Latex role-play: Valeria Dragova and October Noir get playful in Libidex latex Demi Monde Catsuits (photo: Emma Delves-Broughton)
According to a recent Costume Society report, latex cosplay has seen an impressive growth of 60 percent in popularity over the last five years. It's not just a trend but a testament to the vibrant imagination and the desire for authenticity in the role-play community.
Imagine this: you're about to step into the shoes of a character you've crafted painstakingly. You've studied their personality, their history, and even their quirks. But something needs to be added. As you glance down, you realise that the tactile experience, the intimate connection of being cloaked in the same attire as your character, truly immerses you in the narrative. It’s the seductive sheen of latex cosplay that completes the transformation.
Diving into the specific details of this growth, we find various contributing factors. Our customers love the thrill of embodying their characters with such intensity. But what adds to this experience is the affordability. Numerous discounts on latex role-play costumes have made it feasible for even budget-conscious players to experiment with this dynamic material.
So let's start a journey together into latex roleplay, exploring the nuances of latex cosplay, the allure of discounts with every click, and the customer satisfaction they generate.
Safety precautions: Man on the job in our Hoist T-shirt in Orange latex with Pearlsheen Silver second colour. Helmet: model’s own
Adopting a character's persona is not just about donning their attire in the exciting world of role-play and cosplay. It's about ensuring that your latex roleplay costumes are as safe as they are captivating. A crucial part of this journey into the details of character embodiment is understanding the safety precautions related to latex cosplay.
When we talk about safety, we refer to the physical safety of the wearer and the durability and care of the costume items. From acknowledging potential latex allergies to the appropriate cleaning, storage, and maintenance of your cosplay costumes, safety is a multi-faceted concern. So, let's examine safety and precautions in latex cosplay.
Caring for latex role-play costumes requires more attention than your average clothing items. These costumes, characterised by their unique sheen and form-fitting properties, are crafted from a sensitive material that demands special care.
To begin with, cleaning is an essential step after every latex cosplay event. Gentle hand washing with mild soap and warm water can effectively clean your costume without causing harm to the latex. Remember, the details matter here — never use abrasive cleaners, and always rinse thoroughly to remove soap residues.
Drying your latex items correctly is equally important. Avoid wringing out the water, which can stretch and damage the material. Instead, lay them flat or hang them to dry naturally, away from heat or direct sunlight, which can cause discolouration.
Storage is very important in maintaining the quality of your latex role-play costumes. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, and avoid folding them to prevent creases. Some customers also find it helpful to lightly powder their costumes with talc before storage to prevent them from sticking together.
Periodically condition your costumes with a silicone-based product to maintain shine and suppleness.
As compelling and enticing as latex role-play costumes may be, it's crucial to recognise that latex, as a material, may not be suitable for everyone. A small percentage of people can have allergies or sensitivities to latex, which could pose problems when venturing into latex cosplay.
Natural rubber latex, the primary material used in these costumes, is produced from rubber tree sap. In some individuals, proteins in this latex can induce an allergic reaction. These reactions can range from mild skin irritation, redness, and itching, to more severe symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction.
Therefore, before diving into latex role-play costumes, you should ascertain if you have a latex allergy. A patch test can be a good starting point if you've never worn latex. This involves placing a small piece of latex on your skin for a few hours and observing any reaction. However, if you have a known latex allergy or experience severe symptoms during a patch test, it's recommended to seek medical advice and avoid latex items.
In some cases, individuals might not have a full-blown allergy but may still experience discomfort or sensitivity to latex. If you fall into this category, don't despair. There are ways to reduce pain, such as wearing cotton undergarments beneath your latex costume. This forms a protective layer between the latex and your skin, potentially minimising irritation.
Proper care of your latex costumes also plays a significant role in reducing skin discomfort. Regular cleaning and conditioning can keep your costumes in top shape, making them more comfortable.
Most latex clothing retailers are mindful of these issues and have mechanisms to support their customers. They provide comprehensive product information, offer guidance on care and maintenance, and have customer-friendly policies. Some even provide discounts on alternative materials for those who cannot comfortably wear latex.
