If you’ve always wanted to wear a latex suit and get on all fours like Catwoman, don’t jump into it just yet. While this material is sexy and naughty, there are some things to consider before wearing it. Check out some facts below about latex suits below!
Latex suits are made from tree sap
For starters, it’s important to understand where these shiny sex suits come from. Latex is actually a product of nature, even though it has a man-made feel to it and a tough texture that reminds us of balloons, chewing gum, gloves, car tires, condoms, and BDSM equipment.
Moreover, approximately 10% of trees and flowering plants contain latex. Generally, natural latex consists of 40% rubber and 55% water. And most commonly, people describe it as a milky white substance found near the barks of mature rubber trees.
For many years, hundreds of industries have been using natural rubber latex from just one type of rubber tree, mainly from South America and parts of Southeast Asia. Yup, the same method of collecting and processing latex has been used for decades.
Firstly, latex tappers peel off the bark of a mature tree. Then, they find the plant ducts that produce the milky substance. Finally, they harvest the substance and store it in drums before it’s ready for processing. When the processing time comes, the material turns into smoked rubber sheets with acid and other chemical treatments added to them. After that, it can be turned into rubber.
Latex suit can trigger existing allergies
Before you put on a latex suit, you’ll need to be 100% sure that you’re not allergic to latex. Generally, there are three types of latex allergies. They can range from light to mild. It’s also possible to have a severe allergy that could lead to death, although this is extremely rare. Some of the chemicals added to the latex are responsible for most of the common latex allergies. You’ll find the same chemicals in everyday household items.
Some people get their allergies from skin contact; others have a negative reaction when they breathe in latex particles. Some of the symptoms include swelling, itching, inflammation, and sneezing. So, if you want to wear a latex suit, you should visit a doctor before you head to the bedroom.
People use it for their sexual activities
Speaking of getting kinky, latex suits, costumes, sex toys, and accessories are almost an essential part of BDSM and roleplay. Latex suits play a huge role in the sexual activities of couples and singles around the world. And there are many reasons for that. Namely, latex is a black and shiny material that looks perfect in all sorts of BDSM dungeons. It creates erotic imagery and a unique visual look. Latex is mainly used in bondage, body worship, submission, roleplay, and much more.
Moreover, there are several psychological and physical reasons why they’re so popular in the BDSM community. For one, latex suits can serve as a second skin. Some enthusiasts like the look of it while others also love the feeling. When worn, the glossy material outlines curves, breasts, and other physical attributes — but it also acts as a barrier that creates a look that’s different from what you’d usually see in the everyday world. Plus, it creates a tight fit that makes the skin extremely sensitive. It clings to the skin in a special way and creates a fair amount of pressure. In turn, the pressure of latex clothing enhances the skin’s response to pleasure or pain.
Moreover, most latex fetishists or rubberists also enjoy the subtle smell and taste of latex or its mildly suffocating pressure. Plus, you can wear latex suits in public and at BDSM parties or fetish events. Usually, people who love latex suits also use latex sex toys and other accessories as well. Those can include dildos, medical gloves, masks, butt plugs, etc.
Latex suits are also high-fashion
In the world of fashion, latex blurs the lines between sexy clothing and fetishism. The high-gloss latex look is incredibly popular and even a bit controversial because of its ability to raise eyebrows or turn heads in public.
Nowadays, hand in hand with leather corsets, heels, and skirts, latex dresses are making a big impact on red carpets and catwalks. Just last year, the catwalks of Balmain, Vivienne Westwood, Gucci, and Thierry Mugler were adorned with models in latex outfits. Even stars like Katty Perry, Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Rachel Weisz, and Kim Kardashian were able to dominate the red carpet with their latex ensembles designed by the famous Atsuko Kudo. Also, who could forget Rhianna’s S&M music video and Lady Gaga’s notorious VMA performance? Indeed, latex fashion is newsworthy, sexy, and empowering!
Latex has good history of how it become today
Latex was first fetishized in the early 20th century. However, natural rubber was used by Mayan, Olmec, and Aztec cultures way back in 1600 BC. It took until 1876 when latex seeds were smuggled out of South America. Furthermore, latex became an indispensable resource for warfare and medicine in the 19th century.
But, the real fascination with latex began in 1824 with the Mackintosh raincoat. This was the first raincoat to become fetishized. It was worshipped by some of the first official fetish organizations in the world. And after WW2, latex fashion and fetishism went underground due to increasing conservatism. Fortunately, latex reemerged by the end of the 1950s with the invention of the first-ever catsuit by John Sutcliffe, a designer from England.
After that, catsuits became massively popular in Britain. They made a splash on TV as well as London’s revolutionary fashion scene. Latex blew up in the 1970s punk scene. It emphasized a new and emerging crowd of young and sexually liberated rebels. Also, it became a regular part of 1980s nightlife and pop culture.
Most importantly, it’s a common sight in blockbuster movies from the 1980s and 1990s. Perhaps the most famous example is Michelle Pheiffer’s Catwoman costume from “Batman Returns.” Famous stars like Madonna, Britney Spears, and Janet Jackson also picked up on the trend. And by the 2000s, the subversive connotations of latex garments gave way to notions of female empowerment.
Summary
From ancient civilizations to colonial development and to ‘80s pop culture, latex has had a huge role in our society throughout the ages. In just a few decades, it managed to change our society’s conservative views on sex and fetishism. Right now, it’s playing a key role in our sexuality and our kinks. Latex can make you feel superhuman, and it can change your perception of your body and your sexuality to experience otherworldly waves of pleasure or pain — and these are only some of the things to consider before wearing latex suits!