorality from society at that time. It also contains a description of a chastity belt:
A perforated plate made from gold is elaborately attached by four gold chains covered in silk velvet to a waistband also made of gold. Two of these chains extend from the base of the plate and two from the top and hold it firmly in place from both sides. The belt is closed in the middle of the back above the level of the hips with a lock that is opened with a very small key. The perforated plate is approximately six inches high and three inches wide and completely covers the genitalia, extending from the thigh to the abdomen. It is impossible even to stick a fingertip behind it.
I found another unusual but believable explanation in an article in the Journal of the Society for Historical Weapons and Costumes. The author believes that the chastity belt was essentially a sex toy, and explains that we can see from religious art of the time, such as depictions of the Passion of Christ and other Biblical episodes, that our ancestors also had sadistic and masochistic tendencies. It is also completely possible that people at that time took the opportunity to fulfill secret and unusual desires and that perhaps the supposed chastity belt was used as a kind of pornographic/fetish item. Why not? This would explain the historical illustrations of elaborately decorated chastity belts lined with velvet and silk. Why shouldn't today's current inclination to SM be an integral part of our history as well? Aren't we still today fascinated by the aesthetics of bondage-related body adornments and our bound and suffering slave?
No matter which explanation for the origin of the chastity belt you choose to believe, rest assured that there still exist today artisans who pursue their creation with great passion. I would like to share my experiences about what qualities to look for in these truly devilish devices, and what kind of agonizing suffering the wearer must endure.
Even after I had decided to be fitted for this steel "Chains of Venus" I was plagued by questions. Could the chastity belt be worn undetected under regular clothing? Or would its treacherous outline reveal my (secret) inclination? How much would the steel belt interfere with movement in my daily life? What about hygiene? How long could you safely stay locked in? How do you deal with urination and defecation while under lock and key? How painful would it be if sexual tension could not be released? Questions and more questions that I can now answer from my own experience.
The basic form for the design, material and manufacture of the chastity belt is taken from the historical description: The top of a wide shield that covers the genital area is locked to the front of a metal belt that sits above the hips. The bottom of the shield passes between the legs and over the bum and is fastened permanently to the waistband.
The male chastity belt (a more recent invention) has a special little feature that prevents expansion, growth, erection, ejaculation and touching - a small and very tight tube pointing downwards imprisons the penis. This treacherous tube that adorns the front shield of the male chastity belt is truly devilish. It keeps the penis completely motionless and is the heart of an effective chastity belt. Therefore it requires special care in its manufacture.
If you want a secure and inescapable chastity belt based on the historical example, you must exclude leather, latex and other similar materials. Precious metals like silver or gold may make attractive and expensive body jewelry, but they cannot create an effective belt that can stay locked for extended periods. For a really sturdy chastity belt the only choice is high-grade steel. Hygiene, durability, stability and security, as well as the needed malleability of the material, make V2A or V4A steel the only choice. Every other metal (for example, chrome-plated brass) is too weak and not hygienic enough. If you don't want a mere sex toy or piece of body adornment, but want a really effective "Guardian of Virtue", then take my advice and have the belt made of stainless steel.
Today as in the past, the individual's body shape, the aesthetic sensibilities of the manufacturer (and wearer?) as well as the practical knowledge of the artisan crafting the belt are all important considerations. Effectiveness and comfort can be perfectly combined, but as in the past, the belt must be "tailor made" to the individual.
In the search for a real metalsmith for my chastity belt, I came across a few manufacturers who made secure belts that could be locked for extended periods of time. A friend and fellow fetishist had his steel belt made in America. A very beautiful thing, with absolutely no hinges and easy to wear! In the description of the "Ceinture de Chastete" it says:
There is a tube for the penis that is locked to the front shield with a separate locking system. The penis is inserted in the downward pointing tube and this is attached behind the front shield; then the position of the tube can be adjusted and fitted until the imprisoned penis is held firmly in place. Only then is this tube locked into place to the front shield with its own locking mechanism.
