LATEX CARE GUIDE

Your latex is more than a garment. It's a second skin.

Each MIA MCGRISKIN piece is carefully handcrafted from natural latex, a delicate material that requires special attention to preserve its beauty, shine and longevity.

Follow our care guide to keep your latex looking as iconic as the day you received it.

A NOTE ON NATURAL LATEX

Each MIA MCGRISKIN garment is individually handcrafted using natural latex.

As a delicate, specialist material, latex may develop subtle changes in appearance over time. Its longevity depends on how frequently it is worn, how it is handled and how carefully it is maintained.

Minor surface variations are characteristic of the material and handcrafted production process.

Natural latex can also cause allergic reactions in individuals with latex sensitivities or allergies. Do not wear natural latex if you have a known latex allergy.

With the right care, your garment can remain a treasured part of your wardrobe for years to come.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.

01. HOW TO PUT ON YOUR LATEX

Latex is designed to fit closely to the body, creating a sculpted, second-skin silhouette. Unlike traditional fabrics, latex has unique stretch properties and must be handled with care.

BEFORE DRESSING

  • Ensure your skin is completely dry and free from body oils, lotions, perfumes and creams.

  • Remove sharp jewellery, watches and accessories that could catch or puncture the latex.

  • Be especially careful with long or sharp fingernails.

  • Avoid applying fake tan or makeup immediately before dressing, as these products may stain the latex.

  • Apply a small amount of latex-safe dressing aid or silicone-based lubricant to the inside of the garment or directly onto your skin to help the latex glide smoothly.

  • Alternatively, a latex-safe dressing powder may be used if preferred.

PUTTING ON YOUR GARMENT

  1. Begin by carefully opening the garment and identifying the correct position of each panel, strap and opening.

  2. Gently gather the latex rather than pulling the garment from one end.

  3. Slowly guide your body into the garment, working gradually from one section to the next.

  4. Use the flat pads of your fingers and the palms of your hands to adjust the latex into position.

  5. Gently smooth out any folds or wrinkles, allowing the latex to settle naturally against your body.

  6. If your garment features straps, fastenings or delicate detailing, position these carefully without excessive tension.

  7. Never force the garment over your body. If you experience significant resistance, stop and readjust before continuing.

IMPORTANT: Never pull latex aggressively, particularly around seams, straps, cut-outs, zips or intricate panelling. Excessive force can cause permanent stretching or tearing.

02. HOW TO REMOVE YOUR LATEX

Removing your latex requires just as much care as putting it on.

  1. Carefully undo any fastenings, ties or straps.

  2. Slowly peel the latex away from your skin, working gradually rather than pulling.

  3. If the garment sticks to your skin, apply a little lukewarm water or latex-safe dressing aid to help release it.

  4. Avoid tugging at seams, straps or delicate areas.

  5. Once removed, prepare the garment for cleaning to prevent perspiration, oils and residue from remaining on the material.

Never use excessive force to remove your latex.

03. HOW TO WASH YOUR LATEX

We recommend gently hand-washing your latex after each wear to remove perspiration, body oils and other residue.

STEP 1 — PREPARE YOUR WATER

Fill a clean basin or sink with lukewarm water, ideally around 20–30°C.

Never use hot water, as excessive heat can damage latex.

STEP 2 — ADD A GENTLE CLEANSER

Add a small amount of specialist latex cleaner, following the manufacturer's dilution instructions.

Avoid conventional laundry detergents, bleach, fabric softeners, stain removers and harsh soaps. These can damage the latex surface or affect its finish.

STEP 3 — WASH GENTLY

  • Submerge the garment in the water.

  • Gently move the latex through the water to loosen perspiration and residue.

  • Use your hands to carefully clean both the inside and outside.

  • Pay particular attention to areas that come into direct contact with the skin.

  • Do not scrub, twist, wring or aggressively rub the material.

  • Take extra care around glued seams, decorative details and transparent panels.

STEP 4 — RINSE THOROUGHLY

Empty the basin and rinse the garment using fresh, lukewarm water.

Continue rinsing until all cleaning product has been removed.

Any remaining soap residue may leave marks or affect the appearance of the latex.

STEP 5 — DRY CAREFULLY

  • Gently shake away excess water without twisting or wringing.

  • Lay the garment flat on a clean, soft, lint-free towel or hang it over a wide, smooth, non-metallic drying surface.

  • Allow the garment to air-dry naturally in a cool, shaded and well-ventilated space.

  • Once the outside is dry, carefully turn the garment inside out to allow the interior to dry completely.

  • Ensure the garment is fully dry before storing.

NEVER:

  • Machine wash or tumble dry.

  • Iron or steam.

  • Use a hairdryer or direct heat.

  • Dry in direct sunlight.

  • Use bleach or abrasive cleaning products.

  • Dry-clean.

04. HOW TO MAKE YOUR LATEX SHINE

Natural latex does not always have its signature high-gloss appearance straight after washing.

To achieve that iconic glossy finish, we recommend using a specialist latex-safe silicone polish.

HOW TO POLISH

  1. Ensure your garment is completely clean and dry.

  2. Apply a small amount of latex-safe polish to a clean, soft, lint-free cloth or suitable applicator.

  3. Gently spread the product across the latex surface.

  4. Work carefully around intricate panels, seams and decorative details.

  5. Continue until the polish is evenly distributed and the desired shine is achieved.

Use only products specifically formulated for latex clothing and follow their instructions.

Avoid excessive product application, as this can leave the garment feeling unnecessarily slippery.

05. HOW TO STORE YOUR LATEX

Correct storage is essential to maintaining the quality and longevity of your garment.

  • Store in a cool, dry and dark environment, away from direct sunlight.

  • Keep away from radiators, heaters and sources of excessive heat.

  • Ensure your garment is completely clean and dry before storing.

  • Store flat where possible, avoiding sharp folds or prolonged pressure on delicate areas.

  • For longer-term storage, place the garment in a clean, opaque, non-metallic garment bag or suitable protective wrapping.

  • Keep different latex colours separated to prevent potential colour transfer.

  • Avoid prolonged contact with metal, particularly copper, brass and certain metal alloys, as these can permanently discolour latex.

  • Keep away from oils, solvents, perfumes and harsh chemicals.

  • Avoid storing latex in direct contact with leather or other materials that may transfer dyes or oils.

Transparent and lighter-coloured latex garments require particular attention, as staining and discolouration may be more noticeable.