Cats, Surfers, and So Much More: A Guide to Full-Body Latex Suits

Posted by Andrew Schroeder on March 22, 2018

Without a doubt, the most recognizable piece of latex clothing is the full-body suit. From slinky supervillains to badass action heroes and heroines, the latex suit has entered the public consciousness as a symbol of both sensuality and confidence. Within the fetish scene, the full suit has evolved to evoke both dominance – the traditional “catsuit” – and submission – “the face- and eye-covering “gimp suit”.

If you are into latex, there’s a pretty good chance that you are interested in obtaining a full body suit. Whether you’re dominant or submissive, whether you’ll be wearing it yourself or surprising your partner with it as a gift, there is almost certainly a place for a suit somewhere in your rubber-encased sexual play.

However, purchasing a suit, especially for the first time, can seem to be a daunting task. There are a wide variety of styles, each with their own unique advantages and drawbacks. Even within suits of the same style, further variation exists in the form of differing manufacturing styles and the location of zippers.

The following guide is designed to introduce you to the most common types of full-body latex suits, as well as explaining their pros and cons. Our goal here at Laidtex is to provide you with thorough, accurate information to help purchase the ideal latex suit for you. We have all experienced the unequaled pleasure which comes with introducing a sexy suit to your wardrobe and bedroom, and it is our hope that all of our rubber-loving customers will be able to share the same wonderful experience!

The Starting Point: Molded Latex vs. Glued Latex

Before you can begin choosing a suit, it is important to understand the different manufacturing styles used to produce them. The majority of suits are made using one of two processes with slightly different results: molding or gluing.

Molded latex suits are crafted by pouring liquid latex into a shaped mold, usually made out of some type of metal. This allows the full shape of the suit to be created at once. The resulting product is entirely seamless and consists of a single large piece.

Suits made from molded latex tend to be more durable than their glued counterparts due to the total absence of weak points such as seams. They are also usually found in thicker gauges (thicknesses) due to the difficulty of molding extremely thin products. In many cases, molded latex suits are less expensive than glued ones. However, because molds are typically standardized, molded latex suits are significantly less customizable and feature less variation in size.

Glued latex suits begin as large, flat sheets of latex. Pieces are then cut from these sheets in accordance with a premade pattern. The pieces are then glued together with a strong adhesive, such as rubber cement. The resulting suit features seams where the pieces were connected to one another.

A glued suit is often considered to be less durable and more susceptible to damage due to the weak points created by the seams. However, a damaged seam is easily reparable at home via the application of rubber cement – there is no need to spend excess money to have your suit fixed by a professional.

Glued suits are extremely customizable as the pieces they consist of can be cut in a wide range of sizes. Glued latex also tends to be somewhat shinier than molded, as the molding process can sometimes dull or remove the latex material’s natural shine. While a glued latex suit is often slightly more expensive than a molded one, many rubberists find the customization options and sharp, clear shine worth the additional cost.

Types of Full-Body Suits

Once you have familiarized yourself with the difference between molded and glued latex, it’s time to move on to picking your suit! While the latex suits you have probably seen in various movies and TV programs may appear similar, the truth is, real life latex suits are far from identical. There are many different types of latex suit available for purchase; most are sorted and categorized according to how much of the body they cover.

The list below discusses the most common styles of suit, thoroughly examining the amount of coverage and enclosure provided by each. We’ve also listed the benefits of each type of suit and some situations in which they might be used in order to best help you choose the perfect suit for you or your partner.

Full Suit / Catsuit

Easily the most iconic latex garment of them all, the standard catsuit (aka full suit) covers the arms, legs and body while leaving the head, face, hands and feet free. Some catsuits may include hand or foot coverings, but the head is always left exposed in any design. If you prefer full enclosure, you can accessorize your catsuit by adding latex gloves, shoes, masks or hoods as you desire.

Because it is one of the most fully covering suits, second only to the enclosure suit described below, catsuits can sometimes be on the pricier side. However, they also tend to be extremely durable and long-lasting due to not possessing common “weak points” such as wide armholes at the shoulder.

The one potential downfall of the full suit is that it can be time-consuming and difficult to put on at first. Due to the full coverage of the arms and legs, you will need quite a lot of lubricant and patience. (See our guide to putting on latex clothing here for more information.) It is extremely important that you choose a catsuit that fits you properly, as it will make getting dressed and disrobing significantly easier.

However, the slightly time-consuming dressing process is balanced out by the numerous advantages which a catsuit provides. First, it is extremely aesthetically appealing and downright sexy. A catsuit will hug and caress the curves or angles of your body, putting them on full display for the admiration of your partner or your fellow attendees at the hottest latex fetish party in town.

Additionally, catsuits are extremely flexible and can be used as both dominant and submissive garb – perfect for those who like to switch it up! Typically, a standard catsuit is seen as dominant, due to its association with assertive women in media. However, adding accessories such as gloves and hoods can easily create the fully covered image of the ideal submissive.