Meanwhile, an alternative that has worked for many latex enthusiasts who experience allergy problems is to wear only chlorinated latex, as the chlorination process substantially reduces the amount of the protein in latex that causes allergic reactions.
You can get your favourite latex outfits chlorinated by sending them to specialists who will treat the garments for you, or you can buy outfits from a number of brands that supply their latex garments already-chlorinated — see our blog item about chlorination here.
Understanding these details can enable you to safely participate in latex cosplay, even with sensitivities. By paying heed to potential allergies and knowing how to manage them, you can enjoy the immersive experience that latex role-play costumes offer while maintaining your skin's comfort and health.
In role-play scenarios, mainly those of a more intimate type, communication and consent are critical in ensuring a positive and respectful experience. The shiny allure of latex role-play costumes and the excitement of embodying a different persona can be enticing, but they must always be tempered with these vital principles.
Communication is the cornerstone of any role-play scenario. Everything must be communicated openly and honestly, from discussing the characters you'll portray to setting the scene and the storyline details.
For those wondering how to role-play sexually, this becomes even more critical. The excitement of latex cosplay should be accompanied by discussions on personal boundaries, comfort levels, and safe words (pre-agreed words or phrases that can be used to pause or stop the roleplay).
Within this framework of communication, consent emerges as an equally important aspect. Participants must feel comfortable and willing to engage in the proposed role-play scenario. This applies to everything from the character one chooses to portray to the use of specific latex role-play costumes and the progression of the narrative itself. Consent should be enthusiastic and informed and can be withdrawn at any point if a participant no longer feels comfortable.
Another aspect to consider is the care and maintenance of latex items in shared scenarios. Openly discuss who will be responsible for the cleaning and storing of the costumes, especially when they've been purchased with discounts that make them a valuable shared investment. It's an essential detail to iron out to prevent misunderstandings and ensure the longevity of the costumes.
Once the role-play scenario ends, take the time to talk about the experience, voice any concerns or things that you particularly enjoyed, and offer mutual reassurance. This is especially crucial in latex cosplay scenarios, which can be a new and intense experience for many.
Communication and consent, when upheld in role-play scenarios, create a safe and respectful space for all participants. They are the backbone of enjoyable roleplay experiences, whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting to explore the enticing world of latex role-play costumes.
Latex scene-stealers: Libidex Emanuelle Cocktail Jacket in Plum latex. Also shown: Corona Bra, Corona Briefs, with our Stockings
Latex role-play costumes have a unique way of bringing roleplay scenarios to life. With their glossy sheen and skin-tight allure, they add a layer of realism and intensity to the characters and stories we create.
Dominant style: Be top of your game in our Phantasm Inflatable Breast Catsuit in Red w/Black trim. Also shown: Curve-Line Corset
Dominance and submission scenarios are a staple of many role-play narratives, and latex costumes can significantly enhance the dynamics of these stories. These scenarios involve a consensual power exchange between the participants, with one assuming a dominant role and the other a submissive one.
A dominant character might wear a black, form-fitting latex costume, evoking an image of strength, authority, and command. Meanwhile, the submissive character's costume might be designed to display vulnerability and acquiescence.
However, it's essential to remember that these narratives are based on consensual power dynamics. Both participants willingly step into their roles, and clear communication and consent are pivotal to ensure a safe and satisfying role-play experience. Safe words should be established, and the feelings and comfort of both participants should always be prioritised.
These scenarios can vary widely based on the participants' preferences. They can range from lighthearted and playful to more severe and intense. Latex costumes can help set the tone and intensity of the role-play, allowing the participants to fully embody their characters and enrich the power dynamics at play.
Cool operator: Our latex Medical Catsuit in Jade Green w/Metallic Grey and Red trim (background: Arseny Togulev/Unsplash)
A medical fetish role-play scenario presents another intriguing arena where latex costumes can play a pivotal role. This type of roleplay involves depicting medical procedures or examinations in a safe, consensual, and often sexualised context. The glossy allure and clinical connotations of latex add an authentic touch to this role-play scenario.
