Taking Care of Latex

For those who are new to buying and wearing latex or rubber clothing, here are some tips to help you care for your purchases. Please, make sure to read the instructions carefully.
 
When your garment arrives, it will appear matte and have a tacky covering. This is to finish the garment, seal the glue, and provide the best protection for items sent out, as they will be folded during shipping.
 
You may choose to wear your latex/ rubber as it is, i.e. non-shiny, but if you want your latex to be as shiny as in our pictures, you can use a silicone polish or spray. The silicone polish is easy to use, and best applied with a lint-free cloth. It is easier to polish clothing when it is laid flat rather than while it is being worn. You can purchase the polish here. Instructions for use are on the bottle. The spray, however, is best applied as the garment is worn. 

HOW TO PUT ON LATEX?

Be cautious when dressing with jewellery and long nails, as the rubber can tear; avoid digging your fingers in. Light-colored latex can also discolor — AVOID contact with make-up, fake tan, jewellery etc. Prolonged contact with metal, along with lubricants or polishes,  can lead to increased staining, so it's best to remove piercings completely before wearing, if possible. Staining from metal that remains on the skin can be transferred to clothing. To prevent this, make sure to thoroughly wash the area of your body where metal accessories were worn before putting on any garments.

Before putting on your latex, apply a silicone-based lubricant to your skin. Since latex is made from rubber, similar to putting on a condom, using lubricant will help you slide the latex on easily. For maximum glide and snug fit, apply lubricant to both your skin and the latex.

Avoid any type of friction while wearing latex. For example, don't sit on concrete or lean against a brick wall. Friction can lead to tears and unnecessary stretching.

Keep your latex powdered or lubed with silicone-based polish at all times to protect it.

HOW TO WASH LATEX?

To wash your latex, use a small amount of gentle soap in lukewarm water. Move the garment around to ensure the water circulates, and use your fingertips to gently remove any stains. Next, wash it in clean lukewarm water. You may wish to repeat this twice to ensure all soap is removed. Hang your garment in the shower or over a bath to allow it to drip dry completely on both inside and out. You can apply talc inside and polish the outside to keep the rubber moisturized.

Do not put wet latex in a plastic bag. If latex remains wet, it will become moldy. Once it molds, it does not unmold.

Once the latex has fully dried, hang it on a plastic or wooden hanger, keeping it out of sunlight.

HOW TO STORE LATEX?

Some of our clothing has metal fastenings like zips and press studs. Black latex will not stain or be discoloured by these, but if your garment is coloured latex, then it is best to keep metal components wrapped in tissue paper when not worn, especially after using polish. Pale-colored latex can discolor quickly when in contact with metal after polishing.

Latex can melt in the heat and discolor in sunlight, so avoid storing or drying it on or near a radiator or window. Best store it in a wardrobe! Make sure to hang it as flatly as possible to avoid creasing. Keeping your latex garment like this will keep it durable and ready to wear again and again! For further info or advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Remember!

Since Latex Rubber is a natural and delicate material, there are a few things it doesn’t like. Keep it protected from:

 Household oils, Mechanical oils, Grease and Solvents can all cause severe damage to latex.

 Extreme heat can melt it, so keep latex away from hair straighteners, irons, heaters, etc.

 Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, water and humidity can cause discolouration and contribute to deterioration.

 Store it dry. Give it enough time to drip dry and air dry after washing. Don’t use a radiator or tumble dryer. If in a rush, you can use a hairdryer on low heat.

Some metals, especially copper, will stain the latex. Packing your latex garments in their own hanging plastic garment bags will help protect them.

 Sharp objects, including long nails, can make holes or rip your latex garment. Latex can tear if pulled or snagged.

 Nicotine will stain the latex.

 The salt in your sweat will damage the material in the long-term if you don’t wash and oil or powder your garment after every wear.