Latex or rubber is the sap like white substance found beneath the bark of a mature rubber tree. It is often confused with PVC or vinyl but it is a more naturl substance. It is often surprising to many that latex is a natural material, given the strength and feel of many of its applications, like tires, rubber gloves, and condoms.
Humans have been using rubber to create products for hundreds of years. The earliest evidence of rubber use was from the Olmec culture of Mesoamerica, who used natural rubber materials to create balls for ball games.
The latex harvesting process only begins once a rubber tree is about five years in age. Only at this point is the tree is mature enough to start producing rubber.
Tappers remove thin strips of bark so as to disrupt the plant ducts, which contain latex. The latex material then flows down the ducts and is collected into large containers.
After collection the latex is then filtered and is ready to processed further.
In order to prevent the sap from solidifying, ammonia is added. Acid is then added to the mix to extract the rubber, in a process called coagulation.
In order to make rubber strong and durable, it goes through a heat-treatment phase known as vulcanization. In essence, the rubber is cooked to create more bonds between the molecules of the rubber so they don’t easily fall apart. After vulcanization, the rubber is harder and more durable.
This concoction is then passed through large rollers to remove excess water. Once rolling is complete, the layers of rubber are hung over racks in smokehouses or left out to air dry. After several days, the sheets will be ready for processing.
How does one wear & care latex?
Just like with woven garments, fit and drape on the body is crucial. Latex clothing is most commonly body- hugging and tight, but it also can look great draped. The fit is everything because if a piece is too small for you and you have to pull it too much, it risks ripping and tearing.
EBF offers all sizes, and some pieces are customizable. Be sure to provide your up to date measurements when ordering to ensure accuracy!
Wearing latex can be daunting, even to the experienced wearer. It clings to the skin and is what we strive for in the end results usually, but the friction it causes can make it challenging to put on your body.
It is not recommended to have long nails, jewelry, body lotions, or even perfume on when getting dressed. These things can rip, stain, discolor as well as degrade your garments over time.
When you are ready to get dressed, we recommend having silicone based lubricant (not water based), talcum, or even corn starch nearby for the dressing process. Any of those will help the latex easily glide onto your body. Use your hands or a makeup puff if you are using powders, and gently spackle the inside of the garment. If you are using lube, then use a small amount in the areas that will be the tightest and lightly roll over the body.
Now it is time to gently position the garment with the seams aligned to where they need to go, and slowly maneuver the garment up the body, you can place your hand in between the garment and your body to help.
Gently "Iron" out any wrinkles or ripples by smoothing your hands over the garment, or place your hand inside if you need to properly align the garment. Do not rush.
Once the garment is on, and if you want a polished look, you can shine it with a latex-shine spray, or apply silicone lubricant and buff using a cloth. The cloth might leave fibers, we like to use tightly woven cloths for this reason. Gently rub the lube in. We sometimes use rubberized gloves or cotton gloves when getting dressed as it can become slippery and difficult to maneuver into the outfit.
No doubt that when you are ready to disrobe from your latex garment, it will be much easier to take the garment off then it did putting it on, but you still must be careful.
You want to slowly roll it off your body and slide out of the garment like you would with nylon pantyhose.
To preserve the life of your latex garments it is recommended to gently hand wash your garments right away in a non harsh dish soap. Once cleaned, let it air dry, using a plastic, velvet, or a wooden hanger, not a metal one.
It is imperative that storing your garment is done carefully as heat, and direct sunlight will cause damage to your garments, and we want them to last you a long time. Our suggestion is to store your dry garment lightly lubbed up or talc'd up, to avoid it from sticking to itself. Fold the item into a plastic bag and keep in a drawer, or hang in a dark garment bag or closet.
It all seems so daunting and instructional but you get used to the wear and care of latex with practice, and we are always here to help. The rewards of wearing and caring for your garments can be a fun, and mindful pracitce.
Many of our items are customizable.
If you have an idea for something we would love to hear about it. Send us drawings, photos, or descriptions, deadlines, size, colors, and any additional requirements you may need.
Do you make men's clothes?
Yes we do. We are working towards being all- inclusive.
Do you offer various sizes?
Our size range goes from XS-XXXL.
Because latex is usually sized down from the wearers actual size, please let us know if you want a skin tight, or somewhat looser fit.
Do you offer your products in other color ways?
We try to offer our garments in a multitude of colorways, but for supply reasons we ask that you inquire first if we have it available.
What garment do you recommend as a first time latex wearer?
We recommend a simple T shirt like the Gioia, the Alectrona tub or a pair of underwear. These would be considered first level latex, whereas masks and cat suits would be considered final level in terms of difficulty and sensation.
Do I need to be in the latex/ kink community to wear latex?
Absolutely not. We started as a way to incorporate interesting textures and feels into fashion. Now everyone wears latex from pop stars, to celebrities.
What are your turn around times once we order garments?
We need approximately 4 to 6 weeks once you have ordered in order to create your latex look and ship it out.
What if I need a rush order?
This will become a more expensive item, but it can usually be done. Inquire through email and we would be glad to assist you in the best way we can.
Why don't you accept returns?
EBF doesn't accept returns because most of our garments are made to order, and for hygienic reasons we cannot accept them.
What is your packaging & shipping policy?
We package our items in discreet packaging, enevelops for smaller items, and boxes for larger items. We use our local post office. We always take photos of our packages once they are labeled and always ship with tracking. It is up to you to provide accurate names and addresses. If the item is sent to the wrong address and it is your fault
and is returned to us, you will incur the re-shipping fee. If it is our fault we will re- send no extra fee. If the package is damaged in the mail, this must be brought to our attention asap, with photos and reported to the shipping provider.