The locking system is so clever and unique that it offers no target for any desperate escape attempt. The waistband and steel shield are lined with rubber to prevent abrasions, and showering and bathing are both possible while in the belt. The front shield tapers toward the bottom and ends just before the anus, from which point two close-meshed chains extend across each buttock and are permanently fastened to the waistband. In this way, the front shield and penis tube stay in place no matter what body movements are made. This belt design does have one small flaw - a security loophole - because it is possible to touch the tip of the penis with your finger, but then you can't get much of an erection anyway!
With my belt, made by the Atelier in Cologne, the curved penis tube is covered at the tip so that absolutely no contact with the penis is possible. To allow urination and water flow, there are small holes at the tip no larger than the width of a match stick. The tube itself is joined to the front shield, that is shaped like an athletic cup (so that there is plenty of room under the shield). The edges of the cup press firmly against the body and completely cover the crotch between the legs. This way it is impossible to touch anything even with the fingertips and the whole genital area is almost hermetically sealed.
I had the waistband measured and made so that it is higher over the hips than at the front and back. That way the belt rests firmly on the hip bones and is held in place by bone structure. It is therefore impossible to pull the belt down over the hips. This and several other small features of the steel belt make for an especially secure fit! As I already said, a chastity belt is a very personal and individual bondage device that must be custom made and fitted to the body. In order to make a truly effective belt that can remain in place for long period, it is especially important to take correct measurements! -- and not to be afraid of some constriction. The "Chains of Venus" must be firm and tight to the body everywhere, just loose enough to avoid abrasions. That way the belt is sure to follow every body movement you make.
Don't worry if it feels like a belt that is two notches too tight when you take measurements for the belt. Even with your stomach pulled in and holding your breath, the belt should feel a bit tight. Then it will fit just right! It's okay because anyone who lets himself be put in a belt is a bit of a masochist anyway! The belt (and the front shield assembly) must be really tight against the body for the penis tube to stay in place with every movement (which is especially important for a secure chastity belt). The little prisoner is kept so quiet and still in the tube, which means that you have no control or influence over him - no matter how hard you struggle. But then that's exactly what a chastity belt is supposed to do!
One other devilish piece of advice given to me by the maker of my belt was that the front shield should run from the waistband, between the legs, and back up to the waist band in one piece. As a result, the protective shield is very rigid and cannot be pulled away of hiked up from the body.
The front shield assembly acts like a kind of athletic cup that conforms to the shape of your body but allows enough space for your penis, testicles and scrotum. But you cannot expect everything to be so tight without some pressure. The edges should press tightly against your body so that you cannot wiggle a finger under the edge of the shield. The so-called "athletic cup" should reach right down between the legs, so that your whole sexual organ is securely and unreachably packed away and protected. The shield does not need to be especially wide and you will notice that the overall fit is tighter than you thought it would be. Later you will be thankful for this because it interferes less with daily activities. A good belt maker will fit the belt so exactly that you should have no real difficulties with daily use.
The band that runs between the base of the shield over the anus to the waistband should have as large an opening around the anus as possible, to help keep things clean while using the toilet during your imprisonment. Here correct measurement is absolutely imperative, so that the opening in the steel band sits exactly over your anus, because once you are locked in there is really no room to shift the position of the belt. And of course the penis tube must neither be too tight or too short. For the best fit, you must measure the penis while it is completely soft. You should test this measurement using a metal ring; otherwise, if the penis tube is too tight, you will have problems later while urinating. You must not forget that the penis swells a bit with water pressure and that if the inward pressure of the steel tube is too great, the flow of urine can be constricted or stopped. The steel tube must also be long enough that if the penis starts to become erect - even if it's restricted - it doesn't press right against the tip of the tube. Otherwise the head of the penis presses against the tiny water holes and this can cause unacceptable pain (and the possibility of injury!). The best idea is to measure the length of the erect penis and that way you know that you have chosen the correct length. It may drive you crazy later but it will definitely keep you secure and unable to achieve any satisfaction. These are only a few words of advice to follow if you are looking for an impenetrable and working chastity belt. The chastity belt maker you choose should happily - and perhaps with some sadistic satisfaction - share his experiences with you.
