'Fetish of the year' has been revealed - it's not what you'd expect

You've heard of 'word of the year' - but have you ever considered what the 'fetish of the year' would be?

Now, whether you're sexually adventurous or stick to what you know, it's clear we're all uniquely different when it comes to what we do between the sheets.

With that said, however, certain stats and data crop up from time to time which appear to reveal specific trends that have been popular over a certain period of time - just look at at three most-searched porn categories of 2025.

While it may feel a tad embarrassing at first to tell your partner what you're into when it comes to the bedroom, according to Leigh Norén, sex therapist and coach at Leigh Norén Coaching & Therapy, embracing your kinks can 'deepen intimacy and trust in a relationship'.

"By opening up this conversation, you can unleash potential excitement and curiosity but also confront and possibly dismantle fears of judgment or rejection. It’s scary taking the first step, but if you have a safe space with your partner, you’ll be okay," she assures.

Experts have explained the benefits of opening up about your kinks to your partner (Tara Moore / Getty Images)

Leigh says you can best open up about your kinks by 'coming at it from a place of strengthening the relationship'.

"These conversations can strengthen intimate bonds when approached thoughtfully. Your fears of negative reactions might be unfounded, based on outdated stigmas or personal insecurities," she adds.

"Many partners are more receptive than we expect. Therefore, considering sharing those desires, understanding your own mixed feelings - such as guilt, fear, and excitement - can prepare you emotionally for a conversation that could invigorate your relationship"

So, on the subject of kinky chatter, it has been revealed what the 'fetish of the year' was, and it's not what you'd expect at all.

At the end of last year, Clips4Sale, one of the leading platforms for ethical kink and fetish content, revealed its 'fetish of the year' prediction.

And as per Cosmopolitan, they said that 2025 would be all about chastity - citing a 71 percent increase in sales for chastity content on its site in 2024.

The fetish of 'chastity' isn't actually as non-sexual as it may sound (PeopleImages / Getty Images)

The Cambridge Dictionary definition of chastity is: "The state of not having sexual relationships or never having had sex."

So, in short, 'no sex' was the fetish of the year - but it's not as non-sexual as it sounds.

Cosmo's 'Navigating Non-Monogamy' columnist Zachary Zane explained: "A chastity kink is where someone derives sexual pleasure from the idea of sexual restraint or denial."

Meanwhile, Dominatrix Countess Diamond told the publication: "At its core, a chastity kink revolves around control, denial, and the voluntary restriction of sexual gratification."

I wonder what the 'fetish of the year' will be for 2026...