Congratulations, you are about to become a part of our leather family and titleholder history.

Rough Trade Gear provides each competitor with unprecedented support and guidance. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned competitor - we look forward to having you on stage.

In Leather, ​

Rough Trade Gear and contest represent the very best of the Fetish Lifestyle. With it's goal to enhance their leather-fetish experience.

Dear Contestant, ​

Congratulations! You have stepped up and are taking part in one of the many sought out leather titles. We are excited to add you to our roster of pride as we celebrate our 27th anniversary of serving the leather and fetish community. ​

We wish you the best of luck and memories to remember. In Leather,

1. Must be at least 21 years or older as of July 30th 2026.
2. Must be a member of the LGBTQIA+ Community.
3. Must be a resident of Southern California.
4. Must have a genuine passion for Leather, BDSM or Fetish Culture.
5. Possess a valid government issued ID, such as a Driver's License or passport, issued in their own name, which will be attached to their application to show proof of age.

1. Will possibly represent Rough Trade Gear at Mr. Cuero and / or Mr Palm Springs Leather and / or International Mr. Leather.
2. Maintain positive regular social media postings to your followers
3. Support a non-profit (approved by Rough Trade Gear) of your choice.
4. Support Rough Trade Gear at all events and functions, in Los Angeles and Palm Springs.
5. Be the official representative for Rough Trade Gear during your title year.

1. Complete honesty and full disclosure are expected from all contestants. Any issues, memberships, social media posts, criminal proceedings or other matters that would reflect poorly on the individual contestant or RTGLC must be divulged to RTGLC immediately. RTGLC reserves the right to investigate any claims regarding a contestant that could be potentially damaging to the reputation of both the contestant or RTGLC. RTGLC reserves the right to make any determination and decisions on how to proceed pending the results of their investigations.
2. Any contestant causing damage at any RTGLC venue, inclusive of props, decorations, materials, equipment, etc... will be immediately disqualified and may be subject to legal actions. If legal action is pursued RTGLC will assist the venues and individuals of damaged property, with any prosecutions.
3. Any contestant who is caught in the act of stealing or tampering with others property, will be immediately disqualified, removed from the event and denied access to the event.
4. Contestants may not expose their genitals on stage, at public venues or at any official event of the weekend.
5. Contestants will refrain from making derogatory comments or statements about other contestants either verbally or on social media.
6. Contestants are not permitted to take photos or video, in areas where contestants are changing and/or preparing for presentation.
7. Contestants found creating an environment of intimidation or physical threat, shall be removed from the competition and event.

1. Rough Trade Gear does not condone or tolerate the use, distribution, or possession of illegal drugs by any contestant. Any contestant found in violation of this rule will be immediately disqualified.
2. This policy will remain in effect for the winners of Mr. Rough Trade Gear Leather during their title years respectively. If found in violation of this policy, RTGLC reserves the right to strip the title.
3. Legal action may be taken at the discretion of RTGLC.

1. Any contestant who is found to be grossly intoxicated at any Rough Trade Gear event will be immediately disqualified, removed from the location and denied access to the event. Contestants are welcome to enjoy social drinking and should be responsible with beverage consumption.
2. Any winner who is found to be grossly intoxicated at events during their title year, shall receive a first warning, followed by a meeting with the Executive Producer of Rough Trade Gear, to determine if intervention or outside assistance is warranted. After evaluating the situation, it shall be the right of Rough Trade Gear to exercise its prerogative on how to proceed. All decisions by the Executive Producer of Rough Trade Gear are final.

1. All contestants and winners shall refrain from posting derogatory and libelous content on social media as it relates to Rough Trade Gear, its directors, volunteers, venues, subsidiaries, sponsors and vendors.  
2. Any contestant or winners found violating this policy will be disqualified, banned from the event, stripped of their title, and required to reimburse Rough Trade Gear for damages, court costs and prize package. Under Tortious Interference, all violations of this policy will be enforced.
3. Any posts, written, photography or otherwise, misrepresenting Rough Trade Gear, it’s venues, sponsors, subsidiaries, volunteers and directors to the public-at-large via any social media, blog, website, board, publication (hard copy or online) or any other mode of transmission by a contestant or winners, shall result in full reimbursement of prize package and title revoked, legal costs, loss of income and reputation restitution and other legal means at our discretion.

