Latex 103: The Essential Guide to Storing & Caring For Latex Clothing

Latex clothing is durable and surprisingly resilient but it’s not something you can throw into the back of a cupboard and pull out years later. Think of it like a rubber band: left untouched for years, it can lose elasticity, become sticky, brittle, or even crumble.

Most damage happens in storage and even if it isn’t immediately visible, improper latex care over time can create stress points that lead to unexpected splits or tears. But don’t let that put you off. When treated well, latex offers incredible longevity, shine and an unforgettable impact.

Caring for your latex properly, along with considering factors like thickness and gauge when buying, will greatly extend its lifespan. (For more on this, see Latex 101: The Essential Guide to Buying Latex Clothing.)

Protect from Extreme Temperatures

Latex thrives in cool, stable conditions. Store garments at 12–30°C in a dark, dry space. Avoid garages, attics, unheated rooms and keep away from windows, direct sunlight, and heaters.

• Cold: Below ~5°C, latex can lose its elasticity and start to feel dull and lifeless. Cold damage happens over time and is subtle and cumulative.

  
  

• Heat and UV: Above ~28°C, heat and sunlight cause faster, more visible damage. Latex can fade, lose its shine, soften unevenly, or become sticky and weak, especially around seams and stress points. This type of damage is easier to spot, which is why it tends to get more attention.

If you live in a humid environment, consider moisture absorbers in your storage area but never let them touch the latex directly.

Wash After Every Wear

Oils, sweat, and lubricants slowly break down latex. After wearing, washing your latex clothing gently in lukewarm water with a mild soapy solution (dishwashing liquid) and always rinse thoroughly with water. Afterwards, wash in a silicone shine such as Vivishine and allow to dry.

Dry Completely, No Shortcuts

Latex traps moisture and even a small puddle inside can cause long-term issues. Hang the garment on a plastic hanger or drying rack and allow it to air-dry completely, inside and out before storing. Lingering dampness can lead to clouding, mould or accelerated degradation. 

Keep Latex Away from Metals

Copper, brass, and nickel can irreversibly stain or weaken latex garments. To minimise risk, always wrap items with metal hardware in tissue paper, store them separately from other latex pieces and avoid metal hangers. Jewellery and loose coins should also be kept well away from latex.

Latex clothing should be made with stainless steel hardware and zips, but this isn’t always the case. It’s easier to store with caution from the start than to discover permanent damage later.

Talc v Shine

There’s an ongoing debate in the latex community about storing latex with talc or a silicone shine. From what I’ve read online, climate may influence outcomes, though this isn’t proven. Personally, I’ve always had the best results using a silicone shine like Vivishine.

I avoid talcum powder because it dries out latex, accelerating long-term degradation and if you do use it, you’ll always need to wash the garment before wearing. Properly shined latex stored in the last few months can often go straight from storage to wear with no extra prep.

Fold, Don’t Scrunch

Creases in latex clothing are nearly impossible to remove. Tight pieces may hide them due to the tension, but loose areas will show every fold. Storing neatly rather than scrunched helps maintain both shape and finish.

Keep The Old Away From The New

Latex is a natural material and gradually breaks down as it ages becoming tacky, brittle or uneven in elasticity. When stored in contact with newer pieces, the degradation of the ageing latex can transfer to the newer latex and cause it to breakdown faster. Keep old and new latex separated to protect both.

Consider Colour

Light colours can absorb pigment from darker pieces. Store by colour family, wrapped in tissue paper, and place each item in its own protective bag.

IKEA Kuggis boxes come in multiple sizes with lids- perfect for keeping latex clothing safe and organised.

Air Is The Enemy

Always store latex wrapped in tissue paper and in a sealed container or zip-lock bag. Prolonged exposure to air accelerates oxidation, which can cause brittleness or a permanent dull, white haze.

A Little Attention Goes a Long Way

Latex outfits lasts longer when you wear it, but even if life gets in the way, a little handling helps. Adjusting or refolding pieces in storage and giving them a gentle stretch keeps them supple.

Latex can be forgiving when treated properly but it can also be unpredictable especially when you’re new to it. Over the years, I’ve learned the hard way, like leaving a coin in a suitcase with natural latex and discovering a permanent brown stain months later or laying a light-coloured latex dress on timber flooring and watching it adapt the colour of the timber in only a few days.

Latex clothing requires some extra care and consideration but it offers so much reward when done right!