Types of Latex
Latex rubber clothing can be split into two categories & once you know them it’ll make it easier when purchasing your desired outfit.
Moulded latex is the first and often the cheapest option when starting out. As the name suggests a mould or form is dipped into liquid rubber to create a garment. There are no seams.
Denber Rubber Ltd was the first company that i purchased my very first item, a pair of black stockings.They sadly closed down in 2024.
https://fetissolatex.com make the best Gloves & are chlorinated so no need for a dressing aid.
Fashioned Latex is made from latex sheeting as supplied from a number of suppliers. The best ones are 4D & Radical.
4D supply Supatex for the creation of latex garments. They also supply latex for Exercise, Medical & Industrial use.
https://www.fourdrubber.com
https://www.supatex.com
Radical are part of Libidex who are a latex clothing manufacturer, supplier & they have a shop
https://radicalrubber.co.uk
Adhesive
The best adhesive in my opinion is solvent based and i ere towards Bostik 3851 glue & Bostik Cleaner 4 cleaner/thinner, previously known as Bostik 6009.
https://www.gluesdirect.co.uk
Solvent based adhesives dry quickly but the solvent can cause the latex to curl. They’re highly inflammable and must be used in well-ventilated work areas. They generate a good bond and have good water resistance.
Whereas water based adhesives don’t cause the latex to curl, take longer to dry & as they don’t stand upto immersion in water they’re best avoided.
Sizing
One of the biggest issues & one that i'm asked about a lot is that of sizing and how do i determine what will fit and what won't. The rule of thumb here is that unless you have a perfect feminine shaped body & a short torso it's highly unlikely that off the peg latex will fit, as most Female latex is cut to a specific height & shape. The other big issue are shoulders & arms. Most men have longer arms than women so chances are that you'll be better off going down the made to measure route.
Of course made to measure is expensive but wouldn't you rather have an outfit that fits perfectly than an outfit that doesn't. I know i would and that is why i very often purchase made to measure. I can highly recommend https://www.westwardbound.com/ who are UK based and make from Radical Rubber sheeting.
Dressing in Latex
When dressing up in latex be sure that you prepare body and mind as it’s fairly unforgiving. As latex stretches by a few centimetres horizontally it hardly does laterally and therefore it’s key that you don’t allow anything sharp to be worn under it. I always cut my nails when putting anything on.
I also dress using a dressing aid and you’ll find which one you and your skin prefers. Much though can depend upon the conditions ie the weather & ambient temperature. There are two types, Talc & Silicone dressing aid. Use non scented talc & i suggest Johnsons Baby Powder; if it’s good for a baby’s bum it’s good enough for you.
Be very careful with silicone as not all silicone is the same. Get the one that’s especially formulated for dressing as the one used as a lube for sex will (in time) rot your latex. It’s also very very slippy so be very careful non lands where you might slip on it. I highly recommend BeGloss & Vivishine.
They also supply latex polish which not only shines your latex but protects it too.
https://www.begloss.com/en/collections/latex-dressing-aid
https://www.vivishine.com/en/vividress/
Many latex clothing suppliers also sell the above dressing aid & shine.
Making and Repairing
Making and repairing latex isn’t rocket science if you’ve a practical mind, are reasonably patient & creative. However some items are easier to make & repair than others. You’re sure to find what works best for you.
You can either teach yourself by utilizing a plethora of self help groups on the likes of Facebook or Youtube. Alternatively you could enrol on a course.
https://www.ecosia.org far surpasses Google for online searches as i found this most interesting short course https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iKP-7XDhNs
I can also highly recommend https://triplel.co.uk/workshops/latex/latex-beginners-workshop as i’ve done her 3 day latex workshop to hone my skills & to learn the basics of pattern making.
Recommendations
The following are latex clothing manufacturers who i’ve bought items from in the past & happily recommend. Since we’re no longer a part of the European Union you need to be aware of increased shipping costs & import duty when making purchases outside the UK.
Austria
https://www.simon-o.com/en
Germany
https://www.blackstyle.de
https://www.kunzmann.com/?lng=en
The Netherlands
https://www.demask.com
United Kingdom
Since i've mentioned latex clothing manufacturers & retailers who i'll happily recommend there are a few that i wouldn't. Primarily down to the use of inferior latex but also poor construction. The moral here is that if it sounds cheap it probably is.
Avoid anything off Ebay, Temu, Alibaba, Amazon & any other such portals unless you know that it's from a reputable company. If it's unbranded it won't be the real deal.