These scenarios often involve one participant adopting the role of a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse, while the other assumes the role of a patient. The medical professional's costume, often made of latex, can emulate real medical wear, complete with details like a white coat or a stethoscope. On the other hand, the patient's attire might range from regular clothes to patient gowns or even more revealing latex wear, depending on the desired tone of the scenario.
The choice of latex costumes in a medical fetish role-play adds a level of realism that can heighten the thrill of the scenario. The feeling of the latex, whether the medical professional's gloves during a mock examination or the tight fit of a patient's latex costume, add to the tactile experience.
Communication and consent remain paramount in medical fetish role-play, as with any role-play scenario. Participants should discuss and agree upon the scenario's details, including the level of physical contact, the use of props, and the nature of the dialogues. Safe words should also be established to ensure that the role-play can be halted at any point if a participant becomes uncomfortable.
It's also essential to remember that while medical fetish scenarios can be exciting and enjoyable, they should not replace actual medical consultations or procedures. Always consult a healthcare professional for any real medical concerns.
Superheroism: Trio Zipper Top (Long Sleeves) in Metallic Blue, Red & Silver, with Supertight Jeans (graphic: Andrew Martin/Pixabay)
Another captivating role-play scenario that lends itself beautifully to the use of latex costumes is the classic superhero and villain narrative. This set-up is a staple of the cosplay world, allowing participants to step into the roles of their favourite characters from comic books, movies or video games.
In this scenario, one participant assumes the role of the superhero — the moral compass, the defender of justice. The other becomes the villain, embodying intrigue, power, and chaos. This dichotomy creates an engaging power dynamic and story arc that can be thrilling and enjoyable.
Latex costumes are particularly effective in superhero and villain role-play scenarios. They offer a level of authenticity that's hard to match. The sleek, form-fitting nature of latex can emulate the costumes seen in comic books and films, allowing participants to immerse themselves in their chosen characters fully.
The superhero's costume, often vibrant and symbolic, can reflect their persona's strength and moral conviction. Conversely, the villain's latex costume, typically darker and more menacing, can mirror the character's wicked charm and power.
As with any role-play scenario, it's crucial to establish rules, boundaries, and safe words to ensure the experience remains safe and enjoyable. Participants should feel comfortable and enthusiastic about their roles and the scenario's direction.
Participants can follow existing storylines from their favourite comics or movies or create unique narratives. This flexibility and the authenticity of latex costumes can create an incredibly immersive and fulfilling role-play experience.
Extra-terrestrial: Explore new worlds in sci-fi-inspired outfits like our four-colour Andromeda Catsuit (background: TPHeinz/Pixabay)
Fantasy and science fiction are a treasure trove for role-play scenarios. It offers a playground of limitless possibilities, filled with magical beings, futuristic technology, and exotic, otherworldly settings. Adding latex costumes into this mix can elevate these scenarios to an entirely new level of immersion and visual appeal.
In fantasy-themed role-play, participants can adopt the personas of various characters — from mythical creatures like elves and wizards to royal figures or daring adventurers. Latex costumes can bring these characters to life, creating visually stunning and authentic representations. The shimmering, otherworldly latex sheen can perfectly mimic the magical elements often present in fantasy narratives.
Similarly, in sci-fi-themed role-play, participants can step into the roles of spaceship captains, alien beings or futuristic humans. Latex costumes, with their sleek and modern aesthetic, lend themselves well to portraying these characters. They can emulate the high-tech gear seen in many sci-fi works, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the roleplay scenario.
These scenarios allow participants to explore themes and narratives that are impossible in a contemporary setting. They can venture into enchanted forests or traverse distant galaxies while fully embodying their chosen characters. The latex costumes enhance this immersion, allowing participants to visually and tactilely connect with their roles.
Communication, consent, and a pre-established safe word should guide these role-play scenarios. Participants should be comfortable with the narrative details, including the characters they'll be portraying, the progression of the storyline, and any potential physical interactions.
