Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing Latex Fashion

Latex fashion has one of the more visually stimulating and daring fabrics to wear in your wardrobe. From hugging catsuits and form-fitting dresses to bold accessories, it’s a fabric that certainly draws attention and makes a statement. However, like we said, latex can be visually stunning, but it is also one of the more niche fabrics that requires knowing a certain amount about it to style, wear, and take care of it appropriately. The thing is, latex is not like cotton, denim, or silk fabrics, as it has its own set of rules. If you disregard those rules, you can ruin an expensive piece of clothing, present yourself in a way that you may not have intended, or find yourself uncomfortable in it at all.

While you may be a complete novice to the latex world or you have only dipped your toes (or arms) into the shiny world of rubber fashion, it is worth knowing the general mistakes most people make and how to avoid them. This knowledge will help you save money, help extend the life of the clothing you invest in, and make sure that you look as impressive as you should when wearing latex.

Sizing is, by far, one of the most common mistakes. There is an assumption that latex clothing is stretchy enough to fit you, commercially referred to as “one size fits all.” A size smaller than your true size is uncomfortable and risks overstretching and damaging the latex. A larger garment will not shape the body the way latex is meant to, and it can also crease or sag in the wrong areas to detract from the sleek look. Taking good measurements and making sure to look at the manufacturer’s size guide instead of estimating from your normal size is very important! Custom sizes will often be worth the money because you will be sure that the item will fit like a second skin.

Another common problem is how to dress. Latex is a material that requires special treatment; it can tear if you are too rough when pulling it on. Most newcomers do not realize that sliding into a latex dress or catsuit is not the same as putting on a pair of jeans! You often need talcum powder or something to help the latex slide over the skin easily. Lubricating the inside of latex is not only going to help with dressing, but it will minimize stretching or ripping stitches in seams as well. When you are dressing in latex, you naturally want to go fast or are distracted by other things, but if you start to tug or, more importantly, use your nails, especially sharp nails, it can become very disastrous. Slow and steady wins the race, it seems, when dressing in latex.

Another major mistake is shining latex incorrectly! The shiny, mirror-like look people think of with latex does not happen on its own, and it takes polishing effort to achieve. There are some wearers who use oil-based products or petroleum-based products to achieve this shine, not realizing that it will eventually break down the latex material. The safe way to obtain the dangerously good shine is to use silicone-based polish made specifically for latex garments. Your latex garments will look great as opposed to damaged fabric, and the polish will enhance the fabric. Be sure to apply the polish evenly so you don’t have a buildup of polish sitting in the seams and looking patchy and gross.

Storing latex incorrectly is another common mistake. Latex should never be stored in direct sunlight or too close to sources of heat since UV rays and heat cause fading, discoloration, and brittleness. Folding latex will form creases permanently, so if possible, it is usually best to hang it on a wide, padded hanger. If you are going to store multiple pieces(even different pieces of the same color), don’t allow them to touch each other. Avoid getting different colors near each other, because dye transfer can happen quite easily, and you will have a hard time going back after that takes place. If you can keep everything you stored in a cool, dark place, and away from metals like copper or brass, you will preserve the look and duration of your investment.

If you are going to wear latex and don’t think about your undergarments, you will probably be disappointed. It is unforgiving and will show every line, seam, and bump underneath. So, try to choose undergarments that are seamless and smooth, or skip them altogether. Some seasoned latex wearers will wear specialized shapewear that smooths the body without bulk or visible lines. The wrong undergarments can make a fantastic latex dress look sloppy. It is worth considering what you are going to put on underneath your amazing latex pieces.

Another mistake people make is neglecting proper cleaning. Again, sweat, body oils, and air pollution can break down latex quicker than you think. Always clean it off after you wear it, and don’t let any of that stuff sit on it. It is not difficult to wash latex, but it is very important to take care of it. A quick rinse in warm water with a bit of mild soap, followed by a gentle towel dry, and then to air dry out of the sun is usually all that is required. Never put latex in a washing machine – never put it in a dryer, both of these will destroy latex. Definitely never ever iron latex, heat causes the material to warp and melt.

Another obvious potential issue is the choice of accessories and shoes. Latex clothing is bold and shiny, and pairing an equally loud texture or competing materials can take away from the latex look. However, if you opt for accessories that will complement the look, you may well create a stunning look. Balance the strong visual statement of latex with matte shoes, simple jewelry, or slick hairstyles. If you do want to mix textures, do so intentionally. Putting latex with leather or lace can be spectacular when styled with intention!

Lastly, and perhaps more confusing, is to be careful not to over-polish or wear latex wearables in the wrong setting. While latex may be appropriate for a party, or photoshoot, or fashion event, it is not the same for hot outdoor styling, or in situations that require sitting for long periods of time. Latex does not breathe like fabric, and if worn for hours in warm weather, it can be uncomfortable. Knowing how and when to wear latex means that you look good and feel good.

The next consideration is mental preparation. Latex is an eye-catching material. For some, attention is all part of the fun, while we all know that for others, the attention, stares, and comments can be intimidating. If you are not geared up for this type of attention, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable instead of empowered. Wearing latex dress is as much about confidence as it is style, and if you walk into wearing latex with the right mindset, this will be the fun it should be.

Lastly, I think the last issue that people contemplate is quality. Many cheap latex products you see online might fit a certain look, but these items are usually made from thinner, poorly cured rubber that is prone to tearing and discoloring, and smells unpleasant. While you might pay a bit of a price, your garments should come from an established brand or designer who offers quality items. Buying good quality clothing from reputable brands or designers will be better made, last longer overall, have less chance of falling apart, and hopefully be better to begin with. The difference is quite apparent, good quality latex feels much smoother, less stitching – the stretch is more uniform, less effort to polish to hold shine, etc.

Latex clothing is not a trend; wearing latex can introduce a whole new style to you when you wear it correctly. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can truly enjoy what latex has to offer: a smooth, bold, and head-turning style. Allow yourself time to get dressed in your latex wear, look after your garments, clean your garments after each wear, and purchase good-quality latex clothing. Look after the detail, the little choices, clothing options, undergarments, polish, etc., and you can understand why latex gets its loyal following.

In the end, latex is about the people who recognize and respect it. If you look after your pieces, don’t cut corners, and take into account practical and aesthetic considerations, we can enjoy any latex garment we wear, whether it be a full latex outfit or just a shiny latex accessory. It is important to know the dos and don’ts so that we look good and feel confident and upstanding with any latex we choose to wear.

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