- Latex and PVC fetishism
Latex fetishism is the fetishistic attraction to people wearing
latex clothing , or in certain cases, to the garments themselves. Sometimes this is called rubber fetishism also, as latex is closely-related to rubber (the latter usually being thicker and less shiny, morematte ). Latex or rubber fetishists sometimes refer to themselves as "Rubberists". Gay Rubberists tend to call themselves "Rubbermen".Fact|date=March 2007PVC fetishism is closely related to latex fetishism and refers to shiny clothes made of the synthetic plastic
polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is sometimes confused with the similarly-shinypatent leather , which is also a fetish material.The terms "PVC", "vinyl" and "PU" tend to be used interchangeably by
retailer s for clothing made from shiny plastic-coated fabrics. These fabricsusually consist of a backing woven frompolyester fibers with asurface coating of shiny plastic. The plastic layer itself is typicallya blend of PVC andpolyurethane (PU), with 100% PVC producing a stifffabric with a glossy shine and 100% PU producing a stretchy fabricwith a silky shine.Amanufacturer 's label may say, for example, 67% polyester, 33%polyurethane for a fabric that contains no PVC; or 80% polyvinylchloride, 20% polyurethane with mention of the polyester backingomitted. To add to the confusion, the plastic layer is often texturedto look like leather ("leatherlook", "pleather "), as opposed to smooth ("wetlook ", "patent").Motives
One reason why latex, and other tight shiny fabrics may be fetishised is perhaps that the garment forms a "
second skin " that acts as a fetishistic surrogate for the wearer's own skin. Thus, wearers of skin-tight latex or PVC garments may be perceived by the viewer as being naked, or simply coated in a shiny substance like paint. Latex and PVC can also be polished to be shiny and can also be produced in bright colours, adding further visual stimulus to add to the physical sensations produced by the material. The tightness of the garments may also be viewed as a kind of sexual bondage. The smell of latex rubber is also aturn-on for some rubber fetishists, and such garments are usually impregnated with chemicals to enhance the odour. Rubberists also enjoy the idea of exhibitionism and some fantasise about going out in public wearing fetish attire. Some do this, especially in the more liberal areas (Berlin ,New York ,Montreal ,San Francisco , etc).A compelling reason that people are turned on by wearing rubber is its transformative abilities. As with any costume, a rubberist can imagine themselves having a new identity, especially one that permits a different code of behavior.
Practices
Latex fetishism often involves dressing up in the material, or looking at it worn by sexual partners, or fantasies about wearers of
skin-tight or other latex garments, such asdiver s and workers wearing industrial protective clothing. Another common stereotype of is the image of adominatrix wearing a skin-tight latex or PVCcatsuit , usually jet-black.Some latex enthusiasts are also turned on by the wearing of draped latex garments such as cloaks. Other rubber paraphernalia, such as
wet suit s,gas mask s,splash suit s,Mackintosh es,galoshes andWellington boot s, rubber/plastic pants , anddiapers are also often added to the scenario. Heavier fetishists often attempt duplicating all kinds of "everyday wear" into a rubber counterpart. Some PVC enthusiasts are turned on by PVCHazmat suit s and other forms of industrialprotective clothing .For hygienic reasons, many
sex toy s such asdildo s andbutt plug s are made from rubber or similar materials, and this is also a factor in rubber fetishism. Some rubber fetishists are also medical fetishists or have an interest inklismaphilia -medical gloves andcatheter s are made from latex, as well ascondom s.A substantial industry exists to produce specialist latex or rubber
fetish clothing garments for rubber enthusiasts.Lots of latex or rubber clothes appear on websites such as eBay, and in recent years clothes made in PVC have been prevalent in young people's fashions, particularly in jackets, skirts and trousers. Several mainstream designers have made latex clothing. As fashions come round and round again it would seem that PVC, latex and similar materials will appear again in mainstream street fashions as well as continuing to be central to the fetish scene.
Among the numerous specialist rubberist magazines devoted to this fetish are "
AtomAge ", "Dressing for Pleasure", "Marquis", "«O» ", "Shiny International", and "Skin Two ".In popular culture
*In the "
Batman " film series, Batman's costume is of rubber; in "Batman Returns",Catwoman wears PVC.*The artwork of Allen Jones has been strongly influenced by the imagery of rubber fetishism and
BDSM .Worldwide Fetish Scenes
Latex clothing plays an important part in the worldwide BDSM and Fetish scenes, with its slick look and aesthetic appeal adopted by many to fit with the liberated, performance-oriented, and often overtly-sexual nature of the scenes. While not necessarily transgressive in nature, Latex is often used to accentuate performances and outfits that strive to be so.
Latex & Fashion
Given the increasing popularity of Latex, and its continual presence in the media, an industry of Fetish Fashion makers has evolved to accommodate the demand.
ee also
*
Dry suit
*Leather fetishism
*Neoprene
*Sexual fetishism
*Spandex fetishism
*Total enclosure fetishism
*Wetsuit
*Rubberdolls
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