From the Lifestyle Section

If you're looking for some points to use in a 30-second commercial to promote latex fetishism or lifestyle, there are a few good soundbites here. When someone comes up and asks a question like, "why?", I usually go into how latex barrages the five senses, how it oozes sexuality (among other things), the compression and restraint, and the empowerment I get and ability to become someone else I feel when I put it on.

Latex fetish
Doctissimo – Tue, Apr 16, 2013 00:00 BST

From condoms, sex toys, gloves and clothing, latex is the material that screams 'sex' above all others. The classic image is the full-body catsuit – shiny, black and skin-tight, with openings only over the eyes, nose, and mouth. But classic's not the only way to go, today people are getting creative and even making latex costumes based on manga characters. According to our expert Octavia Delvaux “The costumes evolve with the rubberists' imagination.”

Latex and fetishism

Latex is often associated with fetishism. “It's the ideas of exhibition and sensations (touch, hearing and smell), that take precedence. Latex beautifies the body, highlighting its shapes and curves,” says Delvaux. We've seen it in today's music scene – think Rihanna, Britney and Gaga, who've all seemed to master the erotic codes. “It's fetishist because the desire is directed towards the garment rather than just the body of the sexual partner who wears it,” explains our expert.

Latex and S&M

When most people think of S&M, images of a black latex-clad dominatrix with a rubber whip are often the first to come to mind. “When the mistress wears latex, it's her way of becoming a character. A 'second skin' bodysuit gives the dominatrix a certain confidence and definitely ups her sex appeal, all for the greater satisfaction of her submissive fetishist,” says Delvaux.

Latex fetishism relies on the idea of compression, moulding, squeezing and enclosing.There are also full-coverage bodysuits with doll-faced masks, which completely erase the identity of the subject and relegates them completely to the status of “object”.

It should be noted that fetishism and S&M don't necessarily go hand in hand. While S&M plays with notions of submission and dominance, fetishists often are more drawn to aspects of exhibitionism.

The erotic virtues of latex

Many aspects of the material create its strong erotic allure: the sight of the body compressed or moulded by the latex, highlighting certain parts or curves; the smell and feel of the rubber; even the sound of two latex-clad bodies coming together can drive fetishists to buy latex sheets.

According to those who wear latex, it's the feeling that prevails. The latex way of life varies from one individual to another: some appreciate the smell, the smooth texture, the warmth it provides, while others are drawn to the idea of being “imprisoned” in their clothing, and prefer full bodysuits. “Even the feeling of being menaced by their garment is alluring for some,” adds Delvaux. Sweating (since latex is definitely not breathable material) can equally add an exciting element to the punitive experience.

Catherine Maillard