It isn’t for everyone, but if you like the look of shiny clothing it might be time to invest in some latex or rubber. You definitely don’t have to be a dominatrix or enjoy bondage to rock the style, but if you’re new to latex there’s a few things you need to know.
Even if you regularly use condoms, the first thing you should do before purchasing any items is check that you do not have a latex allergy. You can do this by cutting disposable gloves into strips and placing them in various places against your skin (under a bra strap, under your watch, inside a waistband) and, after an hour or two, check for any signs of irritation. There’s nothing worse than ending an evening of pleasure with the wrong kind of pain.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Latex is stretchy by nature, so don’t be alarmed if your size looks a little bit smaller than you were expecting. You want a skin-tight fit, so a little bit of wriggling is usually required to squeeze yourself in.
With latex, the tighter the fit, the better. Rather than accentuating every bump, it sucks everything in, gives you a super smooth silhouette and accentuates your curves. Deducting 2-3 inches off your normal measurements tends to be the general rule for ensuring your pieces fit perfectly.
Wearing Latex
Daunted by the thought of squeezing yourself into your new latex dress?
Well, when done correctly, it shouldn’t be a chore at all! Before slipping into your fetish wear, it’s important to lube up your latex, and yourself. This can done by using a small amount of silicone-based or water-based lubricant, such as Liquid Silk (€4.58, kinky.ie). When lubed up, this can be extremely sensual as it enhances how it feels against your skin. Some prefer to do this while standing on a towel, as lube may collect on the floor and become slippery.
Take your time when you pull on your latex. Failure to do so could result in permanent finger marks and even rips in your rubber – a sure way to ruin your play! Using your whole hand, instead of just fingers, will reduce the risk of permanent marks or tears. In addition, we recommend that you remove all jewellery and trim your nails before getting into your new garment, because this can catch and damage it.
Latex may look scorching hot, but it acclimatises to the surrounding environment. So, if you plan on taking your fun outdoors, the latex will feel cool against the skin, while inside a hot nightclub it will feel much warmer. As it’s not a breathable fabric, sweating is inevitable. Although this sound far from sexy, it can in fact make it more comfortable and sensual to wear.
Aftercare
If you want to use your garments again and again, taking great care of your pieces is essential. Latex is really sensitive to oils, which is why you should only use water-based or silicone-based lube, but the natural oils in your skin can cause the material to slowly biodegrade too.
Cleaning your latex thoroughly and as soon as possible is the best way to keep your pieces in tip-top condition. This can be done with a sponge or a soft cloth, and some lukewarm soapy water. Mild soaps or even baby shampoo are ideal for cleaning; just double check they don’t contain oil before you use them. When washing, make sure you avoid scrubbing, and don’t wring out the material once it’s clean. Pat off any excess water with a towel, and leave it out to dry thoroughly.
Now, you may think latex is hot, but, when it comes to the literal sense of the word, it certainly shouldn’t be! In fact, extreme heat will melt it, so make sure it is kept away from radiators and candles. Latex and sunlight aren’t friends either, so store your gear in a cool, dry place to avoid discolouration and rapid deterioration of your favourite outfit.
Things may stain your latex too – nicotine is the worst culprit for this. Metal also stains latex, including money, so if you like to flash the cash, be careful!