Latex, leather or PVC: fetish wear questions answered

What is the difference between latex and PVC?

Latex is natural rubber, while PVC is a plastic coating on a fabric backing. Latex stretches a lot, warms to your body and only looks glossy after you polish it. PVC, also sold as vinyl, has its shine built in, stretches less and feels firmer. A latex piece such as the Prowler Red Latex Hood moulds closely to the head, while a dress like the Le Désir Vixen PVC Mini Dress keeps its glossy finish with no polishing at all.

What does wet look mean?

Wet look describes the finish, not one material: a high gloss that makes the surface look as if it were wet. It is usually a stretch fabric with a shiny coating, or PVC and vinyl. Wet look stretch pieces are the easiest way into the look, because they move with the body. The Allure The Epic Wetlook Catsuit covers you from top to bottom with a front zip, and the Male Power Wetlook Pouch Short gives the same shine with a contoured pouch. You find more in our fetish lingerie section.

How do you put on latex?

Put on latex slowly, on clean, dry skin, with a dressing aid or powder so it slides instead of sticking. Remove rings and watches, keep nails short or wear thin gloves, and never pull at one point: work the latex up a little at a time. A silicone-based lube or a dressing aid made for latex works, and powder on the inside helps too. The maker of the Prowler Red Latex Gloves suggests exactly that: dust the inside with powder or use a little lube before sliding them on.

How do you make latex shine?

You make latex shine with a polish made for rubber, applied thinly with a soft cloth or your hands. The Pjur Cult Ultra Shine spray gives a non-sticky shine and, according to the maker, makes latex feel softer and smoother. The Pharmquests Latex Shining Gel works on clothing and bedding and helps keep latex supple. Never use body oil, petroleum jelly or massage oil, because oil damages latex. Both polishes are in our latex care section.

Tip: Polish latex after you have put it on, not before. It slides on more easily dry or with a dressing aid, and the shine lasts longer on a garment that is already in place.

How do you clean and store latex?

Wash latex by hand after every wear in lukewarm water with a little mild soap, rinse it inside and out and let it dry away from heat and sun. Turn it inside out to dry the other side. Store it clean, dry and lightly polished or powdered, in a cool and dark place. Keep different colours apart, because dye can transfer from one piece to another, and keep latex away from copper and brass, which leave marks.

What if I have a latex allergy?

If you have or suspect a latex allergy, skip latex completely and choose PVC, wet look or leather instead. That also applies when your partner is allergic, since close skin contact is the whole point of rubber. The Le Désir Polly PVC Body gives you the same high-gloss second-skin look with a full-length front zip, and the Allure catsuit above is made of wet look fabric rather than latex.

Is leather harder to care for?

No, leather is not harder to care for, just different: wipe it, let it dry naturally and feed it now and then. The Red Leather Premium Harness is made of vegetable-tanned European cowhide with 3.5 cm straps, and its maker advises a slightly damp cloth after wear and leather balm from time to time. That leather softens with wear and takes on the shape of your body. The Red Leather Bulldog Harness is 2 mm thick cowhide in bright yellow, and the Ouch Bulldog Harness combines real leather with stainless steel details. Our guide to BDSM harnesses explains the different cuts.

Can you wash PVC?

Yes, you can wash PVC and vinyl, but by hand only. Use cool water with a little mild soap, pat dry with a soft towel and lay the piece flat, away from heat and sunlight. Never iron it or put it in a tumble dryer, and store it without sharp folds so the surface does not crease or scratch. The maker of the Allure Savage XXX Vinyl Bodysuit gives exactly this care advice.

How should fetish wear fit?

Fetish wear should sit close to the body without cutting in, pinching or stopping you from breathing deeply. Stretch fabrics like wet look forgive a lot: between two sizes, the smaller one fits tighter and shines more. Vinyl has little stretch, so the maker of the Allure Savage XXX bodysuit advises going one size up if you are between two. For a harness, measure around your chest just below the armpits; the Red Leather harnesses in size S/M fit chests from 98 to 102 cm. The straps should lie flat without pressing when you breathe in. See our full range of body harnesses.

What should I wear to my first fetish party?

Wear one strong piece you feel confident in, and check the dress code first, because many parties only admit people in fetish wear. For men, a leather harness over a wet look short is a classic that works almost everywhere. A PVC dress or a vinyl bodysuit is an easy first outfit that needs no polishing. Add latex gloves or a hood if you want a rubber touch, and bring a small bag for a shine product. Pup hoods and other gear from our guide to puppy play and pet play gear are also a familiar sight at many parties. If you are new to kink gear in general, start with BDSM gear for beginners.