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Latex clothing has matured into one of the most spectacular and expressive fashions of choice in alternative fashion. Of all latex clothing items, the latex catsuit still easily stands as the most recognizable. It’s brash, bold, daring, and unapologetically dramatic. We see it worn by celebrities on stage, performers in their acts, and stylish individuals when out on the town and at parties. But while latex catsuits make a bolder statement than most garments, there is always a balance when it comes to ease of wear/maintenance. Many new users discover soon upon getting their catsuit all zipped up that latex has its quirks, which are never encountered with regular textiles. To be fair, most problems are easily fixed with the right product and patience.
Another common issue experienced by wearers is tearing. Latex is a high-durability material, but it does have limits. Sharp nails, rings, or simply being careless can create a rip or small hole. The feeling is awful when that favorite catsuit sustains damage, but small tears do not mean you have to retire it. There are latex repair kits on the market that have either patches or liquid latex from a bottle to reconnect the pieces together. For small holes, a small dab of liquid latex hood can do the trick. For larger rips, it’s usually best to go with patches. The biggest thing to remember is to try to repair your suit as soon as you find the damage; letting it go often leads to more damage. It is also a good idea to invest in shorter nails or be particularly careful with jewelry anytime you happen to be taking on or taking off your suit. It is always going to be easier to prevent damage than to repair.
So, is sweating an issue? This is something that surprises many first-time users. Latex does not breathe like cotton or polyester, so once you are zipped in, you can’t escape all that body heat. For this reason, most people find the latex catsuit is a good option for a short experience, a party, or a photo session, but not for an entire day. You should think about how long you plan to wear it, keep cool water nearby, and take frequent breaks. If you can, select a suit with zippers, cuts, or ventilation to make stepping out or moving more comfortable. Honestly, latex looks fantastic, but getting it on and off does take things down a notch on the comfort scale.
Lastly, I have to mention the zippers. Zippers are convenient and a pain in the same breath! While they make putting on and taking off catsuits much easier, they are also fragile points that can tear naturally, wrapping around the zipper if you are not careful. Zippers that get caught or stuck can tear away the latex around them, and can be one of the most frustrating experiences! To avoid this problem, always lubricate your zipper with a silicone spray or a little wax, and open and close it easily, without force. If you begin to feel resistance, stop and reset, rather than pull harder. A good zipper maintenance program will save your catsuit from being put in early retirement.
The gloss maintenance program is another opponent that many latex lovers underestimate. Most latex catsuits, when they come in the box, are generally matte, slightly dull. But, to most people, that high gloss, liquid shine is preferred. You need latex polish or silicone-based shine products to achieve this beyond a simple buff with a cloth. It takes practice to apply shine evenly, sometimes requiring an extra set of hands to get the cracks or hard-to-reach areas. The payoff is worth it. A polished latex catsuit looks like a molten glass second skin when seen under lights. If you are preparing for an event or shoot, polish your catsuit completely the day beforehand, not just before you put it on.
Finally, storage is yet another area where people commonly make mistakes. Latex does not like light, heat, or contact with metals. Leaving your catsuit hanging beside a radiator or in a room with a strong light source (including sunlight and fluorescent lights) can age it quickly and cause discoloration. Contact with metals like copper or brass can leave a permanent stain on latex products. The safest bet is to store your latex catsuit in a cool, dark place, while hanging on a padded hanger or folded in a garment bag made for latex. Dusting your catsuit lightly with talcum powder before storing will also help prevent the attachment of the latex to itself and other things. Treat it like something a little bit above ordinary; it surely deserves a little more attention than, properly cared for, it will outlast many of your traditional fashion wear simply because of how much expendable income people seem to throw at fast fashion, and likewise overpay for fundamentally lousy latex fashions.
Fit issues happen with both traditional fashion and latex. Fit problems are more common with off-the-shelf catsuits (latex does not stretch like spandex does). If you buy a catsuit that is too small, you could rip it, and a catsuit that is one size up will most likely not give you that slick second skin feel you want. Custom options are probably the best option when you are going to spend more money, and if there is no tailored option, refer to size charts within the specific brand you purchase and check reviews on how accurate the sizes are. More importantly, latex sizes are not the same as the sizes of common clothing; if you want to think that your normal size is of normal fitting.
One of the last issues new latex wearers run into is fade; when taking care of colored latex, black latex usually does better aesthetically than lighter colors (white, pink, or sheer) because they can become yellow and do not respond well to direct light or care. They just lost vibrance over time. Keep your colored latex away from sunlight, wash after each wear, and, where you can, use specific latex products that will retain color even better than just washing in regular old water. Don’t forget that this is kind of like a skin care routine, the more regular care always yields better results.
I’d give washing a separate thought process altogether. Latex only hand washes in lukewarm water with approved mild soap or latex cleaner. Machine washing is a guaranteed way to mess up your suit. After rinsing, gently pat dry with a towel, then dry completely before storing your suit. Avoid oils, lotions, or perfume when wearing latex dress. These can break down latex. This may seem like there are a lot of rules to follow, but as with anything, you will get into the rhythm and it will become second nature. The payoff is that with some basic care, your suit will look brand new every time.
For a lot of people, another stumbling block can be self-consciousness while wearing something so out there. Latex catsuits show every curve, and not everyone feels instant confidence strutting about in one of these (and usually people strutting in this type of style makes the mind stink!). The best remedy here is not technical; it’s psychological. Just remember that the attitude is just as important as the look when it comes to latex. If you own the look, others will appreciate it. Like anything, confidence comes with practice, and every time you wear your catsuit, it makes it that much easier to embrace what can be considered excessiveness.
Ultimately, latex catsuits are not just a clothing item; they are experiences. They require patience, preparation, focus, and care, but they give you a look like no other. Every single common issue – like getting it on, sweating, and storage – has a solution; you just need to learn the terms of the process. If you truly want to be successful with this type of fashion, you just need to approach it, and if you work for it with the right mindset and habits, your catsuit can last several years and continue to turn heads when you wear it.
Latex clothes crave drama, sophistication, and sensuality. The latex catsuit symbolically represents the epitome of the drama, sophistication, and most importantly, sensuality we find in the latex aesthetic. Yes, they come with some challenges. But then so does any phenomenal fashion piece that pushes fashion boundaries. Instead of feeling disheartened by its quirks, consider them part of the process. Each shine, each careful harnessing through repair, each time you feel the recall of its excessiveness when you step out of your comfort zone – these are the things that make wearing latex special. Of course, if you take care of it, and you feel confident, then what seems like problems or concerns become part of the ritual, and it’s precisely things like this that make latex catsuits so remarkable in the fashion landscape.
In Partnership with APG
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