Consider the term “latex clothing”, and depending upon your background, your thoughts may vary. Some people immediately associate that term with high fashion runways, avant-garde music videos, or outfits often seen on the fringes of edgy subcultures. The high gloss of the finish, the way skin-tight latex is designed to cling onto the body, and the overtly visual statement it makes, make it hard to wear, hard to style, and harder to take care of! The truth is, buying and owning latex clothing and wearing it is much more accessible than you think.
Whether you’re simply looking to make a statement at an event, looking to put a wild spin into your wardrobe, or trying something completely out of your comfort zone, you should not fear incorporating latex clothing into your closet or style. With a little bit of information, you’ll be wearing it without hesitation and loving every step of making it your own, because there is no right or wrong way of wearing latex clothing.
You should first remove those thoughts that latex clothing is only about the shock value. Sure, it’s dramatic—but if styled properly, it can also be very on-trend, and let’s not forget that the timelessness of well-considered designs can be timeless! Latex clothing can be sleek and minimalistic, and take on futuristic aesthetics. Alternatively, there are playful and colorful styles that can even serve a day-to-day function. It’s silly and fully misunderstands the potential of latex. Even taking a classic black pencil skirt or a bubble-gum pink crop top, the effect is predictable; there are wires of possibilities that go well beyond even the stereotypical dominatrix look. Designers have really introduced styles that can comfortably fit in with other items of daily wear (think of a latex top with high-waisted jeans, or a latex skirt with a crisp, white shirt), that can be worn without attaching to any of the more alternative subcultures.
That’s a modern, street-style way to wear latex clothing! Another misconception is regarding rubber hood and discomfort. Quality latex has a surprisingly high degree of stretch. Its thin film hugs your curves and moves with your body almost like a second skin, and although it’s not as soft as cotton or as airy as linen, it’s not the stiff, squeaky horror people envisage sometimes either. The most important part is choosing pieces that fit your body shape properly. Latex is a material that has precision – if it is too small, it pinches, if it is too big, it swallows and loses the sleek silhouette. Many enthusiasts will tell you that getting a custom-sized piece of clothing is totally worth it because you will be comfortable and stylish.
Then, of course, there is the actual process of getting into it. Yes, latex requires a little more effort to slide into than your average t-shirt, but it is not like you are doing a workout session in itself. A small amount of dressing aid, like silicone-based lubricant or specialty powder, will make the process of getting into it smooth and easy. Once you get the hang of it a few times, it becomes second nature. The payoff is also instant; you leave the dressing room or bathroom, you step onto whatever surface of your choosing, and the vibrant and iconic shiny reflective quality of latex comes back to life. The shine is something that no other fabric can replicate. Latex provides a look that stops people dead in their tracks. Not because it is over-the-top, but because it is clean, sculpted, and bold.
Care is another issue that frightens people off, but like most things, it’s not even close to the horror myths suggest. Latex doesn’t go in the washing machine, but a hand wash in lukewarm water and gentle soap is all it takes to keep it clean. Once you’ve rinsed it off, just pat it dry with a towel, allow it to air dry away from direct sunlight, and you’re good to go. Storing latex is easy, too; just avoid sharp things and long-term contact with metals, like copper, which can stain latex. Most latex lovers store their items on padded hangers or in a garment bag to preserve them. The biggest “secret” to caring for latex is that regularly polishing it with a silicone shiner helps keep it looking shiny, and helps protect it from wear.
For those taking their first baby steps into latex fashion, accessories are a great place to start! A pair of latex gloves, or a belt, or a small clutch lets you become familiar with the feel and look of latex without having to commit to a full-on body contouring catsuit. Once you are comfortable with that, moving up to larger items like a skirt, leggings, or dress feels much more natural. And, if you think latex comes only in black, get ready to be pleasantly surprised. Today’s latex is available in every colour of the rainbow, including soft pastels. Being playful with textures is a great way to make latex feel more attainable as part of more everyday looks.
For example, a pair of glossy latex, high-waisted trousers is so easy to style with a chunky knit sweater to create a high contrast, elevated, and fresh look. A little shine and a little dusty softness…now we have a fun wearability within a modern outfit structure! Likewise, a latex pencil skirt with a silk blouse achieves a similar visual balance of shine and softness, but is also appropriate for more formal occasions. You can even work latex into a denim, leather, or cotton look and achieve that effortlessly chic vibe! The best part about mixing textures is allowing the latex piece to be an outfit focal point; everything else is simple enough so that the latex piece shines!
There is also a confidence factor to mention. There is something about the nature of latex that changes a person’s disposition and stance. Latex’s slick nature contours and reflects the light (it is also bold as hell!). Latex gives people a quick boost of self-esteem almost immediately. I think a lot of folks feel a lot of empowerment and control in wearing latex, which makes sense in terms of why latex clothing is still popular in performance situations. I also believe that type of confidence can have everyday applications, from latex mini dresses for a night out to casual streetwear for a latex jacket!
If you are worried about the price factor, then you should also keep in mind the multi-wear aspect of latex clothing as investment clothing too. Because latex garments are handmade, quality latex clothing requires a skilled professional to make clothing pieces. However, there can be one great piece that will last (somewhat) through time because latex is durable and ageless if treated properly! A quality latex piece should be thought of as the fashion equivalent of a luxury leather jacket—you may pay a higher price, but the cost per wear between a quality piece and cheaper quality alternatives that wear out quickly is much less for quality clothing. With latex fashion being in fashion/course cut it’s been over a decade now, and more and more latex clothing brands exist, with price points that are affordable and able to shop!
Latex fashion is benefiting from cultural change. Ten years ago, no one would have been taking latex seriously because of the times we lived in; social media influencers/bloggers/celebrities have made latex realities that also weren’t an option. Social media environments such as red carpet appearances, music videos, and casual post submissions by friends have resulted in a lot of people seeing latex slabbed, sculpted, egg-paced, and it has become a visual vocabulary for these items of fabric! As a result, designers are learning and are empowered to create collections that include functional offerings that shoppers can incorporate multiple pieces into their life closet!
At the end of the day, wearing latex is less of a statement to others (although it may be), but more about affecting you and the way you feel. If you are curious, I don’t think it hurts to start small, think about your styling choices, and have fun mixing your wardrobe with latex! The learning curve is very short and is likely to present huge gains, in terms of style, confidence, and most importantly, fun! Latex clothing is not reserved for daily wear for the sartorial elite, or the only people who have bold personality types. With the right mindset, any person can enjoy this polymer!
So the next time you see that glossy, fitted, and curve-hugging dress or those impossibly sleek latex leggings and say within yourself, “I could never pull that off!” think about this: latex clothing is not as difficult as you think it is. You can determine clothing and lifestyle through planning, self-care, and a willingness to adventure when trying on new clothes. You just might establish a new favorite in your closet!
Written by the latexcharms team — bespoke latex clothing handmade.