The world of role-play is an arena of endless creativity and exploration, providing a safe and consensual space to embody different personas and narratives. Latex costumes enhance this experience, their unique aesthetic appeal and tactile sensation adding an extra layer of authenticity and immersion.
We delved above into different role-play scenarios, each offering unique experiences. From the power dynamics of dominance and submission, the intriguing allure of medical fetish roleplay, the classic narratives of superheroes and villains, to the boundless imagination of fantasy and sci-fi themes, a world of possibility awaits. Remember, these scenarios' success hinges on open communication, explicit consent, and respect for everyone involved.
Latex role-play costumes are a game-changer, bringing characters to life and adding depth to the narrative. But, as with any material, they require proper care and caution, especially for those with latex sensitivities.
Ultimately, role-play, in its many forms, is about having fun, exploring different facets of your personality, and fostering a connection with others. So, whether you're a seasoned role-play enthusiast or a curious beginner, don some latex, step into a character, and let the adventure begin.
Blog celebrity No3 Evilyn13: back in her Libidex Seduction latex catsuit for more hot ’n’ shiny pix (photo: Zemekiss Photography)
Canadian fetish model, DJ and event promoter Evilyn13, who was our first Libidex Blog Celebrity back in February, has sent us more great shots featuring her Libidex latex outfits — and we just can’t resist publishing them!
Our Blog Celebrity spot is open to anyone who can provide nice images of themselves wearing our latex. They don’t have to be professionally shot — pictures good enough for social media should be fine! Note, though, that photos alone are not enough; we also need some blurb to accompany your gorgeous pix! Check out Evilyn’s comments below for good tips on the sort of things to say about your outfits. And follow the Blog Celebrity Guidelines link at the bottom of this item for more guidance on submitting your own pictures!
Evilyn13 says she loves posing in catsuits like this raspberry pink Seduction style from Libidex (photo: Zemekiss Photography)
Evilyn13 says: “These pictures of me in the raspberry pink Libidex Seduction catsuit (above and top) were taken by Zemekiss Photography. I love posing in catsuits because if you are flexible (which I am not), you can do poses where you bend in crazy directions and you don't have to worry about ‘accidentally’ exposing yourself. Plus, I love coloured latex, because it’s so vivid when you shine it up and looks so glossy in photos!”
This mint green and black Libidex Cheshire latex dress makes Evilyn “think of mint chocolate chip ice cream” (photo: Jonny Ray)
“The pictures of me in the mint green and black Libidex Cheshire dress (above and below left) were taken by Jonny Ray,” says Blog Celebrity No3 Evilyn13. “The colours on this dress always make me think of mint chocolate chip ice cream... even though I look like cheesecake in the pictures. I love the illusion the black panel in the middle of the dress gives to make my waist look even smaller than it is. I bought this dress when I was in London at the Libidex pop-up shop right before Halloween in 2017 and it’s still making me feel sweet!”
Dresses to impress: Evilyn13 in her Cheshire dress, left (photo: Jonny Ray), and Leanne dress (photo: Canadian Fetish Photography)
Evilyn says: “The photos of me in the Libidex Leanne dress (above right and below) were taken by Canadian Fetish Photos in a hotel room. We are both big latex lovers, and I'm also a fan of retro and pinup style, so I thought this dress would be a perfect addition to my wardrobe. I love the way the sleeves are loose like a blouse so you can feel like a professional lady boss, but the front of the dress has a peek-a-boob window, so you can be a tease at the same time. When I wear this dress, everyone is listening!”
Evilyn says this Libidex Leanne latex dress allows her to feel like a lady boss, but also a tease (photo: Canadian Fetish Photography)
Evilyn tells us that she also has some new Libidex outfits planned for the next big event she’s co-hosting with partner DJ Pandemonium: Vancouver Fetish Weekend, which runs from July 27 to 31. This is one of the newer international fetish festivals but it has quickly established a solid reputation with discerning kinksters.
