Latex 101

I’ve been asked loads about my latex (especially by people who wear leather and PVC already and are fascinated by latex), so I thought I’d write a 101 to help you guys and gals decided if latex clothing really is for you. It’s not cheap (mostly) and if you make a big mistake and find you hate it then you could end up out of pocket.

What is it?

Latex/rubber is the sap of a tree. Havae Brasiliensis. It’s poured into sheets of latex.

It tends to be called latex more by the fetish community because rubber is used as a term for the heavier gauge stuff. Latex is very thin, often less than 1mm thick. It’s very stretchy, returns to shape when stretched, and can be very revealing and figure hugging if worn tight.

It can be coloured, textured, pinstriped, sparked, glittered, and treated with many processes to make it attractive. It can also be chlorinated to make it slide on and off without dressing aids although it then doesn’t take on as high a shine and can be difficult to repair when chlorinated.

What’s the attraction?

Well latex, like leather and PVC is shiny; but unlike both the previous which have “specular” shine where the highlights light up, but you can’t actually see images reflected; polished latex can take on a “mirror” shine. With enough shine you will see shapes and images reflected in it; but believe me that takes a lot of getting and maintaining.

As for the sensation of wearing latex; leather feels warm to the touch and to wear. Thick leather on a cold day is warm and insulating. PVC is not so but because it is simply a shiny coating sprayed onto a nylon material it’s not too clammy although it can be cold to wear. Both leather and PVC slide on and off easily, and in particular leather can be worn just like any other clothing. Leather jeans are just like denim jeans to wear – easy to get into, tough, comfortable. Same for PVC. No massive preparation routines, just pull them on and wear them.

Latex on the other hand, is cold to the touch when you first put it on. It can be chilly, and if you don’t use a dressing aid it can grab hairs as it slides on and off.

Wearing Latex

The preparation for latex wearing is quite important. If you buy latex you must buy at least a shining aid otherwise you WILL be disappointed when it arrives. It’s dull, powdery, and not remotely shiny. I’d recommend getting started with Vivishine as it is an easy process to simply wash your latex in cool water with a few drops in there but will give you a pleasant all over sheen which whilst not mirror shiny is certainly acceptable. As a bonus it also makes dressing a breeze!

If you’re going to be out and about in latex though, I would recommend you keep a spritzer bottle of a silicon based oil with you. Pjur, Vivishine and Radicalshine are all manufacturers of such products, although if you are canny you will find most industrial and janitorial chemical suppliers will do a suitable product – provided it is pure silicon based and has absolutely no mineral oils you will generally be fine and will save a lot of money, although it might be worthwhile checking the COSHH data sheet.

Applying the extra shine is best done with your hands. I just put a glob of oil into my hands and rub it on. It’s better than using a cloth, but you will need to wash them well with soap and water after.

Finally, I wouldn’t recommend underwear. Commando is the way. You will sweat in latex. Wear an untucked shirt too otherwise capillary effect will slowly soak the bottom inch above your waistband.

Out for the night?

I’ve been out and about a few times to parties, functions etc. in latex. Latex crosses the boundary into fetish wear very easily, although it is often best to just come out and say “I like shiny clothes” rather than try and hide it behind a barrel of excuses as to why you find latex attractive. It cuts the quizzing dead, and often the focus will then turn to how cool your latex looks, and the obvious “can I touch it” question.

Most people are fascinated when they see it for the first time. They’ve never seen anything like it. It moves very differently to any other clothes. You could almost say it ripples. The sound it makes is also very different to leather or PVC. It slips and slides and slurps. It’s rather addictive actually! Forgive the masses, for they are curious.

Once out and about you’ll notice it’s not quite as comfortable to wear as leather or PVC, and if you sit down on fabric you may brush away the high shine – hence keep a small bottle of silicon oil with you.

Pockets are a problem too. Latex jeans have pockets, but they’re not great. I often find it better to keep a small bag, or if it’s just car keys and money then wear an oxford shirt or coat to keep them in. Having a smartwatch with Google Pay really does come in so handy in these situations as you can skip the wallet and phone and it’s always around your wrist.

Avoid sharp corners as it will rip badly if caught. You can leave oily patches where you sit if you go a bit overboard with the shine agents. Generally though if you keep it under control you’ll be fine – if you’re going for uber shine though, perhaps best to sit on your coat if you’re on a white sofa!

Once you’ve had a night in latex you’ll find your limits and work within them. For me it’s about 4 hours comfortable, provided it’s not too hot or cold outside.

Get me out!!!

The end of the night comes and you need to get out of your latex. Is it difficult?

Well no, not really. You will have sweated in it and that helps to remove it. I suggest undressing on a towel to catch drips.

Once you’re out of it, shower, and whilst you’re in the shower wash your latex in there too. There are rules about what to use, but I’ve found shower gels are fine provided you thoroughly rinse it immediately whilst you’re still in the shower.

As for drying, there are two options – I usually hang mine over the shower screen or shower pole with a small towel over the top to protect the latex from sharp corners.

Turn it a couple of times whilst it’s drying – and be aware that coloured latex may look blotchy or patchy whilst it dries. That is perfectly normal.

Once dry, dust it lightly with pure talc (baby grade stuff), fold it, box it, store it. I hang mine on foam wrapped hangers or chunky plastic hanger and I’ve never had problems.

And your reward?

So yes, this may seem like more work than wearing leather or PVC, but the rewards are worth it.

Positives

• Nobody else will be wearing any latex (unless it’s a fetish night).
• The shine is absolutely unmatched by anything else.
• The sensation if wearing a second skin which moves, stretches and ripples like nothing else is totally unique.
• You will get attention and people who want go touch it.

Negatives

• It’s not an easy solution *unless you have chlorinated latex but that puts in a whole new barrel of issues.
• It’s very expensive for good quality gear; but it can be repaired.
• It can be fragile if you are around sharp objects or cigarettes.
• You have to wash it after each wearing to avoid sweat damaging it.

YES! I want latex!

It’s just a case of buy some (and some vivishine or similar too!). Ask latex wearers online, or leave a comment below and I’ll answer your questions.

Find a supplier who look reputable and visit or order.

Remember latex has some stretch, but don’t go overly tight if that’s not your thing. I’d say go for a basic item first to see if you like it. T-Shirt or jeans are a good start. 0.45 to 0.55 latex seems to be a good starter guide for thickness.

I’ve had good experiences with:

Libidex

Cathouse Clothing

Catalyst Latex (* Catalyst ONLY sell chlorinated latex which is somewhat different but easier to wear).

I won’t recommend Chinese manufacturers as they often counterfeit outfits by the major European latex manufacturers and make inferior copies with questionable latex although I have had friends buy from them with mixed results. Insultingly, they often use photos from the website of the original designer to sell their shoddy rip off!

Finally…

Do not be shy contacting a latex clothing manufacturer. They understand that they are on the fringe and that a lot of people have apprehension about wearing it. You can often visit them and try something on before you buy to see if it really is for you, and they can often help you with sizing too as latex tends to be sold as S / M / L / XL / XXL sizing.

Shine on you beautiful people! Keep calm. Wear latex!

Please feel free to comment and ask questions below. I will always try and answer or will probably know someone who does know the answer if not!