Latex and Leather: Why They Feel So Bloody Good

Think about the last time you saw someone in head-to-toe black leather, or poured into a shiny latex dress. You may have laughed. You may have looked away. But you looked first. Some materials have a way of turning a body into an event. They squeak, they gleam, they smell like something you shouldn't be doing. And for a lot of people, that second skin's the hottest thing there is.

Why do they do it for people?

• The feel. Latex hugs every curve, and it makes you intensely aware of your own skin. Every touch feels different through it. It warms up against you and gets slick. Leather's got a heavy, solid hold on you that feels a little bit like being gripped.
• The look. That shine turns your body into a sculpture. Everyone looks like they've stepped out of a very expensive comic book. It's a costume with a lot of power in it.
• The smell. Leather's got a rich, animal smell, and latex has a sharp, rubbery one. Smell's closely linked with memory and arousal, so for some people, one whiff's enough.
• The sound. The creak of leather, the squeak of rubber. You know what we're talking about.
• The power. Leather has long meant authority: bikers, cops and the gay leather scene, which has deep and proud roots. Wearing it changes how you stand.

Which one should you start with?

Faux leather and PVC are the cheap and easy way to begin, and they've got that shine without the upkeep. PVC's less stretchy, and it can get sweaty, though it's easy to wipe clean. It's perfect for finding out if you like the look.

Real leather costs more but lasts for years, and it moulds to you. Start with one good piece, like a belt, a harness or a set of cuffs. Vegan options look great now, too.

Latex is the most intense of the lot. It's very thin, very tight, and takes a bit of work to get on. It's also a skin-tight commitment, and you'll probably want proper measurements, so start with something like gloves, stockings or a simple top.

Start small, with accessories

You don't have to go full catsuit on your first date. A pair of gloves can be astonishingly hot. The Fist It latex short gloves are a unisex option, and they'll give you the feel of it on your hands and on your partner's skin. A leather belt on the bedside table can also say a lot. The Edge Leather Belt Spanker takes the idea one step further, and our impact play guide tells you how to use it safely. A soft pair of faux leather cuffs goes with everything, and our restraints guide shows you how.

How to get into latex without tearing it

1. Take off your jewellery, and trim your nails. One sharp edge can rip it.
2. Use a dressing aid. Silicone lube inside the garment will help it slide on easily. Talc's the traditional way, and it's messy.
3. Roll it on slowly. Don't yank it. Smooth it from the middle out.
4. Polish it. A silicone-based latex shine makes it gleam, and a silky silicone lube can do that job for you. Keep oil-based products right away from latex, as they'll destroy it.

Things to know before you wear it

• Allergies. Latex allergies are real, and they can be serious. If you've reacted to latex gloves or condoms, don't wear it, and don't touch a partner who's wearing it. Our condom materials guide has latex-free options, too.
• Overheating. Latex doesn't breathe. You'll get very hot, and very sweaty, very quickly, particularly in an Australian summer. Have some water handy, and take it off if you feel dizzy or unwell. Yes, take it off even if you look incredible. Our heatwave guide has a few more tips.
• Don't cover anyone's mouth or nose. Hoods and tight face coverings are for experts, and they carry serious breathing risks. Stay away from them as a beginner.
• Keep circulation going. If it's so tight that you're getting numb or tingly, it's too tight.

How to look after it

Latex: Rinse after each wear in lukewarm water with mild soap, hang it to dry out of the sun, and dust or polish it before you put it away. Store it in the dark, in a bag, away from metal. Sunlight and metal stain it. Don't let it touch other colours.

Leather: Wipe it down with a damp cloth and a little leather cleaner, leave it to air dry, and condition it now and then. Don't soak it. Toys and gear that touch bodily fluids are harder to clean in leather, so don't share those with others, and read our guide to sharing gear. Keep it dry, or the Aussie humidity will give you a nice crop of mould.

How to bring it up

It's actually pretty easy to bring up, as it comes across as being all about how good they'd look. "I reckon you'd look unbelievable in this" is hard to say no to. Or just buy something, wear it and answer the door. Our guide to uniforms explains the same thrill, if you'd prefer a costume. You can tell them what it does for you, too. You might find that they've got a thing about the smell, and they've never told anyone.

And if you get really into it, there's a whole scene waiting for you, full of people who are very happy to see you. Just remember the talc, and don't sit on the good couch.