Latex clothing has to be one of the hottest fashions on the planet.
Literally.
If you’re a fan and love how amazeballs you look in it, you’ll know it takes a little getting used to. That’s because you’re going to sweat like a mofo when you wear it, especially if it’s a full-on dress, pants, or catsuit. That’s because the “fabric” isn’t fabric, it’s latex, remember? And it does not breathe.
At all.
But who cares, suffering for fashion is part of your birthright.
So, you’ll suck up how unwieldy it is, and you’ll follow a few safety guidelines. The main one being that you remain hydrated. You’ll watch your alcohol intake, and you’ll remember to drink tons of water. Of course, then, you’ll have to pee a lot. You’ll struggle to peel it off in the loo, praise Satan when you’re finally free, then take your pitstop while watching the perspiration run down your bod like beaver dam that exploded. Then it’s time to yank, pull, and shimmy that sucker back on. It’s hard work, but voilà you’ve done it! Back to the party!
Yep, latex is like that high maintenance BF or GF that’s insane, but you keep going back to because they’re sexy AF. So, whether you’re wearing that rockin’ latex camming, to an expo or even the supermarket (bet you score some free groceries with it) all that sweating and tugging that comes with the territory is going to wreak havoc on your latex.
This is a problem because latex is NOT cheap. It’s an investment.
And because it’s an investment you want to keep it looking as good as the day you bought it.
Here are some tips to make that a reality:
WEAR
- Shine your item first – Vital Vein (a terrific designer on hiatus) recommends using Pjur Cult. Simply spray it on, and it will give you that great sheen you want.
- Use a thin layer of lubrication on your body before pulling your latex on, this way it will easily slide on and you’ll prevent rips. Remember that scenario in the bathroom above? It’s because you didn’t prep your skin. You can also use talcum powder, but I avoid talc as mentioned in this article I wrote last month.
- Watch for sharp objects like jewelry and nails that can puncture your item.
- Skip the perfumes and lotions as those can degrade and damage latex.
- Be careful with makeup – it can cause permanent discoloration.
- Avoid wearing any latex for extended times in the heat or cold.
STORAGE
- All that sweat and oil from your skin can damage the latex. Immediately after wearing, wash the item in lukewarm water with mild bleach free dish soap. Do this GENTLY. Latex can rip easily.
- Hang your latex to dry, then when it’s ready, apply a light coat of lubricant or talcum powder – once again I forgo talc and vote for lube – but who doesn’t?
- Fold up your item, store it in a sealed plastic zip-lock bag then place it in your drawer. Do not keep your latex hanging in your closet where sunlight, dust, the oils from other clothes, and rips can occur.
Good luck! May your latex last for eternity, or at least until you die so you can be buried in it.
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Alyssa Collins hails from Minnesota, where snowy days were the perfect excuse to stay warm inside and write. Over the years, she turned that joy into a career and has authored numerous articles for various publications (under pen names). Email Alyssa via alyssa@ynot.com.
Main Photo credit: iStock.com/mikeygen73
Second photo credit: iStock.com/rdvasilev
Third photo credit: iStock.com/wernerimages
Last photo credit: iStock.com/olgecat