Evilyn13 website
Evilyn13: Blog Celebrity No1 (Feb)
Libidex Blog Celebrity Guidelines
Vancouver Fetish Weekend
Special guests at Pleasure Bay, Crete in October include femdom star Carmen Rivera (left) and rubber doll Lola Noir
Pleasure Bay, the kinky Cretan getaway launched by Germany’s Marquis magazine and events promoter SubRosaDictum in 2022, returns for a second outing this October. The four-day event takes place on October 27-30 at the four-star Hotel Istron Bay, which is located about 10km from the famous resort of Agios Nikolaos on the Greek island’s ‘wild’ north coast.
Between these dates, the hotel will be reserved exclusively for Pleasure Bay participants. But people who would like to enjoy a longer stay at the hotel can also book an earlier arrival or extend their stay beyond the set dates, or both.
Anyone choosing to arrive earlier will be sharing the hotel with non-kinkster guests, which means no pervery in public! However, from Oct 27 onwards the hotel will be closed to the public, and fetish folk will be able to play in all the hotel’s spaces including its private beach and seawater pool.
Four views of Crete’s Hotel Istron Bay, which offers a private beach and seawater pool among facilities available to its guests
Two four-day/three-night Pleasure Bay packages are available, both offering double rooms with sea-view balconies and half-board (breakfast and evening buffets). For double occupancy of the room, the price is €1,090 (€545 per person); for single occupancy, it’s €690 per person.
Other dining attractions on offer at the hotel include late risers’ breakfast until 1 pm; meals to buy in the in-house beach restaurant at lunchtime and in the afternoon; and a varied dinner buffet with a Greek barbecue at the beach restaurant on Fridays.
Other costs such as flights to Crete and transfers from Heraklion airport to the hotel are not included in the package prices. The cost of extra days in the hotel before and after the set dates is €100/night single occupancy and €145 for double occupancy.
Special guests Matriarch Ezada Sinn (left) and Domina Charlize will present BDSM workshops to Pleasure Bay kinksters
Four special guests have already been announced for this year’s Pleasure Bay, including femdom pornstar Carmen Rivera and rubber doll Lola Noir (both shown in our top picture).
Two guest workshop presenters (both shown above) are also due to appear. ‘Lifestyle influencer and male trainer expert’ Matriarch Ezada Sinn will present Penile Orgasm Control 101 and Everyday Kink workshops, while ‘Persian goddess and high society dominatrix’ Domina Charlize ’s BDSM Workshop will focus on elegance, class, style and eroticism.
DJs who’ll be powering Pleasure Bay 2023’s parties, top row l-r: FabrikC, The Professor; bottom row l-r: FujiKATO, Shady Miles
There’ll be plenty of partying, of course, and for this, the services of four DJs (shown above) have been engaged. They are: FabrikC (M’era Luna, WGT, Amphi Festival), The Professor (Wall 7, Pleasure Bay 22), fujiKATO (Süss.war.gestern – Berlin) and Shady Miles (SubRosaDictum, U60311, ADE, PleasureBay22).
Night-time features of the four-day programme include: Opening Beach Party (Friday 27); Fetish Glam Party and Avantgardista Fashion Presentation (Saturday 28); and Masters and Mistresses Night (Sunday 29).
Flashgun for hire: Marquis founder Peter W Czernich, shown right at Pleasure Bay 2022 with Kurage model Eri Kitami
Last but definitely not least, since no Mediterranean escape (or escape attempt) can be said to have actually happened unless there are pictures, Pleasure Bay will play host to three fetish photographers, all of whom can be booked to provide individual personalised shoots for guests complete with styling and make-up.
First of this year’s three ’togs is legendary Marquis founder Peter W Czernich (pictured above), who continues a very productive association with the magazine and its new owner Andreas Reichardt. Also on shooting duties (and both shown below) are Germany’s much-admired purveyor of high-gloss latex photography, The Agency For Strange Behaviour, and Scotland’s Killer Heels Photography, twice voted UK fetish photographer of the year.
These photographers have undertaken to provide 20-30 fully edited, high-resolution images from individual shoots no later than one week after the event, at a cost for unlimited use of €299.
