Whoever moves in the world of BDSM and fetish will inevitably come across the topic of latex. This is an elastic, rubber-like and stretchy material. Whose surface can vary in smoothness depending on how it is processed and has a slightly sticky effect when untreated.
The base material is extracted from the coagulated milk sap of tropical plants, which contains gum resins and water-soluble components and hardens when dried. This plant-based rubber is also known as natural rubber or natural latex.
Latex Fetish
When referring to clothing, it would be more accurate to speak of rubber clothing. As the term latex stands for different substances. It is also used for the synthetic production from oil, as the resulting product is chemically identical. In common usage, however, it is still referred to as latex to ensure a distinction from car tyres and other rubber products.
What is it used for?
Latex is a material that has been used for a long time in medicine, technology and other areas of life. For example as protective clothing such as disposable gloves in doctors’ surgeries and laboratories to protect against toxic or corrosive substances and infections. In addition, it is used in the production of paints and building materials, and also for conventional balloons. In the area of sex, we encounter latex in the form of condoms or femidoms, which protect against STIs and pregnancy.
But above all, latex is very popular as one of the most common material fetishes in the fetish scene. Even without a pronounced latex fetish, the glamorous material is often encountered as a sex toy or as a dress code at BDSM events. Most famously, latex remains associated with the rubber fetishism that some people develop. This means that they feel aroused or soothed by latex when they wear it or otherwise come into contact with the material.
How does the latex fetish come about?
Latex clothing has several appealing features. The often skin-tight fit emphasises the contours of the body particularly strongly. This effect is further enhanced by the tucking in and creates reflections on the entire surface. The tight fit itself is perceived as erotic by many latex lovers. Overall, the focus is often on optical perfection due to the smooth, shiny surface.
Rubber clothing feels like a second skin and therefore also offers an interesting haptic experience. Some find touching through the thin membrane particularly stimulating. Others appreciate the sounds that occur when the latex rubs against each other. Often, the characteristic taste or smell of rubber that spreads during play also contributes to arousal. A complete latex outfit makes it possible to immerse oneself in a different role. And creates an exciting interplay of indirect contact and new sensibilities through the second skin.
Sophisticated fetishists often prefer thicker, firmer latex and heavy masks, or integrate the material into their furnishings. For example, as bedsheets, in order to have constant contact with it. Often, massive headgear such as rubber gas masks are used. In this context, one often speaks of “rubber” or “heavy rubber“. One aspect of this is certainly the dehumanisation that occurs above all when the entire body is enclosed in the material.
How do I wear and care for latex correctly?
Whether in the form of clothing or toys, latex, which is not intended to be disposable or throwaway like condoms or gloves, requires care to avoid brittleness or chafing. This includes washing with a little shampoo or a suitable detergent after wearing or use, rinsing and then drying by hanging or laying down. As latex tends to attract dust and small particles, the object or garment should be dusted with talcum powder or rubbed with silicone oil afterwards.
Whoever has already worn the glittering material knows: Putting on latex is not exactly easy. However, with a few tricks, even the most unruly material can be tamed. Since latex clothing is usually meant to be very tight-fitting and the material does not slide easily on the skin, the skin should be treated with suitable products before putting it on.
Put on properly
It is essential to avoid using baby oil, lubricant, vegetable oil of any kind. Vaseline, etc. as a dressing aid, as these can not only lead to unsightly skin conditions but also damage the material. Powder/talc and silicone (or products sold in specialised shops as “dressing aids”) are the only useful helpers when dressing.
A lot of time and a patient attitude are also essential when you are getting dressed. The more fancy the latex garment is, or the more skin it covers, the longer it takes to put it on. Although the material is very stretchy, it also has its limits.
Latex pants and briefs should be pulled up gradually, using powder or silicone if necessary to improve lubrication. Even for simple latex fashion, about five to ten minutes per piece should be planned to be able to put it on not only completely, but also without wrinkles.
Particularly for guys with a lot of chest or leg hair, putting on (and especially taking off) trousers or tops can be painful. The hair sticks to the material and gets pulled out. If you don’t happen to be into this masochistic insertion, you better get out the razor.
A “Safety First” should also be mentioned at this point. Especially with clothing that permanently or completely covers the airways, such as masks, tops, tank tops and the like. If you twist inappropriately when getting dressed, you can quickly become deflated. Your arms and hands are also awkwardly restricted, it’s no longer as much fun. So it’s better to always put on such items in pairs or at least have a helping hand close by. If that is not possible, you should at least know where the nearest sharp knife is so that you can free yourself in an emergency.
Dos and don’ts with latex clothing
For a variety of reasons, you should avoid wearing underwear under latex clothing. Rips, threads, buttons, stones and other embellishments can damage the material and lead to tears more quickly. In addition, every piece of clothing between the skin and the latex will stand out on the surface. This may be less noticeable in the dark club, but will be noticeable and visible when touched or gloriously displayed.
Also take special care to remove jewellery and piercings and avoid contact with pointed fingers. The same applies to fasteners such as shoe straps, belt buckles or similar. Damage from these happens faster than you’d like. Think how easily it happens with condoms – and these are much cheaper than a latex garment.
Things you should consider when buying latex
Latex is something unique, the processing of the material is complex, and the production is laborious. Therefore, latex clothing has its price. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that everything fits when you buy it. A tailored fit is usually expensive, but for a full body outfit it can be worth it. For gloves or shirts, however, a standard size can also fit well.
Latex clothing is available in various thicknesses, from 0.25 mm to heavy, thick suits with a thickness of eight millimetres. The thicker the material, the more elastic and sensitive it is. The most commonly used thicknesses are between 0.25 and 0.8 mm. There are dipped, glued and stitched varieties.
Some people are allergic to latex, especially when there is intensive skin contact with latex products. The allergy can manifest itself in the form of eczema, dermatitis or other types of skin rashes and even anaphylactic shock. So start with a glove to test it if you are not sure. The cause is probably natural proteins in the rubber. For this reason, suppliers of latex clothing and higher-quality condoms have started to use a synthetic alternative in recent years that significantly reduces the risk of allergies. For toys, silicone is an allergy-friendly alternative that offers a similar feel.
And for beginners, it is advisable to go to a boutique for proper advice on all issues, concerns, requirements, etc. and try a simple product first. You should be particularly careful when shopping online, as some suppliers advertise with the name “latex“, while low prices often conceal PVC or wet look material. Therefore, do your research well and check the authenticity of the seller/manufacturer.
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