Latex has been used for over 6 decades to create tight fitting fetish clothing. Since Latex is naturally translucent it is easily colored, the most common color these days is black. Latex is used to make a wide variety of clothing, most common are body suits, gloves and [[fetish:maid|maid outfits]]. ====== Latex Allergies ====== If you are (or suspect you are) allergic to latex, please read about [[http://www.aafp.org/afp/980101ap/reddy.html|Latex Allergies]].\\ In addition to latex allergies, cases of allergic reactions to specific coloring agents have been reported. If you do not have a history of latex allergies (i.e. you can use [[sex:condom|latex condoms]] or toys without issues) but you experience skin irritation with one specific piece of latex clothing, try latex from a different manufacturer. \\ Because of the curing agent used in Liquid Latex, some people can also be allergic to liquid latex only while showing no issues with store made latex clothing. ====== Use and Care ====== Because of the tight fit, latex clothing can create a lot of friction on the skin. To avoid stretching and tearing, some form of lubrication is required. Many people recommend baby powder (works by drying the surface of the skin) or silicone based [[sex:lubrication|lubricants]] (never used oil based [[sex:lubrication|lubricant]]!) to help the latex clothing slide on more easily. Never bend or grab your clothing with individual fingers as that will tears or stretches. Always use your whole hand to pull on and off your latex clothing. Keep your finger nails well trimmed! \\ Clean your latex clothing carefully after each use. Any access lube can leave stains, your sweat can create a nasty odor that is hard to get rid of. To clean latex, use mild soap and a soft sponge or soft cloth. Never scrub or wring out your latex pieces. Carefully shake dry and use a small amount of baby powder to trap excess moisture. Hang to dry completely.\\ To store your latex clothing, always keep it in a dark, dry place. If possible, hang your latex clothing off a wide plastic hanger. Never use thin wire hangers as they will cut through the latex over time. Avoid folding your clothing since that can leave stretch marks. Never keep in latex clothing in direct sunlight. Sunlight will age the latex - it becomes less flexible and tears easier. Some types of coloring agents used in latex clothing can also break down in sunlight, returning the material to its original translucent appearance.\\ To keep your latex clothing shiny and new looking, you can use silicone spray. Best results are achieved when the spray is applied after the first time you put on your new latex clothing. Wait for it to dry and make sure you did not miss any spots. After the first application, regularly spray your both inside and outside of your clothing (wait for one side to dry before turning over). It often takes several uses before the shine is perfect. Do not stop applying spray after the shine develops. ====== Liquid Latex ====== Liquid Latex is a latex mixture that has not cured (solidified yet). It is painted onto the body and the curing agent that is part of the latex mixture will solidify.\\ To prepare for the application of liquid latex, make sure your body is completely clean. If possible remove any body hair in the region that you're planing to apply latex to - otherwise you will have to endure a very painful waxing experience. Then apply a good amount of lotion or vegetable oil. Vegetable oil will also help in areas where you were not able to remove body hair, however some hair will always get stuck in the latex.\\ For the application of the latex mixture please follow the manufacturers instructions. Basically, use a thin foam brush or roller to apply the latex. Use of a new set of brushes/rollers ensures a good looking finish. Brushes with latex dried in them will only create a very uneven looking surface. Use several coats to ensure a smooth and consistent look. Once covered with latex, you can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process. Avoid movements that can cause the latex pieces to touch until completely cured. For larger applications a second person to help with the application and drying is necessary. \\ Liquid latex can also be used to decorate existing latex clothing. Some people have also recommended the application of liquid latex over regular clothing to give the comfort of regular clothing with the look of latex. \\ Zippers for liquid latex custom clothing exists but are often hard to find. Regular zippers applied after the clothing has dried tend to rip off the latex fairly easily.