We are excited to announce our participation in International Mr. Leather (IML) 2024 in Chicago! IML 2024 will be held on Memorial Day weekend in Chicago on May 23-27, 2024 at the Congress Plaza Hotel and Convention Center.
What is International Mr. Leather (IML)?
International Mr. Leather (IML) is an international conference celebrating the leather community, as well as kink, fetish, and BDSM communities. The four-day celebration of all things gay male leather has been held annually in Chicago since 1979 over Memorial Day Weekend in May. The conference includes a leather vendor market, workshops, themed dance parties, and the famous leather contest. The winners of each international and regional leather contest come together to compete at International Mr. Leather. Proceeds from the event support the Leather Archives and Museum (LA&M) and Renslow Charitable Foundation. You can purchase tickets in advance here or in person at the venue at IML Guest Services.
Who is Mr. IML?
The current reigning Mr. IML is Marcus Barela, crowned in May 2023 during International Mr. Leather. Marcus Barela will hold onto the title until Mr. IML 2024 is crowned. See past International Leather title holders here.
Congratulations to your new International Mr. Leather 2023 Marcus Barela! @MarcusMonster pic.twitter.com/xuQhD59neZ
— Intl. Mr. Leather (@IMLchicago) May 29, 2023
Planning to attend IML Chicago 2024 Leather Contest & Market
We've exhibited in the leather market at IML in Chicago every year since 2009 and look forward to seeing friends and fans from around the world again at IML 2024! If it's your first time attending the conference, here are a few tips about what to wear and how to prepare for an amazing weekend.
Visit the IML 2024 Leather Market
The leather vendor mart is open all four days of the event in case you need to shop for something to wear for the competition. Market hours for IML 2024 are listed below, but typically the market is busy all weekend long. Friday and Monday tend to be less crowded and the best days to stop by for more leisurely shopping.
Obscure Belts booth has a little belt workshop set up at the leather market to custom fit your belt while you wait. If your belt is for competition, be sure to wear your formal leathers down for the best fit. You can't miss us in the market, we are always next to our friends from Tribal Son, makers of one of a kind silver jewelry.
- Friday, May 24: 12 pm - 7 pm
- Saturday May 25: 11 am - 7 pm
- Sunday, May 26: 11 am - 5 pm
- Monday, May 27: 11 am - 4 pm
What to wear to International Mr. Leather Contest
A big part of attending IML is what you wear for the weekend, even more so if you are competing. In 2023, 54 contestants vyed for the title of Mr. IML and even more are expected for 2024, so plan to dress to impress the judges and your fellow leathermen.
New green, red, and blue belts for IML 2024
This year we made all new limited edition leather colors for IML. Our best selling Fractal belts will be available on hand-painted red, green, and blue belts. These one-of-a-kind belts are the perfect accent pieces to take your leather outfit to the next level. Limited edition belts available at IML:
Hope to see you at IML 2024!
We can't wait to rejoin the leather community in May for International Mr. Leather. It is our favorite event of the year, and for good reason! It is a welcoming celebration of leather and the community who enjoy it. Hope to see you there wearing your best leather outfit and one of our unique leather belts.
Oops! Were you looking for information on Mid-Atlantic Leather? Don't worry, we'll be there too!
What is MAL in DC?
MAL (Mid-Atlantic Leather) is an annual conference organized by Centaur MC that has taken place in January in Washington, DC since 1973. MAL is the second largest leather conference in the United States, after IML.
