Whilst wearing latex fashion during summer months isn’t without its challenges, partly due to its heat-trapping properties, with some careful planning and consideration you can still enjoy wearing your favourite latex garments even in hot weather.
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Here are our must-read tips for staying safe, and protecting your latex, when wearing latex during the summer months.
Choosing the Right Latex Outfit
When choosing a suitable wardrobe to wear on a sunny day, be sure to plan ahead, choose what latex you will be wearing wisely and give thought to the specific latex outfit you will be in for the day. It’s often best to opt for lightweight and minimal latex – remember, in summer “less is more”. Dare to bare by sticking to such garments.
For even more versatility and comfort, why not combine your latex with conventional items. For example, latex bikinis or tube tops look perfect with a pair of jeans or cotton shorts. Or how about a pair of latex shorts with a cotton t-shirt? Nothing could be ‘cooler’ for the summer.
If you plan to spend long periods outdoors, integrate latex into layered clothes. Pair a lightweight latex top or bottom with other breathable materials to help regulate body temperature. Take pauses and remove layers if you’re out for a long time to allow your skin to breathe.
Latex clothing can be manufactured from a variety of different thickness. During the summer months opt for thinner latex clothing for better ventilation and comfort. Choosing latex garments with more open or exposed areas, such as sleeveless tops, open-back dresses or bodysuits, cut-out designs, or perforated patterns, to expose more skin to the air and help you stay cooler is also a good idea. Designers like Sasha Louise, Rose Noir Designs, and Shokushu Boutique produce mesh and laser-cut designs that provide more skin area to breathe. These ‘lighter’ latex garments promote air circulation, which helps reduce the risk of overheating and allows your skin to breathe.
Stay Hydrated
Wearing latex can cause increased perspiration, leading to dehydration. Ensure you drink plenty of water and keep yourself topped up at all times to replace lost body water, which is essential for your well-being. And make sure your latex fashion has a suitable zip for bathroom breaks!
Alcohol is known to dehydrate the body. If you plan on having drinks regularly top up with water.
Keep externally hydrated by using a small wet face cloth. Run it over your neck, behind the ears, around the wrists, and over your shoulders. The water residue will keep your skin moist, and the liquid’s evaporation will help keep you cooler. For extra coolness, use very cold water or add ice to the glass.
Whilst these specific tips are just good advice during any hot weather it’s particularly important to pay attention to these when wearing latex clothing.
Protect Your Latex (and Yourself!)
Direct sunlight can cause discolouration of latex, and prolonged heat exposure can make the material brittle, fade, and deform. When possible, stay indoors, ideally in an air-conditioned environment where the temperature can be controlled. If you go outside, stay in the shade whenever possible and avoid being out during the hottest times of the day (normally around midday to early afternoon). In a city, buildings can provide shade, so cross the road if needed. This strategy protects both you and your latex items.
For those moments when you can’t avoid direct sunlight, protect your latex outfit from UV radiation and maintain its shine in the summer with products such as beGLOSS Perfect Shine High Gloss with UV Protection (and be sure to enter code ‘LATEX247’ at checkout to save a fantastic 5% off ALL beGLOSS products, 365 days a year)
Comfort is Key
Avoid wearing your latex fashion for longer than you feel comfortable. If possible, take off your outfit at regular intervals to allow your body and the latex to recover. You can mix and match latex garments throughout the day.
Applying talcum powder or a latex-friendly lubricant such as latex dressing aid, to your skin and to the inside of your latex items makes them easier to put on and helps prevent sweating. Apply it before wearing to delay stickiness, help to minimise excessive perspiration and chafing, making it easier to put on and take off the latex, and improving comfort levels
Folding handheld fans or mini portable powered fans can help circulate air and keep you cool, and they can also serve as a perfect accessory. You can also use cooling sprays or mists to help reduce your body temperature when wearing latex.
The majority of your body heat is released through your head. Long hair that is down can cause heat to accumulate more quickly. Where possible, wear your hair up and away from your face and neck to allow heat to dissipate more easily and prevent sweat buildup. Avoid wearing heavy hats.
Aftercare is Essential
Once the day (or night is over, ensure your latex fashion garments are cleaned thoroughly to remove any accumulated sweat and dirt and then hang them to slowly dry. Adding a cleaning agent like beGLOSS Special Wash will help protect, preserve, and hygienically clean your latex garments.
Ultimately, prioritising your comfort and well-being is essential when wearing latex, especially in hot weather. Always listen to your body and take pauses if you feel uncomfortable or too hot.
What are your best tips for wearing latex during the summer? Have we missed any? Let us know in the comments section below.
For more latex clothes styling tips and how-to articles be sure to check out our style guide section regularly.
