Why we love Latex

Believe it or not, latex has been around long before Lady GaGa and Katy Perry. Easily one of the most fetishised fabrics, latex has had a remarkable history. From its humble beginnings water-proofing containers and cloth in ancient central America, to the “accidental” discovery that led to mass production in the late 1800’s, today we see it squeak and strut on catwalks and red carpets, while remaining a constant in kink clubs and dungeons all over the world. 

But why is latex so appealing? And if you love it, how do you show it you care?

The Appeal

“What all my clients seem to have in common is that latex brings them a feeling of joy and belonging” says fashion designer and costumer Matt Bylett, who has made outfits for Katy Perry, had his designs featured on Australia’s Next Top Model as well as the catwalk at OzKinkFest, and has a background in creature shops on TV shows like Zena Warrior Princess. From his well-honed perspective, the initial appeal is a somewhat simple, “You know, we have to spend so much time just being a grown-up, and for some people just literally coming home after a hard day at work and getting into something that they feel is just for them is like a Prozac.” In an earlier article on clothing fetishes we discuss the three main reasons clothing is fetishised – function, sensuality, and symbology. Let’s put latex into these contexts.

The function of latex is to clothe the body, often in a very tight ‘second skin’. According to Matt, “You sometimes encounter people who don’t want something super skintight, and that’s where the moulded rubber has been great. It has more of a leather texture – it’s not so stretchy. It has a lot of structure and made some people feel more controlled or powerful.” However for the fetishist, this function goes further. Latex is not always easy to get into, or out of, and there is a ritualistic feel about dressing in it. Your body needs to be prepared, the garment itself needs to be prepared, and it often requires some help. This engagement with the clothing heightens the fetishists thrill. 

Latex is blatantly sensual, igniting every sense; the shine of the fabric, the smell of the rubber, the squeak when it moves, slippery-smooth to the touch. There are sensual delights when donning the outfit; massaging the fabric with shine; the restrictive feel against the skin; caressing out the creases; gazing upon a completed outfit.

There is a certain self-confidence required to rock out in latex, and a sense of power seen in those that wear it. And this isn’t a ‘dominant’ power – this is a self-satisfied, happy with the world ‘power’. The power you get from being your authentic self. Latex seems to carry the symbology of power. Rarely do we see imagery of latex-clad folk looking anything less than boss. Matt can acknowledge this imagery of power, and adds, “A lot of my clients are police, and army, and people who are in uniforms. So I wonder if there is an element of that, like “This is my play uniform”? I think it allows them to go into a certain mindset. It gives them a license to be who they want to be.”

Other Fetishised Items

There is more to a latex fetish than just the clothes. We won’t go into too much detail here except to give you a quick idea about latex vac beds and vac suits. 

A vac bed is like a massive, flat, zip-lock bag that attaches to a frame to keep the latex taut over the body that enters the bed (kinda). They come in a range of styles from basic to luxurious, but the concept goes like this: bottom gets into vac bed, Top attaches vacuum hose to bed seal, turns vacuum on, and thus starts sucking air out of the bed, and tightening the latex sheet over the body in a form of bondage.  These are sometimes used in combination with hoods, blindfolds, and headphones in sensory deprivation play, or, on the contrary can also be used for overstimulation, and tease and denial.

Similarly, the vac suit is a large latex onesie or body bag from which a vacuum can suck out all the air, tightening the suit against the skin. Suits can come with a range of fittings, including electrodes and insertable mini-vibrators, and some styles can be used in combination with pumps that send lube into the suit for an extra slimy time.

Latex Care 

Latex isn’t cheap, but for those who are into it, there’s no substitute. Be it a jumpsuit, a hood, or a vac bed your latex needs love for longevity. The first step to caring for your latex is acknowledging it’s enemy. “Sweat is the nemesis of rubber” Matt states, “which is quite ironic as latex makes you sweat like a banshee. It is so important to rinse it and clean it after you’ve worn it, and let it drip dry.”

It seems amazing that a medium that can be so difficult to manage is, in fact relatively easy to maintain. Matt explains “Once it’s thoroughly dry, you can re-silicone it and put it away somewhere in a dark place where it’s not going to get too much heat.” Oh okay, I guess that’s doable… “For longevity of rubber, ideally you also want your items separate, cos it will bleed. And as it’s a natural fibre, once it starts degrading it will spread. It will spread to other garments and lose its elasticity and go all papery.” Oh damn, that’s sad! “And the other big thing would be the colour and buckles, cos metal can stain light rubber.” For latex lovers, this labour of love is no real challenge – for some it adds more ritual, for others it’s just the energy you put into something you love.

Aside from keeping your latex well-looked after, Matt has one final piece of advice. “A lot of the big names make stuff out of really, really thin rubber so that it will fit most sizes and it will fit really tightly, but it also has very little longevity. You might get one or two wears, so don’t expect longevity from cheap rubber.” Like every other kink journey, build slow and see how you go. Don’t go blowing a month’s pay on an elaborate outfit before you know this is something you truly adore. But don’t start bottom of the barrel – chances are you’ll get a sub optimal product and experience which could put you off further exploration. 

It's your time to shine!

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by MattBylettDesigns (@mattbylettdesigns)

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  FitGuy1969

  More than a month ago

  There doesn't seem to be many people who enjoy or admit to enjoy the feel and look of latex clothing. I have been admiring it recently and might have to look into having fun with someone who likes latex also. Any others that get turned on by latex?

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