The word "fetish" has been around for centuries, but it wasn't until the late 19th century that it became associated with sexual desire. In the early 20th century, Freud popularized the concept of fetishes as objects or parts of the body that became eroticized due to trauma. This led to taboos against certain types of sex play and made them more desirable. Over time, fetishism evolved into an accepted part of BDSM culture. Taboo often used thicker, glossier stock—adding to its collectible appeal and treating fetish imagery with editorial prestige. Nowadays, printed media is increasingly available online rather than in print, so print magazines like Taboo are rare. However, they remain a significant part of fetish history. High-quality paper adds to the magazine's value and appeal. It also makes images clearer and more vivid, making them more likely to be appreciated by collectors. Fetishists often prefer high-quality paper because it feels better in their hands and lasts longer than cheaper rags. Some even believe it enhances the illusion of taboo by adding weight and texture. Taboo was one of the first adult publications to use this premium material, which set it apart from other magazines and earned it a cult following among fetishists. The extra cost paid off in terms of long-term sales success. Printed on high-quality paper, compared to cheaper adult rags, Taboo often used thicker, glossier stock—adding to its collectible appeal and treating fetish imagery with editorial prestige.
Sexual desires can take many forms, but not all of them fit neatly into traditional categories like heterosexuality or homosexuality. For some people, wearing clothes or using objects as sexual props becomes a part of their identity. These individuals may develop intense fetishes that focus on specific body parts or activities. A common example is foot fetishism, where someone finds feet arousing and seeks out partners who allow them to touch, lick, kiss, or suck their feet. Foot fetishists often have strong feelings about shoe size, shape, color, and style. They may also enjoy seeing feet in stockings, boots, or other types of footwear. Other fetishes include BDSM, roleplay, and crossdressing.
BDSM refers to bondage, discipline, domination, submission, and sadomasochism. This involves consensually engaging in activities that may cause pain, humiliation, or both. People who participate in BDSM may be submissive or dominant, depending on what they find erotic. Popular fantasies include spanking, whipping, tying up, and being restrained in various ways. Some people enjoy being tied up while others prefer giving orders. Many BDSM enthusiasts use high-quality materials when creating gear, such as leather or latex. This adds to the realism of the experience and makes it feel more intense. Roleplay is similar to BDSM but involves acting out scenarios rather than simply experiencing sensations. Crossdressers enjoy dressing in clothing typically worn by the opposite sex for pleasure. It can involve anything from wearing undergarments to full-body costumes like a maid's uniform. These individuals often identify with the gender they are pretending to be and may even take hormones to feminize or masculinize themselves. Printed on high-quality paper, compared to cheaper adult rags, Taboo often used thicker, glossier stock—adding to its collectible appeal and treating fetish imagery with editorial prestige.
Taboo was one of the first publications to explore these niche interests and helped popularize them among mainstream audiences. Its focus on taboo subjects and use of high-quality materials made it stand out from other magazines. Today, many fetishists still seek out vintage copies because they want to relive their youth or appreciate history. The magazine also provides an inside look at how sexuality has evolved over time.