Catsuit #1...

One of the biggest investments with a rubber fetish is the basic catsuit. For anyone that's truly "into" this sort of thing, selecting the right combination of manufacturer, sizing, features, etc. is maddening. I got some positive feedback about the previous run-down on lycra suits, so this is the next logical step, I suppose.

Here's a quick run-down on the various suits I have tried. My first catsuit, and actually one of the best, was a off-the-rack black shoulder-zip catsuit from Mr. S, which is a local SF-based retailer of S&M gear catering to the gay community. Mr. S makes all their own stuff, but you can find very similar designs at most shops. Mr. S sells a lot of configurations for zipper/entry. I think zipper location/type is one of the key decisions.

The shoulder-zip style is good (IMO) for several reasons. First, zippers on latex suits don't stretch like the rest of the suit, so an "all around" zip can be limit how tight the overall suit can be without limiting mobility. Also if you want to dress yourself, shoulder zips are easier to access, since everything is up top at arm's length. It can still require a bit of contortion, but generally you won't need to be an escape artist to get in or out.

The other big decision for a more fetishy outfit and less "fashion-y" is whether to include some sort of access system for your naughty bits. This particular suit had a cod-piece, which basically means a well-positioned hole in the suit, surrounded by three metal snaps, and a separate triangle of rubber to fit those snaps and cover whatever happens to poke through the hole. The suit has no butt access, but I've seen suits that have both a cod-piece and a small zip further back. The cod-piece is a nice compromise, you can wear the suit in 'public' where nudity is a no-no, but still get easy access for play of any type. Being fully enclosed, yet utterly exposed down below is a great feeling. Choosing a zip rather than a codpiece gives access too, but with a bit more hassle. The crotch-zip or multiple runners on a "through" zip means you're dangling yourself through an opening that has nice plastic teeth on both sides, and zipping/unzipping can easily pinch skin. Unless of course pain/discomfort is the goal. I like the codpiece myself.

Next up, color. Black is the basic color that literally everyone has. Basic black. Mr. S sells 99% black, with a little red mixed in occasionally. So black it is. Can't go wrong with black for a first suit.

Latex material also comes in different weights. The thinnest materials are almost like baloon rubber, very thin and stretchy. The heaviest are basically unstretchable and very industrial-feeling. The Mr. S suit is about one or two steps above the standard "thin" latex used for garments. I didn't know that at the time, but found out later when trying other suits. The thicker the latex is, the more accurately it ideally would be sized to your body, because it won't stretch as much. The upside is that it applies more pressure WHEN stretched, which is a pleasurable feeling, and helps mold the body inside more to the shape of the suit. So love handles disappear like magic! Good for us Americans...

So the overall verdict, A+. This is my first suit and its still in great shape. Its common for suits to have problems over time, rubber can deteriorate, glues seams can burst under pressure, etc., but this suit is going strong. Its not custom-fit so it can sag a little bit in the crotch (torso is a bit too long for me), and the arms are cut a bit too small, so after wearing it for a while, the shoulder zips start to dig into the flesh a bit. After taking the suit off, I usually have like little zipper lines embossed into my biceps. The only other possible downside is that the suit doesn't have attached feet/gloves/hood, which can add to the full coverage aspect and is a definitely turn-on, but the more attached bits the suit has, the less flexible it is for play, so I think no hands/feet is good for a first/only suit (which this was, for a while at least).

The suit also has a nice high-neckline, like a turtle-neck on a shirt. This is nice because when worn with a hood, it has a great seamless look to it. With a wide T-shirt style neck, it wouldn't look as good.

Mr. S does do mail order. The suit was around $450 at the time. It would highly recommend this vendor and configuration if it meets your needs (and floats your boat)..





Black latex catsuit from Mr. S