Latex has quickly exploded onto the fashion scene with its stick to your body feel, ultra shiny look and outgoing presence. Whether you are wearing a catsuit to the club, a latex mini skirt for a flirty out fit, or dabbling in the fetishwear fashion arena, latex will make a statement every time. With all the glitz and glam that latex exudes, there is a learning curve attached to it. Believe it or not, wearing, caring for and storing latex correctly is much more of a task than putting on a standard cotton t-shirt.
Unfortunately, many brand new (and some not so new) latex lovers have the same simple mistakes. From wearing it incorrectly, to ruining it while storing, latex mistakes can cost you time and money, and sometimes your favorite outfit. But don’t worry! There are some simple ways to avoid pretty much all of these latex mistakes as soon as you know what to avoid doing!
One of the biggest mistakes when wearing latex, is trying to put it onto your dry skin. Unlike spandex, or cotton, latex does not stretch, and putting it on (and sometimes trying to squeeze into) it dry can be painful, and even destructive if you snag or rip it. That’s why you should always have a silicone based dressing aid, or talcum powder before you get dressed. By doing this, it will reduce friction, allowing the latex material to slide on to your skin easier and will reduce the strain on the seams of your outfit.For a bodysuit or leggings that fit snugly, it is even more important to be patient while getting dressed. Take your time and do not wear any sharp fingernails or jewelry that might puncture the latex.
Another rookie error is improperly storing https://www.latexcharms.com. Latex likes to be stored in a cold, dark environment. What it does not like is heat, UV rays, or metal. Even a little bit of direct sunlight exposure could drastically alter the latex and result in serious permanent damage. If you have been hanging the feel off your normal wire hanger? Yikes! That is a huge mistake! Not only will the metal stains eventually leave lines that appear dark on the latex, but it can be awfully difficult to remove them if you ever want to. Use plastic or padded hangers, and always store each item inside a garment bag, away from the light and other UV sources. When storing the latex by folding, use tissue paper between the folds to avoid creasing, which will eventually weaken the latex.
A further potential issue that can greatly reduce the lifespan of your latex is improper cleaning. Although sweat, oils, and dirt will cause breakdowns of latex even while it’s not being worn, you will want to clean it after each time you wear it. Please understand that throwing your latex in the washing machine is simply an express train to disaster. So how do you clean your latex properly? Wash it gently by hand using mild soap (do not use scented!) or a latex cleaner in lukewarm water. Rinse very thoroughly, then hang somewhere without any heat and light to dry. When the latex is dried, you can apply a silicone polish, which can keep the latex looking shiny and fresh.If you skip this important step, your latex will look flat and boring. No one wants that.
A more nuanced error is wearing the wrong undergarment, or even worse, no undergarment at all. Latex is frequently unlined, is fitted closely to your body, and seams and textures from your bra or underwear may poke through (and ruin) the sexy, sleek look. You need to wear seamless, thong-style, neutral colored undergarments, or you can layer by wearing latex underwear that is made for this task. Remember, latex is non-breathable, and if you are going to wear latex for long periods, accumulation of moisture could be an unpleasant experience. Breathable, moisture-wicking base layers should always be worn, including when you wear catsuits and long dresses.
Another thing you might forget to do is to shine up your leather before leaving the house! When you’re pulling latex out of the wash, it can dry with a matte (near rubbery) appearance that isn’t exactly eye-popping. You give it that deep, mirror-like shine by adding a silicone-based latex shiner; this amplifies the color, gives the outfit a finished, shiny appearance, and gives some protection to your latex. You also need to remember to put polish on once the latex is dry since latex is non-non-breathable and usually you simply buff it with a microfiber cloth. If you overlook this basic step, you will likely look more like a biology lab than a put-together person.
One mistake that you may not realize until its too late is mixing latex with the wrong materials.For example, oils—whether from body lotions, perfume, or even your oily fingers—can cause latex to deteriorate quite quickly. The same goes with copper and nickel (common in zippers, buttons, or coins), which can cause staining or degrade the latex. To avoid this, allow the lotion or perfume to absorb completely before putting on latex (with lotions, you’ll want to let it absorb). If your hand is oily, do not touch latex; if you have oil on your hands, be sure to wash your fingers before you touch your clothing. Also, be mindful of your accessories and your hardware; when possible, use plastic and stainless steel!
Another common mistake is wearing latex in extreme weather. On hot days, wearing latex can be too hot just by itself; if it gets hot enough, the infrastructure can get unbearably hot and ultimately lead to overheating and/or skin issues. On cold days, latex can become rigid and very inflexible. If you do plan to wear latex outside, just be aware of the temperature range and pick and choose your pieces wisely; for example, a crop top or shorts will be more breathable and stretchier than a full body suit, so save them for cool indoor events!It is generally suggested by experienced latex wearers to pack an extra outfit if unsure how long you will last. Nothing is worse than experiencing a sudden uncomfortable feeling in a nice outfit (unless you consider breaking a limb or crashing your car!). It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
The wrong aesthetically speaking size represents one of the biggest and most common mistakes a lot of people make. Latex clothes should be made to fit tight-like a second skin. Additionally, this does not mean they make you feel like you cannot breathe or have no circulation, and going down one size too small could facilitate ripping or simple ruptures to the seams, or otherwise might feel uncomfortable altogether. Conversely, if your latex wear is too loose, the tighter and sort of second-skin look goes away! Anytime you feel uncertain, you usually check the size guide for the brand and measure yourself correctly. Always keep in mind, in the consideration of sizing because latex does not have the same flexbiility other fabrics, you need to be even more precise when it comes to selecting size.
Then there is ignoring repairs. An all too familiar hole you think “isn’t a big deal,” can escalate quickly. Many people throw away their latex thinking it’s “ruined” but with just the right glue – and a little of patience, many https://www.latexclothinguk.co.uk/ repairs can be completed right at home. There are countless latex repair kits available for purchase online, with many different video sources available via simple YouTube searches to assist you with your repair endeavour. If you have no interest in or want to tackle that broken seam or tear yourself, there are alternative seamstresses and/or alterations who specialize in latex, and that do repairs. Fixing small things now can save you years on your purchase!
Finally, the biggest mistake is treating latex as a novelty, or costume or something for special occasions. Latex fashion can be worn beyond clubs and costumes. With creative styling and good taste, you can make latex a staple in your everyday wear. For instance, a latex pencil skirt can look great with a tailored blazer, and a denim jacket adds an edgy pop to a latex top. Latex leggings also provide an opportunity for muted style in a unique way resembling a futuristic look with a basic hoodie and some boots. The more you wear latex clothing, the more opportunities you find to wear it, and the less you will think about wearing it.
In the end, being able to wear latex is a personal confidence, preparation, and care. With these precautions, it’s easy to avoid the many pitfalls and make the most out of an investment you made. These few considerations can change everything you do when it comes to proper storage and little things to consider around your latex-wear!
In the end, latex clothing is an investment… not just in clothes, but still in your unique fashion gift of expression! If you take care of your latex clothing, you will continue to capture attention every time you do decide to wear it!