Candidates must submit all of the following for the application to be considered complete.

1. Completed Application (available online).
2. One to Three photos with a minimum resolution of 300dpi. for social media and printed material.
3. Signed Media/Photography Waiver with a copy of a government issued ID.
4. Signed Code of Conduct Policy. ​

By signing and completing all the aforementioned requirements, contestants have attested that they have read, understand and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct, rules, regulations, and waivers for competing.

Rough Trade Gear uses the Olympic Scoring system as its basis for determining a winner. Each contestant will have his/her/it/they high and low scores removed. In the event of a tie, the high and low scores will be added to both contenders, and the contestant with the highest score will be the winner. In the event that there is another tie aftter highs and lows are added, the contestant with the highest interview score will be the winner.

There will be eight (8) judges in total for scoring and evaluation. Three days after the contest is over all contestants will receive a copy of their scores and any comments from the judges.

All scores will be tabulated after the completion of each round, by handing the score sheets to the head judge; the head judge will give them to the tally masters, who will incorporate the scores electronically. There are two tally masters who will initially certify the score. The Executive Producer will sign off on the final scores and certify the winners. A copy of the final scores will be sent to the Executive Producer and Head Judge.

1. PERSONAL INTERVIEW: 30% ​

​ Each contestant will be interviewed by our panel of judges before the contest. The venue and setup will be informal and casual. You may choose to sit or stand during the interview. The questions will come from the application ONLY. There will not be questions about leather history, current politics or religion, or topics of controversy. The title holders are not spokespersons on matters of politics, religion, leather current events and shall not publicly express opinions on such matters during their title year. That purview is the sole domain of Rough Trade Gear.

1. Judges will be looking into the character, charisma, personality, professional and personal lives of each contestant. The judges will evaluate communication skills, intellect, attitude and composure.
2. Contestants should remember that this is a professional interview in a relaxed setting.
3. Personal interviews will last for 20 minutes.
4. Each interview will be audio/video recorded.

2. BAR WEAR: 15% ​

​ Bar wear is a chance to show the judges and audience who you are in your leather/fetish wear-gear. This should be what you would normally wear if you were going to a bar or informal event.

1. Each contestant will be brought out on stage one-by-one and introduce themselves with their basic bios including name or stage name, age, residence, and occupation.
2. Judges will be looking for creativity in gear, fit, how comfortable you are on stage and how you connect with the audience.
3. Contestants will Leather Fetish or Gear that represents themselves.

3. TAPP - TORSO, ASS, PECS AND PERSONALITY: 15%

This category really is your chance to put it all out there...literally. Genitals must be kept covered. This is not a “body competition“ but rather a body celebration. Show us how you feel, in leather. Does the gear tell us something about you and your personality while interacting with the audience and judges?

1. Contestants will be brought on stage one by one. The MC will give the audience a sample of your fetishes, sexual prowess and what turns you on.
2. Judges will be looking for creativity, authenticity and comfortability.

4. FORMAL LEATHER AND SPEECH: 30%

This category will include your interpretation of Formal Leather Gear.

1. Contestants will be brought onstage one by one to showcase their Formal Leather Gear and give a 90 second speech on why they want to be Mr. Rough Trade Gear Leather.
2. Judges will be evaluating the contestants ease of speaking before an audience and each contestant's Formal Leahter Gear interpretation.

5. AMBASSADOR: 10%

This category is based on your attendance at all official events, interactions with judges, the audience, general demeanor between all contestants, staff at venues, and general likability.

1. Each contestant will start with 10 points at the start of the RTG Leather Weekend. Only the Executive Producer and Head Judge will score this round. This score will be given to the tally masters after the final round of competition.
2. It is recommended that contestants arrive 15 minutes early at every event and make themselves ready for interactions. Remember, you will be "the center of attention" the entire weekend.