Catsuit: how/where to buy?

July 28, 2009 6:03 PM

Catsuit: how/where to buy?

I'm looking to buy a latex or pvc catsuit for my wife. It'll be a surprise (sort of), but I'm pretty sure she'll be into it. I found at least one website that purports to sell such items, but how do I size such a thing? Is this the sort of garment that has to be tried on to find a good fit, or is it a one-size-fits-many sort of thing (and honestly, I can't tell). Which material is best? Other accoutrements I should get?

Also, any fun things to do with it? Mostly I plan to admire her beauty and take photos for our sekrit album, but I confess I'm not really a fetishist and naïve about these types of things, so, suggestions welcome.

posted by anonymous to clothing, beauty, & fashion (15 comments total)

If you purchase it off the web, make sure you find a quality site. Alot of these sites sell costumes and they're so cheaply made they will tear when put on the first time. If I was buying one I'd prefer to try one on first, but that might not be feasible where you live. Find out her measurements and if it's a good site they will provide size charts. Then just try to figure it out the best that you can.
posted by sporaticgenius at 7:10 PM on July 28

I'm not a fetishist either, but I do know this: quality latex clothing is very expensive, it's very hard to take care of, and it takes a certain amount of commitment to wear.

PVC is much more accessible, but not really stretchy, so if it doesn't fit, it looks like crap.
posted by adamrice at 7:21 PM on July 28 [1 favorite]

Like an 'in general' catsuit or a particular catsuit?

Good ones will run you in the couple of hundred bucks range, depending on whether you get real latex or cheap rubber. Since this isn't a lifestyle thing and more of a shits-n'giggles (?), cheaping out and getting a costume (instead of the real thing) might be a better idea unless money is of no concern, in which case, get a few different models and see what sticks. Custom fitted ones, I imagine, could approach a kilobuck.

These things are pretty skin-tight and while latex has some give, unless your wife is built "'average' for users of catsuits" sizing is going to be a mess. I've seen some 'fake' ones made from shiny stretchy fabic - the sizing on those should be a lot more forgiving.
posted by porpoise at 7:22 PM on July 28

Yep, latex is expensive & high maintenance. It is also not everyone's cup of tea as it is sweaty & oppressive or hot & sexy, depending on the wearer's wiring. I'm not discouraging you, not at all. But you should go into this with your eyes open.

So to speak.
posted by chairface at 8:58 PM on July 28

Try a smaller piece (tube-top or skirt) to start with to test the waters. Chairface is right -- latex can be a bit of a commitment. It will be hot and sweaty even if everything works out well, and that might not be a not-too-sexy surprise.
posted by boo_radley at 9:42 PM on July 28

Lycra is much better. Has a similar shiny, stretchy look to it, and it breathes.
posted by randomstriker at 9:54 PM on July 28

American Apparel has all sorts of shiny bodysuits and leggings and isn't that expensive. stuff runs *small* though. Can't personally speak to how the shiny skintight stuff looks on, I stick to the hoodies and t-shirts..
posted by citron at 10:31 PM on July 28

I have ordered several custom outfits from Artifice Clothing by sending my measurements; they also do a wide range of color combinations. This is PVC, NOT latex.

Fierce Couture does latex. They even have an Etsy.

If you've got a chunk of change to spend, might I recommend Atsuko Kudo?

Pinup style latex. I own an Anatomic Bomb dress, it's extremely well-made.

Latex is more forgiving of figure flaws sometimes, but catsuits are hard. Take care of it if you buy one; if they tear, that's the end of it.

PVC you can actually throw in the washer inside-out on delicate and hang to dry.
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 10:46 PM on July 28 [2 favorites]

Oh, some of those sites may be slightly NSFW...
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 10:47 PM on July 28

I've seen people wear catsuits (almost literally; it came with a tail and hoodie w/ cat ears - was for a performance) made out of velvet. They looked quite spectacular. Maybe that can be an option?
posted by divabat at 1:26 AM on July 29

Argh, we have a really nice catsuit that's not quite PVC but looks like it. It's very stretchy, shiny, and black. It's lasted a few years and is just now getting a few rips along the seams (which could be sewn up if we weren't so lazy/busy). I cannot think of the manufacturer; we bought it at IML (a fetish/leather event in Chicago). I belive they sold S/M/L sizes and they provide the measurements on their website. It was around $100-150. If I don't get back to you with the name, ping me on mefimail.

If you're in Chicago, you might want to check out Taboo Tabou (on Clark, I believe?). I think they'd have this sort of thing. Madame S Leather is a reputable site (but expensive). You can call them if you have sizing questions. I cannot link to these at work for obvious reasons. I may have bookmarked these on my "other" delicious account (almost all of my bookmarked links are NSFW). I have other fetish clothing links saved there; can't vouch for all of the sites.

I do not recommend latex unless you are a serious fetishist with lots of $ to blow. It doesn't last long.
posted by desjardins at 9:16 AM on July 29

Btw, for my friends on MetaFilter, the abovelinked delicious account is TMI, so don't click if you don't want to know way too much about me.
posted by desjardins at 9:18 AM on July 29

I've had great experiences with latex - love it.

Sorry, but I would NEVER buy a catsuit off the internets. Fit is everything, especially if you prefer sleeves or mock turtleneck over tank straps in the top. Also, you need to check the quality of the latex (thickness, seems, zippers.)

HOWEVER, if you must order from afar, call these guys. Back in the day, they manufactured that fab catsuit for Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman. So if you need a catsuit, may as well contact them!

If it is latex in a Hollywood film or TV show, chances are Syren was involved. They are fit specialists. They cater to folks all over the world, so I am SURE they can help you find the right size/style to order for your wife. They fix tears and rips, usually at no charge (at least they did back when I had regular dealings with them;)

As long as you are thinking of a catsuit, you may as well investigate corsets to accesorize the outfit. I believe there is some concern about leather or metal (or something like that??) touching the latex and leaving a mark?? Ask the Syren guys, they'll know. Also check with them about proper storage and cleaning (mild soap, rinse in the shower, hang to dry, powder so the folded parts don't stick together during storage, store in a cool dark place - etc.)

Don't worry about the cost. At most, $100 to $300 is very reasonable for a quality garment that will give you this much pleasure and enjoyment.

Have Fun;))
posted by jbenben at 10:31 AM on July 29

Would this work?

You may want to look at theather / dance suppliers for alternate fabrics other than pvc and latex.
posted by WeekendJen at 12:14 PM on July 29

Mr. desjardins says the company name is Slickware or Slickwear. I can't confirm that on Teh Googles right now because, again, I'm at work.
posted by desjardins at 10:14 AM on July 30