How to Properly Care for Latex Clothing: Tips and Recommendations

Latex is mostly associated with its glossy surface and body-hugging properties however, it’s also known for its delicate nature, requiring special care. Latex outfits will serve you for many years, maintaining their texture, color, shine, and elasticity, if you care for them properly. In this article, we will share tips and recommendations on how to care for latex clothes.

What Not To Do with Your Latex Outfit?

To begin with, let’s look through the list of what you shouldn’t do to latex clothing if you want to enjoy its design and beauty for a long time.

• Never pull it around mannequins
• Don’t pull it with excessive force
• Don’t leave it in water with soap overnight
• Don’t rub it with excessive force
• Never wash it in the washing machine
• Never put on latex without cotton gloves if you have sharp nails
• Don’t put on latex outfit without lubrication, as it increases the risk to damage it
• Don’t keep it close to metals (such as copper, brass, bronze), grease, oils, and solvents
• Never keep it close to open fires, as it’s inflammable
• Don’t leave it under direct sunlight, as this can lead to discoloration and drying out
• Don’t expose it to deodorant and perfume influence
• Don’t keep it close to cigarettes, as they can burn the hole and spoil the structure of latex
• Don’t leave it crumpled to prevent creases
• Don’t leave it dirty and covered with sweat, body oils, lotions, creams and other residues from your skin overnight, as it can lead to rapid deterioration of latex
• Don’t apply excessive and prolonged overstretching of latex, otherwise it will lose its shape

How to Care For Latex?

Here are the instructions on what and how you should do to maintain the beauty of latex clothes and make them last longer.

How To Wash Latex Outfits?

Wash latex clothes only by hand in the lukewarm water (30-40 ⁰C) with a small amount of mild soap or latex-friendly detergent. You can wash it in a sink or basin. Avoid rubbing to prevent scratching your clothes. You can use a mild sponge or soft cloth to remove dirt, but without excessive pressure. At the next stage, rinse the garment in clean, lukewarm water until no soap remains on the material. 

Note that you may see water stains on latex after washing. However, it’s not a big problem, as these stains disappear on their own. Also, after cleaning, latex looks slightly lighter, but it will also change automatically. Wash latex as soon as you stop wearing it. Otherwise, sweat, perfumes, and creams can damage the latex structure.

How To Dry Latex?

Take a soft towel and gently pat the clothing to remove excess water. Never wring or twist it as it can cause creases. Air-dry it by hanging it on a plastic hanger away from direct sunlight. Wait until the clothing completely dries on the inside and outside. You can also dry it by lying flat.

How To Polish Latex?

To maintain its attractive glossy surface, use latex shiner products, for instance silicone-based polish. After cleaning and drying, you should apply a small amount of polish to your latex outfit and rub it in with your hands or a soft cloth. Shiner products will keep latex aesthetically appealing and protect it from sticking or becoming dull. Polishing should be done regularly, after every wash or before wearing latex garments, to prolong their lifespan.

How To Store Latex?

Store it in a hanging position on non-metal hangers to prevent reactions with metal and consequently stains. The best options are plastic or padded hangers. Some manufacturers recommend using talcum powder to prevent latex garments from sticking inside, however it can combine with sweat and form clumps, which can cause bulges and skin irritation.

Latex clothing is vulnerable to direct sunlight, heat sources and humidity. Make sure none of these are present in the place where you are storing it. Choose a dark, cool, dry and ventilated place. For additional protection, you can put latex garments in a storage bag or wrap them in a cloth.

How to Wear Latex?

Before putting on latex garments for the first time, wash them in water with liquid soap to remove manufacturer residues and prevent your skin from irritation. Let them dry in a shaded area away from sunlight and heat sources.

When they are dried, turn the clothes inside out and apply a dressing aid, such as silicone-based lubricant or oil, on the inside. You can also apply a small amount of it to your skin. These products not only make the dressing in latex easier by preventing overstretching and tearing, but also protect the outfit from sweat. You can also use a tube to blow air underneath the outfit to reduce stress on the material during putting on. Be careful with sharp jewelry and nails.

Conclusion

Proper care for latex clothing helps to prevent tearing, overstretching, discoloration and loss of the shape. By following our care tips, you will extend the lifespan of latex garments and maintain them in excellent condition. If properly cared for, latex brings only positive experience when worn.

Do you want to add new latex outfits to your current wardrobe? Check out our new arrivals. At our online store, you can always find latex clothing in a variety of styles and colors, including lingerie, bodysuits, leggings, dresses, skirts and other options.

For more useful tips, check out our articles about things you should know before buying latex clothes and latex for beginners.