Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing Latex for the First Time

Latex takes a special place in the wardrobes of those who admire bold looks and body-hugging silhouettes. As an individual who wants to try it for the first time ever, you may think that it’s enough to take a latex outfit out of the box and put it on. The truth is that putting it on for the first time creates a physical and mental challenge. Moreover, beginners often make the same mistakes that risk destroying both the material and mood. Fortunately, you can easily avoid these common issues once you know the rules. In this article, we will share tips to help you enjoy your first time wearing latex.

How to Wear Latex for the First Time 

Let’s start with the list of do’s to help you wear your individual latex garments and full body latex sets without damaging them: 

Prepare Your Skin 

Latex feels like a second skin; however, if your own skin is oily or sticky, it will prevent the material from sliding smoothly and feeling comfortable on you. Latex may also stick to dry or untreated skin, so before putting it on, take a shower, let your body dry, and avoid using heavy lotions with greasy consistency. To protect your skin from irritation, you can apply a thin layer of water-based lubricant compatible with latex. 

Use Dressing Aids

Latex isn’t as easy to put on as your favorite jeans or leggings. To make getting dressed less messy, you need to use specially designed dressing aids. 

They come in two types, and both make your life easier:

1. Water-based lubricants. These dressing aids provide a slick surface that helps the latex glide over your skin. They minimize friction preventing latex garments from  tearing, as well as helping protect your outfit from stretching during dressing. Water-based lubricants are easy to apply: just turn your outfit inside out and apply it directly to the inside surface, especially on the tightest areas of your outfits, such as the arms, legs, and torso. Additionally, you can apply a thin layer of the lubricant to your skin for better smoothness. 
2. Talcum powder. This dressing aid creates a dry layer that reduces friction. Moreover, it effectively absorbs moisture reducing sweat buildup under the latex. To apply it, use a spoon or shake it directly from the container, focusing on areas where the outfit is the tightest. Be careful not to get powder on the outside of your garments. 

Use Latex Shine Sprays

Shiners give the material that signature glossy look and prevent the surface from sticking to itself. Shine sprays create a protective barrier that makes latex resistant to friction and wear. As they are very easy to use, you just need to spray them on the surface and buff with a soft cloth or specially designed latex wipes. You can also use liquid shiners or polishing gels. 

Read more about dressing aids and shiners in our article What Products Do You Need to Care for Latex?

Choose the Right Size

Despite latex’s ability to hug the wearer’s body tightly, you should still be careful with measurements when choosing latex outfits. Latex shouldn’t restrict your movement and feel too tight. Always double-check your measurements and compare them to the sizing chart provided on the company’s website from which you buy latex outfits. Thin latex does stretch, but thicker latex clothing can be less adaptable, so the correct size is crucial.
Remember that a well-fitting latex outfit:

• should stretch gently across your body;
• shouldn’t create discomfort or numbness;
• shouldn’t prevent you from breathing normally.
  

If you're between sizes, always size up.

Mind the Temperature

Comfort should stay your priority! Latex doesn’t breathe that makes it not the best option for extended wearing. As it also traps heat, you should be careful with wearing latex jackets and other pieces in very hot temperatures to avoid overheating and moisture buildup. The same goes for cold places — latex can increase the risk of freezing. Avoid wearing latex in multiple layers and especially for parties with all-night dancing.

 To make your latex wearing experience the best, keep in mind:

• when dressed in latex, you’ll sweat more than usual;
• you may feel overheated in warm places;
• you need to stay hydrated to last longer.
  

Once you start feeling dizzy or overheated, step out and let your body reset.

Practice Dressing in Latex Before the Event

The first time should not be five minutes before you leave the house. Do a “trial run”. Put on a selected latex garment in comfortable surroundings and wear it for a short period to get used to it. 

 When trying your latex outfit at home, you can:

• learn how long the dressing process takes to plan your preparation for a specific event;
• figure out which parts are tricky and need careful attention;
• check how it feels on you once you sit, bend, or move;
• see if you can use the bathroom in it.
  
  

Find Your Perfect Match 

Wearing latex requires courage. Once you appear in a body-tight glossy outfit in the club or on the red carpet, people’s eyes will be on you. That’s why you should find your perfect pair. During trial time at home, let yourself experiment with matching your latex outfit with other pieces from your wardrobe to create the ensemble that both looks stylish and boosts your confidence.

Do not go over the top for the first time. Start with small details such as gloves, stockings, socks or berets. These small accessories will help you get a basic understanding of how latex feels on your skin. You can opt for garments with loose-cut styles such as high-waisted pants  to not restrict your movement too much. You can also try to combine tops with pencil skirts or wear latex leggings with tunics or cardigans. 

Things not to Do When Wearing Latex for the First Time 

Now let’s explore the list of don’ts when wearing latex garments to avoid destroying the material and unnecessary stress. 

Avoid Using Oils or Petroleum Products

Any product containing oils will simply ruin your latex outfit. It may cause discoloration, dullness, and tearing. Use only specially designed lubricants and avoid body oils, coconut oil, vaseline, oil-based moisturizers

Don’t Rush the Dressing Process

Speed and sudden movements aren’t your best options when putting on latex. If you pull it too hard, yank, or stretch sharply, you risk ripping seams or destroying thin areas.

Take your time and dress slowly:

• use lubricants or talcum powder for the inner surface of your garment;
• gather the material;
• slide it inch by inch;
• use your palms, not your nails. Wear gloves if you have a manicure. 

Don’t Expect to Feel “Normal” At Once 

Latex is different compared to your everyday outfits. It can feel warm, restricted, and close. So, don’t panic once you dress and feel tighter than expected. It’s a normal feeling when you’re wearing this kind of material.. Give yourself time to adjust. After approximately 10–15 minutes, the material will soften from your body heat and start to feel natural. 

Don’t Wear Metal Accessories That Will Stain

Copper, brass, and nickel accessories leave unappealing marks on latex and are hard to remove. As alternatives, choose stainless steel or chrome-finished belts, chains, and other embellishments that won’t react with latex. 

Don’t Store It Carelessly and Unclean 

Always wash the outfit once you stop wearing it. If you leave it covered with sweat, body oils, and other residues from your skin, this will end with rapid deterioration. To extend the lifespan of your latex outfits:

• choose the storage place away from sunlight and heat sources;
• use garment bags or boxes;
• keep it far enough from metals;
• store dark and light colors separate;
• avoid leaving latex folded

Don’t Expect to Feel like Models  

Most latex photos that you see online are edited and taken when the models are standing perfectly still. In real life, everything is slightly different. You’ll move, sweat and bend. Don’t stress yourself with the idea that you should look like a static studio shot all night.

Final Word

These were our tips on making your first experience with latex more comfortable. We hope they will help you dress and wear latex garments with more confidence and less stress. 

We also invite you to read our article about Important Things You MUST Know Before Buying Latex Clothes.

Explore our full latex collection here.