Latex clothing is having a fashion moment right now, and it’s easy to see why. From its distinctive aesthetic to its skin-tight fit, latex is a material that captures the imagination of fashion designers, and the result is an ever-growing number of latex garments to add to your wardrobe. That said, any latex garment requires a unique kind of care, and this guide will take you through the best practices and tips for looking after your latex clothing, so you can keep your favorite pieces in top condition year after year. This is particularly true of latex; latex is a natural rubber, and in this case, natural means sensitive.
Latex clothing is skintight and glossy because it is stretchy and glossy, both characteristics that make it appealing to latex fashion designers; however, latex is also incredibly sensitive to heat, light, and oils, and if it is exposed to or comes into contact with any of these, its quality will quickly be compromised. This is why cleaning is the single most important thing you can do to take care of your latex garments. That said, cleaning latex is quite a specific process and can’t simply involve throwing your latex garments into a washing machine with your other clothes. Latex pieces should not come into contact with water. For thorough cleaning, especially when dealing with lighter-colored latex that is more prone to showing stains, use a latex cleaner specifically formulated for latex fabrics.
- Hand Washing Only: Always hand wash latex. You will need a soft sponge, damp cloth, or clean fingers–be sure not to rub or scrub the garment.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Be sure to thoroughly rinse latex garments, as leftover laundry detergent can cause the latex to break down. Drying Latex Items
Once washed, shake off any excess water and immediately lay the garment flat on a clean towel. Do not wring the garment free of any excess water, as this can cause permanent creases and other damage to the material. Allow your latex to air dry in a space away from direct sunlight or heat, indoors if possible. Make sure to turn the item inside out to let the inside dry completely.
How to Store Latex
Proper storage is essential for keeping your latex looking new:
1.Avoid Creases: Store your latex garments on wide, padded hangers to prevent creases. You can also keep garments in a drawer, but remember to roll, not fold them.
2.Protect From Light and Heat: Keep your latex in a cool, dark place, out of sunlight as UV rays will cause the color to fade and over time the latex to break down.
3.Dust with Talcum Powder: Before putting all items away lightly dust with talcum powder to absorb any moisture and help keep the material from sticking to itself making it easier to put on next time.
Shining Your Latex
The shine of latex is its defining characteristic. Many brands or models of clothing come with pre-shine, but for those that do not you may need to purchase some. Always use a silicone-based lubricant and a lint-free cloth apply a small amount of shine to the cloth and wipe across latex in thin layers – never spray. This not only refreshes the shine but it also adds a layer of protection.
Avoiding Harmful Substances
Latex does not react well with several substances and conditions.
- Oils and Greases: Any grease or oil will deteriorate latex, including most body oils and lotions so make sure your skin is clean and free of any oils.
- Metal: Metal items – especially copper, brass, and bronze – will stain and break down Latex. Be careful when storing with metal hangers or wearing with metal accessories. Make sure that the metal is coated or latex-friendly.
Sharp Objects
Latex is prone to punctures, so be aware of sharp objects like fingernails that can tear the material. Avoid wearing jewelry that can catch on your clothes; rings and bracelets studded with sharp gemstones and metal spikes and crystals can cause tears and holes.
Regular Inspection
Check your latex clothing often for signs of wear and tear such as thinning, or any discoloration. Catching wear and tear on your latex fashions early on is crucial because it signals to you that there is a problem that needs to be addressed before it’s too late.
Conclusion
Taking the extra steps to care for your latex clothing may seem like too much work, but after you wash, condition, dry, and store, you will be left with a stunning wardrobe of outfits that is durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of daily activities. Once you know the best practices for washing, drying, and storing, it will become second nature to make sure that you are doing the absolute best things to keep your latex clothing looking good for as long as possible. Make sure you get the most out of your latex fashions by using this guide to always make sure that your latex is looking as fresh, clean, shiny, and as good as new as it possibly can.