If you like feeling complete enclosure, full suits are just one step beneath the most extreme option – perfect for those who want to try it out but aren’t quite ready to cover their heads or faces. A full suit is also an excellent choice for fans of sweat or temperature play, as your suited body will be extremely sensitive to even the slightest variations of heat or cold. Of course, this also means that the suit can cause you to overheat if you wear it too long in hot or humid weather – make sure to take breaks and stay well hydrated at all times if you choose to wear a catsuit for any length of time.

Enclosure Suit / Gimp Suit

The enclosure suit, also known as the isolation suit or more colloquially the gimp suit, is the most extreme latex garment on the market. They cover the entire body, including areas which the traditional catsuit leaves free such as the head, hands and feet.

A typical enclosure suit has only a small hole for the mouth, allowing the enclosed individual breathe freely, and possibly two similar holes for the eyes. In addition, some enclosure suits are fitted with either a zipper at the crotch area, to allow your partner easy access to your genital area, or an attached prosthetic penis to grant your partner sexual satisfaction while yours is cruelly denied.

If you wish to feel fully covered, if you enjoy feeling bound, trapped or unable to escape, then this is the suit for you. Enclosure suits are made from thick, durable rubber of a heavy gauge – typically between 1.0 and 1.5mm, but occasionally even higher. The covering of the head and eyes will leave you completely dependent on your partner or dominant. Your range of motion will be limited, as the thicker gauge latex is typically fairly inflexible. Lastly, the placement of the zippers will likely make it extremely difficult or even impossible to get out of the suit by yourself, further increasing your feelings of dependence and helplessness.

The gimp suit is highly recommended for anyone who prefers the submissive side of things and especially anyone who enjoys degradation or humiliation play. You will be totally reliant on those around you for simple tasks such as moving, eating, drinking or using the restroom. The latex of the suit is non-breathable, meaning that, unless your partner specifically allows otherwise, all of your bodily fluids will remain trapped in the suit with you. Is there anything more humiliating than being forced to stew in your own sweat, urine and ejaculate for hours at a time? We don’t think so!

Lastly, many enclosure suits come with a wide variety of add-ons and accessories for even more creative fun. As mentioned above, some feature a crotch zipper or prosthetic penis, allowing the submissive partner to satisfy the dominant even while fully enclosed. Instead of a standard hood, some suits feature a “gas mask” style headpiece – perfect for sensory deprivation play and various exciting roleplays. Finally, “locking suits” feature collars or other pieces which the dominant can lock, keeping the sub truly trapped and dependent for as long as they desire.

Wearing a gimp or enclosure suit is an extremely intense experience. Due to its full coverage, this suit provides the greatest risk of overheating or dehydration. Make sure to play carefully and take appropriate precautions. Establish a safe word or other simple method of regularly checking up on the enclosed individual’s condition before engaging in scenarios involving this suit.

Access Suit

On the completely opposite end of the spectrum, the access suit covers less than any other full-body latex garment. It strategically leaves certain parts of the body – typically the chest, butt, and genital area – uncovered, providing “ease of access” for the dominant partner.

Because of their less covering nature, access suits come in the widest variety of styles of all the latex outfits discussed in this article. Some are nearly indistinguishable from full suits with the exception of large holes for the butt or genitals. Others feature a design more similar to “strips” of latex wrapped around the body, baring most of the chest and back as well as the crotch. Those interested in wearing an access suit – or purchasing one for their partner – will find themselves faced with many options to choose between!

Purchasing an access suit can be a good starting point for someone who has never worn a full-body latex garment before but wants to give it a try. Because less of the body is covered, the measuring and sizing process is much more forgiving than with the full or enclosure suit. There is little to no risk of experiencing overheating, dehydration or other potentially harmful conditions. The suits are generally comfortable and do not restrict your range of movement in any significant way (unless, of course, you’re also incorporating restraints into your bedroom play!)

In addition, access suits, especially those which reveal the chest/back while still covering the genitals, are often perfectly acceptable to wear in certain public spaces such as clubs. Many rubberists who tend to prefer full enclosure will also own an access suit specifically for public wear. (Of course, this does not mean that access suits will be accepted at every such venue. Make sure to check dress code rules before wearing any sort of full-body latex outfit to a public location!)

Wearing an access suit is a much less intense experience, and often does not provide the unique feeling of being fully covered in latex. Fans of total enclosure may find that an access suit does not satisfy their needs or scratch their “fetish itch”. However, an access suit is a great option for newbies just getting into the world of latex – and even many veteran rubberists find the idea of having their most private areas on full display extremely erotic. If you’ve never tried integrating an access suit into your latex-coated encounters with your partner or partners, we definitely encourage you to give it a try!

Surf Suit

The surf suit, aka “surfie” or sometimes “shortie,” is a modified version of the full suit or catsuit specifically designed for outdoor and/or public wear. It covers the entire torso, hip and crotch area but not the full length of the arms and legs.

A typical surfie has short sleeves which cover the shoulder and upper arm, similar to a T-shirt, and leg pieces which stop at mid-thigh, much like a pair of sport shorts. The name “surf suit” is derived from its resemblance to the standard wetsuit worn by surfers or other fans of extreme aquatic sports.

