Market Research - Latex / Datex Feedback

Inside Lovehoney
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Hey everyone

We're looking for a spot of feedback on fetish clothing.

You may have noticed that we've been expanding some of our wet look and latex lines and have been bringing in more Datex products (Datex is natural latex on the outside with a soft lining on the inside meaning you can get in/out of it without talc.)

So my questions are:

(If you've tried it) Do you like Datex? Do you find the lining makes wear easier / better / more comortable? Or does the lining get in the way of the sensation of wearing latex? 

When you wear latex, what's your main reason for wearing it? (eg: the look and fit, the sensation of rubber against your skin...)

Would you buy coloured latex/datex clothing?

Do you expect to pay more or less for datex? 

Thinking about maximum coverage (and therefore maximum fabric used), what price bracket would you be willing to pay for a latex catsuit? 

Same question again, but for a datex catsuit? 

When shopping for fetish clothing (latex / PVC / datex / wet look etc) online, do you browse Lovehoney? Or do you head straight to specialist suppliers?

Thank you! 

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(If you've tried it) Do you like Datex? Do you find the lining makes wear easier / better / more comortable? Or does the lining get in the way of the sensation of wearing latex?

No tried datex, I know a lining is easier with latex, especially larger pieces.

When you wear latex, what's your main reason for wearing it? (eg: the look and fit, the sensation of rubber against your skin...)

I like the look and feel. The way it clings to the body.

Would you buy coloured latex/datex clothing?

I'd buy red

Do you expect to pay more or less for datex?

Yes, it's not as widely available.

Thinking about maximum coverage (and therefore maximum fabric used), what price bracket would you be willing to pay for a latex catsuit?

£125

Same question again, but for a datex catsuit?

£185

When shopping for fetish clothing (latex / PVC / datex / wet look etc) online, do you browse Lovehoney? Or do you head straight to specialist suppliers?

I haven't come across that much on Lovehoney, so I'd probably go to a specialist purely for more choice.

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Lovehoney - Jess wrote:

(If you've tried it) Do you like Datex? Do you find the lining makes wear easier / better / more comortable? Or does the lining get in the way of the sensation of wearing latex? I like the lining, makes it more comfortable. (I only have a skirt and a pair of gloves, so far)

When you wear latex, what's your main reason for wearing it? (eg: the look and fit, the sensation of rubber against your skin...)

I like the feeling of power when wearing it, confidence from how I look.

Would you buy coloured latex/datex clothing? Yes Navy blue, dark red.

Do you expect to pay more or less for datex? Yes but budget will determine what I can purchase.

Thinking about maximum coverage (and therefore maximum fabric used), what price bracket would you be willing to pay for a latex catsuit? £100 -£125

Same question again, but for a datex catsuit? £120 - £150

When shopping for fetish clothing (latex / PVC / datex / wet look etc) online, do you browse Lovehoney? Or do you head straight to specialist suppliers? In a dedicated Lovehoney customer so will look here first.

Thank you!

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(If you've tried it) Do you like Datex? Do you find the lining makes wear easier / better / more comortable? Or does the lining get in the way of the sensation of wearing latex?

I have not tried Datex.

When you wear latex, what's your main reason for wearing it? (eg: the look and fit, the sensation of rubber against your skin...)

The look, the confidence boost, the feel.

Would you buy coloured latex/datex clothing?

I'd buy red/burgundy shades.

Do you expect to pay more or less for datex?

Probably a little more.

Thinking about maximum coverage (and therefore maximum fabric used), what price bracket would you be willing to pay for a latex catsuit?

£100+

Same question again, but for a datex catsuit?

£130+

When shopping for fetish clothing (latex / PVC / datex / wet look etc) online, do you browse Lovehoney? Or do you head straight to specialist suppliers?

Do have a little browse, not as much choice for smaller sizes though so have to buy from other places most of the time.

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Hi Jess, we have reviewd three pieces of datex allready so here goes.....

We're looking for a spot of feedback on fetish clothing.

(If you've tried it) Do you like Datex? Do you find the lining makes wear easier / better / more comortable? Or does the lining get in the way of the sensation of wearing latex?