Pleasure Bay’s other shooters: Germany’s The Agency For Strange Behaviour, left, and UK’s Killer Heels Photography
Pole-dancing censorship researcher Dr Caroline Are has led a campaign against the Meta kink cull (photo: Atomic Tangerine)
Fetish folk and kink organisations are among the many victims of a de-platforming operation by Meta that, without warning, targeted their Instagram accounts over the last weekend of June.
Among UK folk who had their accounts nuked were people whose involvement with fetish is as varied as domme/educator Adreena Angela, photographer Killer Heels Photography, fetish club Klub Verboten, latex artist Michelle Mildenhall and Bishopsgate Institute’s UK Fetish Archive. But it’s not just a UK problem; it’s much broader than that. And Facebook accounts have not escaped either — just ask Torture Garden.
Detail from the striking graphic for the #StopDeletingUs campaign supported by Torture Garden and other kink brands
Unsurprisingly, TG became part of the protest movement against the Meta kink cull spearheaded by the activist Blogger On Pole, aka Dr Carolina Are, censorship researcher at Northumbria University Centre for Digital Citizens. Along with Carolina and other sex-positive brands, educators and content creators, Torture Garden collaborated in the launch of the #stopdeletingus campaign which organised a protest outside Meta’s London HQ on Tuesday July 4.
Dr Are’s thoughts about the situation have gained quite some traction in the media and a couple are worth repeating here. For example, she says: “Because Meta’s content moderation is notoriously opaque, there might be an algorithmic change we are experiencing at the moment or a difference in the way certain elements are being picked up that we will never know until Meta tells us about it.”
Keeping her ear to the ground: campaigner Carolina Are says Meta’s appeals system is ‘not worthy of a democratic society’
And she adds: “At present, Meta’s appeals are glitchy at best, failing at worst. Users are appealing into a void. Most users that took part in my research could only recover their accounts through contacts they had at Meta, or through journalists’ articles. This is not an appeals system worthy of a democratic society.”
Yes, the partial good news is that following the Meta kink cull, some people have recovered their accounts. But the big bad news is that many others have lodged successful appeals against deletion, been reinstated, and then been promptly deleted a second time — with no visible route to further appeal. One of those this has happened to is well-known British latex artist Michelle Mildenhall (featured in our March 31 blog), who creates much-admired pop art-style portraits from sheet latex.
Caught by the cull: latex artist Michelle Mildenhall (left) and (right) one of her most recent portraits featuring Marnie Scarlet
Michelle has a website and other online pages but her primary way of promoting and selling her art is (or, currently, was) on Instagram. She insists that she has always been very careful not to display anything that could conceivably offend the Gods of Insta. And yet still, the reason she was given for her second suspension was: “your account, or activity on it, does not follow our community guidelines on adult sexual solicitation”.
It looks like Michelle and many others who have diligently followed Insta’s rules have been caught by this Meta kink cull because thir page includes some kind of invitation or link to get in touch with them, which Insta’s dumb-ass bots have interpreted as an offer to provide sexual services!
Meta’s launch of Twitter rival Threads seems the most likely explanation for its indiscriminate culling of Instagram kink accounts
But why is all this happening right now? Well you might have noticed that on Thursday, Meta launched Threads, its competitor to Twitter. And Threads is linked to Instagram so that you sign up via Insta and it can directly import all your account data. The smart money is therefore on Meta having instigated another of its scatter-gun killing sprees to make sure the launch of Threads was not compromised by loads of supposed ‘adult’ accounts imported from Instagram.
This Meta kink cull has doubtless dispensed with a number of accounts that genuinely did flout Insta’s community guidelines to promote stuff that is very clearly not allowed on the platform. But in the process, it has also caused massive collateral damage — in many cases of potentially career-destroying proportions — to other folk who have assiduously followed the rules and should never have been targeted. And that is just despicable.
Dr Caroline Are/Blogger On Pole
Michelle Mildenhall (Website)
Michelle Mildenhall (Libidex March)
Keeping herself in suspense: Dr Carolina Are, who performs as pole dancer Carolina Hades and blogs as Blogger On Pole
