Maybe it’s just a bit of a sexy kink or maybe it’s a full-on all-consuming fetish, but getting turned-on by latex gear is fairly common – there’s something inherently horny about the way it looks, the way it feels, and the way it smells.

Let’s get to grips with why guys are into latex.

What is Rubber Fetish Gear and Why Get Into It?

The gear that we wear is a fairly fundamental component of BDSM, kink, and encounters within fetish communities.

As our travel slut Phil mentioned in his latest Darklands piece, there are many festivals and fetish events where these types of garments reign supreme. But you won’t have to travel too far to find events and parties that lean into the fetish aesthetic.

Part of the fun is that the gear you wear is really only limited by your imagination – and your resources. When we’re talking specifically about latex and rubber, it’s an incredibly versatile material – you can use latex to create anything from simple jockstraps or harnesses to elaborate full-body suits, hoods, and masks.

There’s two key aspects to fetish-wear – there’s the look or persona that it creates and there’s the way that it feels. Shiny and tight-fitting, looks made out of latex are not only visually striking but also feel super-sexy.

Fetish gear can also play a functional role in the BDSM encounters that you’re exploring. For example, a latex hood that may constrict breathing to work in the form of breath play.

What’s the Appeal of Gay Rubber Porn?

One of the interesting aspects of the world of fetish and kink that you can explore the turn-on of it all by watching porn – vicariously living out your fantasies by watching the performers on screen.

Latex and rubber gear looks particularly good in porn because of the way that the lights reflect off the shininess of the material – everything looks sleek, slippery, and sexy.

Of course, what you’re wearing is only part of the picture when it comes to BDSM fantasies – it’s mostly about the power dynamics at play, the attitude. But fetish porn does provide a safe space within which to explore what scenarios you most connect with – whether that’s hot gay sex slings, actors bound and gagged during sex or an erotic humiliation kink.

How is Leather and Rubber Gear Different in the Bondage World?

BDSM is a really broad umbrella that includes not only a huge diversity in the sexual scenarios that people explore, but also in the gear that people wear.

While some fetish events will be targeted to a specific niche, most events generally aim to appeal to a broad spectrum of the fetish and kink community as they tend to coexist fairly easily and there’s often quite a bit of crossover.

However it is helpful to have an understanding of the different strands of the kink and fetish identity, such as the difference between leather and latex.

Guys that are into leather generally come from a bit more of an old-school fetish aesthetic. Think Tom of Finland, leather daddies who connect to Dom/Sub identities.

Guys that are more into latex and rubber are often a bit more fluid about their identity. Latex is generally very body-con – showcasing every curve and swerve that you’ve got. The price-point for this kind of gear is generally more accessible, so you’ll often find younger guys begin with latex gear when they are exploring the fetish world.

Ultimately, the choice between leather and rubber gear comes from personal preference and the specific aesthetic. Like a ball gag harness or pet play gear, the gear has functional and aesthetic purposes.

How Can I Start to Explore Gay Latex Bondage?

If you think that BDSM is something that you might want to try, or you just fancy wearing some gear and seeing how that feels, there’s really no right or wrong way to go about it.

There is plenty of information for beginners out there – there’s podcasts, YouTube channels, and lots of people sharing hints and tips on social media.

You can also go to a workshop – fetish stores will often host educational events to look at different pieces of gear or aspects of the BDSM experience. The larger festivals or events will often include workshops or trade fairs where you can try things out if you’re curious.

Getting a bit of guidance from a more experienced kinkster is another good option. Maybe they’re someone that you’ve met online or through a hook-up app – they might be able to lend you some gear or show you the ropes, literally.

Or you could just jump in the deep end and figure it out as you go along. There’s something kind of exciting about stepping into the unknown.

Regardless of the approach you take, being aware of consent is important, as is being aware of how to stay safe in various BDSM encounters. For example, if someone has a gay choking fetish knowing how to recognise the limits of asphyxiation play will help to safeguard everyone involved.

How Do I Put on My Fetish Rubber Gear

This is where getting a bit of help or advice from experienced kinksters can go a long way.

Buying the right size is critical. Gear made from rubber needs to look right, so it should fit snugly against every curve of your body. Get a professional to measure you up and make sure that you’re buying something that will fit.

Even with the right size, figuring out how to get your body into the garment can seem like an impossible task. Silicone-based lube is often used to help you slide in.

The main thing is to take your time – getting into your latex gear isn’t something that can be rushed. If you try to force it or pull too hard, the latex can tear.

How Do I Take Care of My Rubber Gear?

One of the things that you’ll realise immediately is that latex gear gets very sweaty. You need to clean it and care for it so that it doesn’t smell terrible but also so that the material doesn’t deteriorate and become unwearable.

Obviously, you can’t just throw your gear in the washing machine, but you don’t need to overcomplicate things. Warm water and soap should be sufficient for a gentle hand-wash.

Once you’ve got it clean, dry it flat away from sunlight. You can also apply a rubber shiner to help maintain the shine and elasticity of the latex.

Once it’s dry, store it in a cool, dark place. Sunlight and heat are likely to accelerate deterioration of the latex.

Written by Gareth Johnson