House of Harlot has long specialized in making garments from sheet latex.

Some useful information about latex rubber

• 1. A bit of History.

  The Rubber sheeting we use is made from natural latex. Latex is a kind of sap which comes from trees, which use it to seal themselves from damage by insects. Rubber was worshipped by the South American Indian races for its extraordinary properties of elasticity, bounce and waterproofing, and they used it to make balls for religious activities. The rubber tree was indigenous to South America, but its seeds were taken to Kew Gardens for study, and was subsequently taken to India, Malaysia and the Far East, where it was commercially developed by the British. The word “Rubber” was coined in 1770 by J. Priestley, as he used it to “rub” out pencil.

• 2. Care of Latex.

  The Latex we work with has 3 principal issues to be aware of. It does not like long exposure to sunlight. Intense ultraviolet light causes it to break down. It does not like copper, (found in coins, jewellery, make-up, etc.) which causes a permanent brown stain on all coloured rubbers. It is less noticeable the darker the colour, but will also start a chemical breakdown. It does not like oil, as this will cause it to perish.

  After wear, you should wash your latex garments and drip dry on a wooden or plastic hanger, away from sunlight. Once dry, dust the surfaces inside and out with talcum powder to prevent the glossy surfaces sticking together. Cover in a dark garment bag and store hanging, in a dark cupboard.

  Latex is a strong but delicate material, and is subject tearing if over-stressed. With considerate care, it may give you up to ten years good wear, but after that, the material itself will start to breakdown.

• 3. Rubber Fetishism.

  Latex rubber holds a special fascination for some people. The combination of a shiny second skin, a particular odour, a transforming appearance, a certain kind of fashion choice, the sensual qualities of its surface, the slight tingle of static electricity, the erotic fever it conjures all conspire to inspire.