Fashion is a highly volatile industry, especially in women’s wear. Some trends may come and go in the blink of an eye. Others might stay on for a long time and eventually become classics. One such example is latex lingerie. They first came out a few centuries ago and, although they are not always in the limelight, have been an integral part of fashion ever since. They are rising in prominence these days once again but before we delve into their current popularity, let’s first have a brief background about them.
What is Latex Lingerie?
Latex lingerie is a type of women’s underwear that is made either from natural latex rubber or any of its synthetic varieties. In terms of look and feel, these apparel are indeed very different from the more common types of lingerie made of lace, satin, or cotton. The most distinct qualities of latex clothing are its glossy appearance and its high elasticity. These are the qualities that make it stand out from other lingerie.
A Brief History of Latex Lingerie: Transcending through the Decades
It might come as a surprise to many people but latex has been a key material in clothing since the 18th century. It has actually been used prior to that but the first patent for latex fabrics came in 1823. This was when Charles Macintosh began to manufacture what would become his trademark waterproof robes. Soon after, other clothing companies discovered the protective qualities of latex rubber when it was combined with pre-existing fabrics. Later on, avant-garde designers got into the action and began to create latex clothing that had a uniquely edgy and futuristic look.
The first documented appearance of latex in lingerie was in the 1920s. This was when Vanity Fair came up with the idea of using latex elastic to improve the fit of lightweight lingerie. It wasn’t long after that entire pieces of lingerie were built around latex as one of the primary materials.
Fast forward to the 1960s and early 1970s, when latex caught the eye of the fetish community. Fetishists noticed that the material had a uniquely sensual quality. From its delicious sheen to the lustrous touch, even the distinctive smell, latex absolutely appealed to the senses and easily became a central symbol for sex and power.
Today, although latex lingerie is still very popular in fetish fashion, it has also acquired a mainstream appeal. It is not even just reserved for the bedroom either. For some time now, fashion icons have been wearing them as outerwear. We now see latex lingerie quite often on the runway, on famous celebrities, and even on the street on ordinary people. That’s how far latex lingerie has come in the world of fashion.
Reasons Why Many Women Love to Wear Latex Lingerie
The rise in popularity of latex lingerie is actually not very surprising when you realize that they do have plenty of qualities going for them. Apart from their alluring look, here are some other reasons why many women love to wear latex lingerie today.
Latex makes women feel attractive and empowered
Not unlike the allure that latex has on the fetish community, it has a similar effect on women. Wearing latex lingerie, in particular, gives women a feeling of empowerment. It boosts confidence and makes them more adventurous.
Latex conceals flaws and enhances the female form
Latex is a very stretchy material. While wearing certain types of latex lingerie, like corsets or bodysuits, it clings snugly around your body, virtually eliminating flaws like flabs or cellulite. It also gives you a more defined silhouette that makes your entire look much more attractive.
Latex heightens sensual pleasure
While wearing latex, the wearer’s tactile sensations are much more pronounced. That is, the slightest touch can give a tingling pleasure throughout the body. This certainly gives a plus point during intimate time.
Latex is durable
Most of the other common lingerie fabrics like lace or silk are very pretty but they tend to tear easily. Latex, on the other hand, can last for a very long time, especially if you exercise proper care. Natural latex is much more durable than synthetic ones, but these also usually come with a much steeper price tag.
How to Overcome the Challenges of Wearing Latex Lingerie
There is no doubt that latex lingerie has a lot of attractive features. However, there are cases when there might be a small price to pay for wearing them. Nevertheless, these drawbacks are not that big of a hassle. You can still wear latex lingerie comfortably if you just use some smart tactics. Let’s take a look at some of these challenges and how to deal with them.
Latex can make you sweat
It’s true that you can perspire heavily while wearing latex garments since the material is not breathable. It adheres closely to the skin, covering it completely and causing you to sweat. Lingerie, however, is usually very small pieces and doesn’t cover large areas so sweating is not much of a problem.
Latex can be difficult to put on
Latex is a very clingy material and has strong friction against the skin. Pulling them on can be a challenge, especially with larger lingerie pieces like corsets or bodysuits. The easiest way to go around this is to apply powder on your skin before wearing the outfit. You can also sprinkle some powder on the underside of the latex so it will glide onto your body much more smoothly.
Latex is uncomfortable to wear
This one is actually more of a myth than a drawback because latex is surprisingly very comfortable once you have it on. It has often been said that latex fits just like second skin, and that is quite accurate. As a matter of fact, it’s so comfortable that there’s a good chance you would even forget that you have it on.
Choosing the Right Latex Lingerie
With so many choices these days, finding the right pieces can be a challenge but it’s also a lot of fun. If it is your first time trying latex lingerie, you can start with just a sexy bra and panties. If you are feeling a little more enthusiastic, you can go for the whole bodysuit ensemble. There are absolutely no rules so feel free to take a pick! Just make sure you choose the right size that is comfortable to wear.
If you are feeling a bit self-conscious walking into a store, there’s always the option of shopping online. However, since you won’t be able to actually try on the outfit, be sure to shop only at websites that have a return policy, just in case your choice doesn’t fit well.