The moment I had my chastity belt in my hands I had to try it on. The advice for the first trial fitting was "Give yourself some time and wear the belt for a set period, because the first impression of how it fits is not always accurate." Now I can tell you what a good piece of advice this is! I know that first you will feel the belt much too tight, unwearable, too stiff and unmoving - a real monster that you just want to get out of as quickly as possible. It will exert pressure on so many spots and seem like such a complete failure that you will not be able to imagine being locked in it for any length of time because you feel so constricted by the steel and feel almost incapable of any movement at all.
You really must understand that a steel chastity belt is not comfortable - but I can assure you that you have chosen the correct belt if you are willing to start wearing it for a few hours at a time. Slowly increase the length of time in the belt day by day and soon you will be used to it. Then you'll find that you feel naked without it . . . You will discover that the chastity belt is really invisible under clothing. Guaranteed! It sits too tight to the body to be noticed. Even in shorts you won't cause any curious whispers! The locking penis tube, that seems so big on the outside but feels so small inside, isn't even noticeable under a pair of pants. Only you will be aware of the constant pressure of the steel against your waist, your groin and your bum. Only you will be aware of your strict imprisonment and your enforced chastity. You won't just be aware of chastity, it will also be physically impossible to get any sexual satisfaction. You will feel how your imprisoned member lives in its tight tube, where every movement of the steel causes arousal. But no matter what it must stay crammed in its downward pointing tube. Every lustful thought will be prevented from growing. Over time you will almost go crazy with wanting to have an erection again - but you won't be able to! You will wish you could erase your sexual desires, except that the constant presence of the belt reminds you and arouses you. You will seek distractions in vain to take your mind off the impossibility of sexual gratification because you are wretchedly trapped, disappointed and deprived.
You will curse the day that you ever put on a chastity belt that so totally and completely prevents any sexual satisfaction. Every day that you are imprisoned in steel will remind you of your helplessness and powerlessness. The convenience of urinals in public restrooms is no longer for you. Like a woman you must sit on a toilet in a stall to pee. When you momentarily forget and go to shake the dribbles from the tip of your penis, you bump into the ever present steel tube. Then you must dry the tube, but with no possibility to stimulate yourself. These small things will drive you crazy over time, wearing you down and breaking you. You will always long for the magic key that keeps you unmercifully imprisoned. Wearing the steel chastity belt, you must come to the horrible realization that you simply can no longer get an erection, or in any way directly stimulate your penis. And in a vicious circle, being encased in the chastity belt provides constant mild stimulation in every possible - and sometimes inappropriate - situation. But no one will notice this half erection but you, because the construction of the belt forces any growth down and back! Getting a visible boner in your pants is something you won't have to worry about anymore. The tight penis tube protects you from any discovery - only you will be indescribably tormented.
In time, when you are alone and erect (or more exactly, want to be erect), you will make incredible efforts and unbelievable contortions to try to achieve your wish - ejaculation. But I can assure you that you won't succeed. The steel belt rests so close to your body that it makes every move with you and only exerts the lightest, and very unsatisfying, friction on your penis. Desire and tension will grow in you, but you will have no satisfaction. You will hit the front shield, try to rip the steel belt from your body, and maybe pommel your fists against the wall as the tension in you grows, only to notice that you are accomplishing nothing. And so it will continue until you resign yourself to it and give up. The only solution is to focus your attention somewhere else.
I cannot spare you from these experiences because inevitably you will discover for yourself that a chastity belt really is the work of the devil that will torment you in indescribable ways - and I don't mean little pressure sores or other small discomforts!
I would like to finish up with some practical advice for day-to-day life with a chastity belt, so that there aren't any unnecessary problems:
[ Original German Language Article ]
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Page last updated 97-Jul-11 by: Altairboy@aol.com