Latex 102: The Essential Guide to Wearing Latex Clothing

Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes: forgetting to wash a new outfit and spending the evening in a matte finish, rushing to get dressed without enough dressing aid, only to tear my skin tight skirt in the process and wearing a latex outfit to an outdoor party during Queensland summer where there was no shade.

Latex clothing is surprisingly resilient but it can rip or tear, it makes you sweat and it needs specific care to deliver that signature, high-gloss shine. With the right mindset, awareness and preparation, wearing latex clothing can be a thrilling experience. It’s that edge, the heightened sensory experience and the undeniable statement it makes that gives latex its power.

In this article I’m going to mention two different products -

Vivishine: used to wash your latex in prior to wear - add a small amount to clean, lukewarm water, immerse your latex garment and then allow to air dry. The results is a smooth, high gloss finish.

Pjur Cult or a similar lubricant or dressing aid: used as a lubricant to help when putting your latex clothing on or to spot shine throughout the night.

The Main Culprit: Dressing, Undressing and Un-Shined Latex

Latex sticks to itself especially when it’s not well lubricated or shined. If your latex is going to rip, there’s a good chance it’ll happen while you’re getting dressed or undressed. Take extra care if you're stuck in a small, hot and cramped bathroom cubicle, rushing to get your latex back on. While latex has a tendency to adhere to itself while you’re wearing it can also stick to latex garments that other people are wearing. In crowded environments, a mere brush against another latex-clad individual can result in an unintended cling. Stay aware of your surroundings!

Preparation and Lubrication Is Key

When you first open new latex clothing it will be coated in a fine layer of powder which prevents it from sticking together while it’s being made and in transit. To remove the powder, you will need to wash your latex in a mild soap solution (dishwashing liquid or a gentle shampoo - nothing too heavily scented), rinse thoroughly to remove any suds and then wash your latex outfit in Vivishine and leave it to dry. Vivishine not only produces the signature high shine finish that latex is known for but also lubricates the inside of your outfit making it easier to get on but don’t let the lubrication stop there.

Apply Pjur Cult or a similar lubricant or dressing aid to pressure points or high-friction areas like the feet, ankles, knees, elbows, and shoulders before dressing to help you glide smoothly into your outfit. If your outfit appears to get stuck while dressing, apply more. Dressing aid also acts as a lubricant throughout wear, reducing friction and enhancing comfort as you move around. 

Maintain the Look + Shine as You Go

Reapply shine or dressing aid as needed throughout the night. Whether you're lounging around or engaging with others, latex can quickly lose its shine. Keep your look sleek by regularly touching up your shine and when you head to the bathroom, reapply to high-friction areas to ensure ease when dressing and undressing.

Latex can loose its shine when you brush up against other people. It usually appears as a dry patch like on the back of the skirt. Photo with Lani DeViate from Studio Kink Sydney. Photographer: Johnny Thailand

Sharp Objects: Expect the Unexpected

It's always wise to be prepared for the unexpected, even if it’s just mentally. While latex is surprisingly durable, it can split without any warning. Sharp nails, jewellery and zippers are common culprits when it comes to tears. Sometimes, even the simplest thing like a splinter from an old chair can cause the damage. Some people choose to bring a backup outfit as a precaution in case of a wardrobe malfunction. Having an alternative on hand can offer peace of mind and ensure you feel confident throughout the event.

The thickness of your latex also plays a crucial role; generally, thicker latex is more resistant to tears, especially when it comes to sharp objects. Check out our article Fashion or Feel: Understanding Latex Gauges for a more in-depth look at this topic.

Environmental & Location Factors

When planning to wear latex it’s essential to consider not only the outdoor temperature but also the conditions at your destination. Factors such as whether you’ll be indoors or outdoors, the presence of air conditioning, the size of the crowd, and the level of physical activity such as dancing or moving around can all significantly impact your comfort and don’t even think about going into the sun on a hot day. 

It’s common to feel either too hot to too cold without any leeway in between but thoughtful planning can make all the difference in how comfortably you wear latex. Generally though, the more latex coverage, the hotter you will be and the more you will sweat. If you’re concerned about heat, keep it minimal.

Take care when wearing latex in the sun, it can get very hot, very quickly!

Shine / Lubricant + Powder

Always thoroughly wash your new latex garment before wearing it to remove the talcum powder used to prevent sticking while it’s being made. Neglecting this step and applying a silicone-based shine over the powder means that your latex outfit won’t have the signature high-gloss shine, leaving it looking disappointingly matte.

You may have heard that powder can be used as a dressing aid to help put on your latex; however when it combines with sweat, it can turn into white streaks on your outfit, detracting from its sleek appearance.

There is currently a discussion about using powder for long term storage without use in between. If you have any experience with this, please leave comment below as I’d love more information.

We choose Silicone based lube every time.

Curious Looks Included: Expect Attention

Wearing latex usually attracts attention. Some people will love it, others may not. If you’re unsure how you’ll feel about the spotlight, bring a jacket or cover-up just in case. People want to talk to you about your latex outfit, they want to look at you and some people will may want to touch you.

Wearing latex clothing is a power move - it commands attention, challenges fashion norms, and stands defiantly apart. While it requires extra care and consideration, approaching your first experience with the right knowledge and mindset can make all the difference.

We hope that our Essential Guide to Wearing Your First Piece of Latex Clothing has been helpful. Check out similar blogs -