Oh what a response!

This week I’ve shared the latex suit on my public Instagram. It’s been very well received (mostly by the gay community I’ll add) but quite a few of my friends have asked follow up questions and I’ve decided I’d answer them here so I can send them this link.

Bit weird isn’t it?

Coming from a man who inhales carcinogenic chemicals into his lungs for pleasure, bit rich isn’t it?

Is it all latex?

Yes. The sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). It’s harvested by making V shaped notches in the trunk and allowing the sap to drain out. It doesn’t harm the tree and unlike leather and PVC, natural latex is both vegan and doesn’t contain harsh petrochemicals.

Does it smell like balloons?

A little, particularly when it’s brand new. After a few wears it does tend to lose the fragrance a little. Some people like it. I tend to store it away from my other clothes because the smell can taint them.

How do you wash it?

You should wash it every time you’ve worn it; preferably within a couple of days of wearing at the most just to remove the sweat salts from it. I’ll often take it off in the shower – this is the easiest way – and then wash it all properly in the bath after I’ve showered. Drying takes place on drying racks which can be stood in the bath.

Is it expensive?

Unless you go for the Chinese made latex, which some of my friends have bought with varying degrees of success, latex is very expensive. Basic items like a pair of jeans will set you back around £130-£200 depending on the manufacturer. A t-shirt is around £60-£80 and a full three piece suit like mine with shirt and tie is heading towards £700.

Where on earth can you wear it?

This is the one I honestly struggle to answer. Some of my friends mix and match and will wear latex with a shirt or t-shirt (as indeed have I) – I’ve worn rubber jeans to a friend’s wedding before now, and to see gigs, but mostly I wear it at fetish and alternative events.

Where do you get it from?

Take your pick really. I’ve got clothing from Catalyst Latex, Cathouse Clothing and Libidex – all of whom I can recommend most wholeheartedly, but there are many very good latex clothing suppliers out there and from my own experience I think you’ll find them very encouraging and welcoming especially when you’re new to it. Most manufacturers even give you care sheets, and they’ll all sell the care kits with the polish and cleaning soaps.

How long have you been wearing it? I never knew!

My first item, latex cycling shorts, was bought in about 2002; I then had a catsuit in about 2007, but I really didn’t get into it fully until after dad died in 2013 and it dawned on me that I was 40 years old and I wasn’t actually exploring and experimenting with who I actually am.

And finally… A question I’ve been asked a lot…

Can I try it on?

This one is a firm No. Latex is a very personal item, it’s very expensive, and I won’t let people try mine, although a couple of people have tried my biker jacket on with my very strict supervision and only because I knew I was going to be washing it very soon as it was the end of the event.

So here you go, here’s a selection of my latex outfits in the form of a gallery. Please feel free to ask any more questions you may have.