There is no question it makes getting dressed a whole lot easier, I can don datex and surprise my partner, I can't with normal latex as its mostly a 2 person job to get in ! The comfort levels are great while maintaining the looks only latex can give.
I always feel like I'm going to rip or damage latex, but datex just feels more durable.
The negative amongst all the positives is you don't get that second skin feeling that I love from latex,

Would you buy coloured latex/datex clothing?
Yes, red would be nice


Do you expect to pay more or less for Datex?
I would expect to pay more, I'm getting more for my money

Thinking about maximum coverage (and therefore maximum fabric used), what price bracket would you be willing to pay for a latex catsuit?

For a decent catsuit id be expecting to pay £200+ though I do wish they where cheaper so I could buy one my last one ( profile picture ) got damaged :( :(

Same question again, but for a datex catsuit?

I'd be thinking £250+ for a plain design in datex

When shopping for fetish clothing (latex / PVC / datex / wet look etc) online, do you browse Lovehoney? Or do you head straight to specialist suppliers?

A bit of both to be honest, if lovehoney had a more extensive collection I would probebly use a lot more, im talking catsuits of varying styles, hoods, nun/nurse/army uniformes etc

To Sumerise it's a thumbs up for datex from me and yes I'd like to buy a datex catsuit :)

Thank you!

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I love Datex, it does make things easier to slip in and out of, but there is a trade off when it comes to the cling feeling that a latex piece of clothing offers

I mainly wear latex for the look of it and the reactions I get from other people when they see it. The feel of it and the sensations you feel through it would be the next reason.

I lovr that you can get a variety of patterns and styles, so I would consider the colour useful, even though the majorit of my pieces would be the classic black

For some reason I would expect to pay less for datex, but that just might be a name association thing...kind of like how diamondex would be worth less than diomonds

For a perfect fit catsuit with some nice designs and such, I would pay somewhere in the 200-300 range

For a Datex version I would expecting to pay less so somewhere in the 120-180 range

Most of my fetish clothing has been bought from a brick and mortar shop, I find it easier to check sizing and such. Some of the smalle pieces like underwear I have gotten from lovehoney though.

Hope this helps!

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I don't own any latex but after Christmas I plan to change that. Although I don't have any yet, I guess I am part of the target market.

(If you've tried it) Do you like Datex? Do you find the lining makes wear easier / better / more comortable? Or does the lining get in the way of the sensation of wearing latex?

N/A

When you wear latex, what's your main reason for wearing it? (eg: the look and fit, the sensation of rubber against your skin...)

The look and fit.

Would you buy coloured latex/datex clothing?

Definitely. For dresses I really like military green or a rich red/plum (not the red that predominates PVC clothing). For underwear/bras/playsuits I'd probably only go for something with a coloured trim.

Do you expect to pay more or less for datex?

More on a basic item, less on a very elaborate one (based on what I've read about ease and cost of manufacturing but if I have that wrong I'd be willing to change my opinion).

Thinking about maximum coverage (and therefore maximum fabric used), what price bracket would you be willing to pay for a latex catsuit?

A latex catsuit doesn't really appeal but depending on design and quality, £100-250. If I was getting into the £100 plus category I'd probably be looking at specialist suppliers though. Mainly because of the option to have things customised or made to measure.

Same question again, but for a datex catsuit?

Probably £100-£150. From what I've read, datex is easier to manufacture than latex for more intricate items although the actual material is more expensive. I can't really work out the calculations because obviously a catsuit is a lot of material (so should cost more) but fairly complicated (so should cost less compared to latex) so I'd expect that to be reflected in the price. Mainly I'd just want the price to be fair.

When shopping for fetish clothing (latex / PVC / datex / wet look etc) online, do you browse Lovehoney? Or do you head straight to specialist suppliers?

Both. I lust after things from specialist suppliers but Lovehoney is more in my price range. I will definitely use Lovehoney to get me started but there isn't a huge range and eventually I am sure I will want to invest in more high-end items. I'm also looking for things to wear out of the house and a lot of the items on Lovehoney are very short (I'm fairly tall) or have cut outs.

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(If you've tried it) Do you like Datex? Do you find the lining makes wear easier / better / more comortable? Or does the lining get in the way of the sensation of wearing latex?