Surf suits are primarily recommended for those who enjoy the exhibitionist thrill of secretly wearing your latex suit in public. With their short arms and legs and thinner material, surfies can easily be hidden under most day to day outfits. That way, you can enjoy the feeling of latex snug against your skin at work, at the mall, while hanging out with your friends, or at any other time you like!

Additionally, surf suits are usually acceptable to wear to clubs and other public locations, as they cover the chest and genital area without being quite as extreme as the full enclosure suit. So if you want to rock a latex look on the dance floor, a surf suit might just be for you!

A standard surf suit will not provide the full enclosure experience or the feeling of being bound or unable to move. However, you can accessorize for further enclosure – for example, try adding long gloves, boots, stockings, leggings or a hood!

Sleeveless Suit

Like the surf suit, the sleeveless suit was designed primarily for public or under clothes wear. As the name suggests, this suit does not cover the arm at all, usually featuring thick straps similar to a tank top. The legs can either be fully covered, similar to the full suit, or stop at the knee or upper thigh like a surfie.

The primary advantage of this type of suit is the ease with which it can be put on and the range and freedom of motion you will experience while wearing it. The lack of sleeves means that you can easily put this suit on yourself without needing to rely on a partner or other outside help.

Additionally, some latex fans have reported experiencing pressure or pain in their shoulder area after wearing a full or enclosure suit for too long. This suit leaves the arms and shoulders completely free, totally eliminating any risk of pain, stiffness or discomfort. Plus, if you’ve got toned, muscular arms, a sleeveless suit is the perfect way to show them off!

There is also a specific variation on the sleeveless suit referred to as the wrestling suit or singlet, so named because it is inspired by the traditional costume of professional wrestlers. The singlet dips lower in the front, exposing more of the chest area than a standard sleeveless suit. Of course, it’s a great option for anyone wanting to engage in some sexy wrestling with their partner, but it’s also perfect for those wanting to flaunt their arms and chests to an adoring crowd!

Like a surfie, a sleeveless suit can be comfortably worn under most clothes or taken into certain public spaces such as clubs. It also typically does not provide the full enclosure experience. Because more of the arms and chest are left bare, accessorizing to create full coverage is more difficult, but can be accomplished using a combination of gloves and hoods.

Zippers (and Entrance Holes)

Once you’ve chosen the perfect type of suit to…well, “suit” your preferences, it’s time to think about zippers. Each type of suit is typically produced in a number of different styles and designs with zippers placed in different locations. This is extremely important as it will affect how easy or difficult it is for you to get into your brand new suit.

Each type of zipper has its own pros and cons. The three most common zipper locations are:

Front zipper. The most commonly seen type, usually in the form of one long zipper traveling from the neck to either the waist or the crotch. A front-zip suit is extremely easy to get in and out of by yourself and typically does not require any assistance. However, some people do not like the look and feel of a usually metal zipper against the front of their body, may feel that the ease of escape from the suit “ruins the experience”. Front zip suits may also not be suited for extremely tall people or those with particularly broad chests.
Back zipper. Usually found in the form of one long zipper starting at the top of the head (for gimp suits) or the back of the neck (for all other suits) and ending at the buttock area. This gives the front of the suit a smooth, unbroken look which is often found sexy. Many rubberists consider this type of suit to provide the best “enclosure” experience because it is nearly impossible to put on or remove by yourself. There is an extreme element of submission in requiring a partner to zip you and unzip you each time you wear your suit. However, if you plan to engage in solo rubber play or wear your suit out to an event, this type of zipper may not be ideal because of this difficulty.
Shoulder zipper. Rather than a single long zipper, this consists of two short zippers traveling from each shoulder to the edges of the neck hole. A shoulder zip suit is extremely flexible and features a smooth, unbroken look down both the front and back. Your range of movement will not be impeded by the presence of a stiff zipper, even when performing tasks such as bending over. Getting into this sort of suit can be accomplished alone, but usually requires a fair amount of practice and can be rather difficult at first due to the unusual zipper placement.

Recently, some manufacturers of latex suits have chosen to forgo zippers entirely in favor of a wider neck area made from thinner latex, allowing wearers to slip into the suit through the neck area. Like the shoulder zip discussed above, getting into this type of suit can be accomplished alone but will usually require some practice at first and can be time consuming. Rubberists report that this suit provides the most intense “second skin” feeling due to the total lack of ‘disruption’ caused by metal or plastic zippers. However, because the latex at the neck area is thinner, these suits require extra care and gentle handling - make sure to be especially careful when hanging them up, as it’s easy for the thin latex to snag or tear.

Of course, you can also find latex suits with “extra” zippers not strictly related to putting the suit on or taking it off. Many suits feature zippers at the crotch or nipple area to allow a partner easier access to those locations. Some full enclosure suits may also have zippers at the eye, mouth or neck area to allow greater or lesser coverage as your partner desires. When it comes to zippers, the options are practically endless!

Once you’ve decided what sort of latex suit (or suits – purchasing multiple is totally okay!) you’d like to buy, head on over to our catalog here to place your order. You can also read more about putting on your new suit here or caring for it here. As always, if you have any questions regarding full latex suits, feel free to contact our Laidtex staff at any time. We’re always here to help!

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