Yes! I love wearing datex. The lining is definitely a good thing, especially for more 'casual' or first time latex wearers (which lets face it, are the ones likely to buy from Lovehoney rather than a latex specalist right?). I don't feel like the lining 'gets in the way', it actually doesn't feel that different to me. I'm too busy feeling extremely comfortable and smiling at how quickly and easilly I got dressed up to be thinking 'oh, this is different, it's wrong'. It still has that cling and hug and second skin feeling of latex in my opinion so I still get the feel I like from it :)

When you wear latex, what's your main reason for wearing it? (eg: the look and fit, the sensation of rubber against your skin...)

The look and fit, mostly. I love the natural second skin feeling (don't know how else to describe it) and found I got that in datex too.

Would you buy coloured latex/datex clothing?

Yes, absolutely. Bright colours or pastel colours are both beautiful in latex/datex. Black with colour details is stunning :)

Do you expect to pay more or less for datex?

More, since a datex dress is a latex dress with an extra lining I expect to pay for the extra lining.

Thinking about maximum coverage (and therefore maximum fabric used), what price bracket would you be willing to pay for a latex catsuit?

For an off the shelf one from Lovehoney, I'm not sure as I would rather buy from a dedicated supplier to get made to measure as to me a full latex catsuit would be very expensive, like £250+ expensive. I am not sure I would pay that for anything less than a made just for me version though.

Same question again, but for a datex catsuit?

The same plus the cost of the lining, which I have no idea of lol. I'd gladly pay more for a datex catsuit as the comfort would make cat suits actually appeal to me on a practical level.

When shopping for fetish clothing (latex / PVC / datex / wet look etc) online, do you browse Lovehoney? Or do you head straight to specialist suppliers?

For latex I'm sorry to say I'd look at a specialist supplier, mostly because I want styles and colours you do not stock and because I have a couple of favourite latex designers, but also for the made to measure service. Latex isn't something I'd buy in a generic size medium or whatever unless I was really sure of the fit or it was appropriately cheap that I wouldn't mind a less than perfect fit for the bargain. For anything else (including datex), I'd look here.

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Would you buy coloured latex/datex clothing?

I'd buy red/burgundy shades.

Just want to add to this since I saw the open bust spanking mini dress in different colours, I'd probably be interested in greys/dark blues and greens too. Any darker colours really. Although I have seem some lilac latex dresses that are gorgeous but maybe better for Summer.

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Ah this feedback is awesome peeps - thank you.

Keep it comin'! :)

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We were sent a catalogue of Datex clothes from a Polish manufacturer we have bought a few fantastic leather items from over the years. The impression we got was that the lining reduces the stretch of the latex so it does not follow contours better than good lined PU. Also, like lined PU, it shows the weave of the lining on the outer surface so does not achieve the high gloss that unlined latex gives.

I'm glad there is something in the latex line that does not involve throwing vast volumes of talc about (whatever one thinks to the current state of the medical evidence) but I'm not sure it will satisfy the died-in-the-rubber latex fanatic much more than lined PU does.

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(If you've tried it) Do you like Datex? Do you find the lining makes wear easier / better / more comortable? Or does the lining get in the way of the sensation of wearing latex?

Not tried it but I'd be worried about how to clean the inside if it's fabric. Normally I just wash the latex in the shower when I'm taking it off and let it dry. I chlorinate all my latex so I don't need any lube or talc to put it on or take it off. This is a common option with high-end suppliers of latex to do when you order it. It also help when around those with a latex allergy.

When you wear latex, what's your main reason for wearing it? (eg: the look and fit, the sensation of rubber against your skin...)

I like the tight feeling of it, like you don't have anything on, plus the shiny look and smooth feeling when moving against it.

Would you buy coloured latex/datex clothing?

I have quite a bit of latex but never tried datex. I would need to see feedback from others on it and I'd start small if the price is right.

Do you expect to pay more or less for datex?

I wouldn't expect to may much more but it would depend on the care instructions for the material.

Thinking about maximum coverage (and therefore maximum fabric used), what price bracket would you be willing to pay for a latex catsuit?

Same question again, but for a datex catsuit?

It would depend on any special features of the suit but normally around the £300 mark for a good fitting on, £200 if less well fitting. This is the same for both.

When shopping for fetish clothing (latex / PVC / datex / wet look etc) online, do you browse Lovehoney? Or do you head straight to specialist suppliers?

I've only tried a few LH latex items and I've been disappointed so I always go to the specialist suppliers.

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How very timely - I came to the shop after a long time away, seeking latex, and find this thread in the forum just as I was about to give some feedback!

Anyway, to answer your questions:

1) Haven't tried Datex but I like the feel/fit of latex against skin, so it doesn't overly appeal (by all means send me a freebie to review & change my mind! ![](upload://h7LJ67OOrR57VDYrj5ZEwwHAfLG.gif)). Chlorinating the latex makes it easy-on/off, some suppliers now offer this as a service, hint, hint...

2) Coloured latex yes but mostly my purchases are for the feeling rather than style so plain old black will usually do.

3) Tricky, I'd say it's about even - Datex sounds like a more convenient gateway drug for newcomers, if that makes sense... possibly many would pay a bit more for the convenience? But I'd pay more for real chlorinated rubber any day.

4) If I was in the market I'd expect to pay £200+ for something decent (nicely made in the UK) or £100-ish for some cheap chinese thing. Currently I would not be shopping at LH for expensive rubberwear though, sorry guys.

5) See #3, very hard to guess, probably same answer as latex TBH.

6) Specialist, then lovehoney on the offchance I can combine a few other non-latex bits in one naughty order... hasn't worked so far as you guys have a limited stock...

I came here today as you guys are listed on Denber Rubber's site as a stockist, but you haven't got what I was after (#126D bermuda shorts). I was actually initially after Latexa's version as they're better quality but Denber are UK made and (usually) cheaper.

It's a shame as the UK has quite a few home grown manufacturers (Sealwear, Denber, Kastley, Cornwall Rainwear, Westward Bound...) that range from high fashion to utter filthy depravity (in the best way!) and you guys sell somewhat naff Sharon Sloane stuff which is bound to dissapoint.

Also, you seem to shy away from any of the more kinky stuff which I find odd, I can't beleive there's not a bit of market out there for it, possibly some of your customers may not even be aware this stuff exists for general purchase & where to get it.

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Ragnar Lodbrok wrote:

...

We don't wear latex as much as we would like as it isn't easy to get in and out of. We enjoy having what feels like a second skin, The feel of it against the skin has an erotic quality about it. Latex clothing provides a tight fit and this aiso looks sensational especially when the material it is polished into bright sheen and this too adds to the eroticism wearing the clothingl.

We have not come across Datex, but from how you have described it, the inner coating sounds like an excellent idea as getting in (and out) of latex clothing is the curse of the devil!! There is nothing worse than having spent ages creating a lovely, polished, sheen only for talcum to spoil the effect. I'm sure my wife would be more willing to wear her latex items more often if geting in and out of it was made more easy - and without the necessity of having to coat the insides of it in talcum powder. The soft inner lining of Datex would be more comfortable, but I guess for some wearers, missing the cold feel latex provides, might not be so thrilling.

...

strapon_banana wrote:

...

There is no question it makes getting dressed a whole lot easier, I can don datex and surprise my partner, I can't with normal latex as its mostly a 2 person job to get in ! The comfort levels are great while maintaining the looks only latex can give.

I always feel like I'm going to rip or damage latex, but datex just feels more durable.
The negative amongst all the positives is you don't get that second skin feeling that I love from latex,

...

Good observations! Latex has some limitations and chlorination reduces some of them. I am wondering about the difference between datex and neoprene. Does anyone know details?

Neoprene is is foamy rubber with some mesh laminated to it which enhances durability an ease of use. Wetsuits for divers and surfers are made from neoprene. Think of a surfers suit as a catsuit made of a thick (2mm or more) material. Wonderful warm and stretchy material when used during sports activities in cold water, but I can see the potential here.

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Neoprene is a synthetic rubber. Wetsuits are made from expanded neoprene which makes the material soft but in its unexpanded form seems to be much harder than natural rubber (latex) which is a pity as it has much less tendency to perish. Unfortunately I don't think neoprene can give the same sort of feel as latex.

As you say, chlorination makes latex much more manageable but does not seem to have much effect on its lifespan.

It looks as if Datex items are sewn together which should make them quicker and cheaper to make than tailored latex items. I have made things in latex, nappa leather and, going way back, neoprene in the days of un-lined neoprene wetsuits. Latex was by far the longest, most demanding of the materials to work.