When a person wishes to make a fashion statement, nothing can really equal the statement and the fashion impact that latex can have. Latex bodysuits are shiny, sleek, stretchy, and clingy all at once, making for an outfit that is definitely catering to the person who wants to stand out. However, before you become fully involved in this trend, once things start moving and you start thinking about a bodysuit – you will have to decide between real latex and faux latex! There are of course distinctions between both and it does come down to several factors, including lack of comfort, durability, cost, and your own preferences.
1. Material: What is the difference between both?
Real latex is made from natural rubber (hence why it is a natural product), harvested from rubber trees. This also allows for another distinctive characteristic; latex has a particular texture and shine that is hard to replicate/find in faux latex. Real latex is processed into the very smoothly textured stretchy material to allow for body fitting. Often real latex bodysuits possess a linear high shine and have the ability to fit perfectly to the user to give a second-skin look as well as a tight and sexy look.
Faux latex is generally made of materials including but not limited to: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU). Although faux latex “looks” like real latex, it does not replicate the same texture and it does not have the same feel or stretch. While faux latex bodysuits are often worn by users wanting the visual appeal of latex material clothes, reach and associated other specific maintenance, and not to mention a lower cost (real latex bodysuit typically cost to maintain).
2. Comfort: Is it comfortable and how does it feel?
Among many differences to note between real latex and faux latex, how the item feels while being worn is one aspect. Real latex often feels very snug and wraps your body to create a very tight look that enhances your figure, but because it’s also non-breathable, it can cause you to feel hot, resulting in discomfort over time – especially when the weather is warm. A part of the discomfort might also be from people feeling restricted by the tightness of the latex.
Faux latex will tend to be more forgiving. Not having the same tendency to cling to the skin offers more breathing space and flexibility for the wearer. The faux latex bodysuits might be more comfortable for longer wearing periods, especially when you enter into events where you need to move about. Faux latex also may feel lighter on your latex hood, meaning that for someone who has never tried on latex, faux latex might have less intensity.
3. Durability: Which One is More Durable?
If properly cared for, real latex can be durable and last for years to come; if you don’t take care of it, however, it can more easily become damaged. Real latex is vulnerable to both cuts and tears as well as deterioration from oils or long periods in the sun. You will need to regularly clean and polish real latex garments to keep them beautiful. If you are willing to take that time and effort, real latex bodysuits may be able to keep their glossy finish and fit for many years before it needs to be replaced.
Faux latex is made from synthetic materials, and as such, it is typically significantly less high maintenance than real latex. Faux latex garments are generally more durable to everyday wear and tear, and do not require the same intensive upkeep schedule. Faux latex will lose some of its sheen over time, and faux latex garments that are not made from a high-quality synthetic material may crack or peel with constant wear. However, it can be an option for those looking for a relatively simple latex option.
4. Price: How Much Do They Cost?
Real latex bodysuits and faux latex bodysuits differ arguably more than even materials when it comes to price. Typically, real latex bodysuits will cost more than faux because real latex uses real materials, labour costs and craftsmanship is often involved as well. Real latex garments are often handmade and specifically tailored for fit, which will all add cost regardless of the garment style. For fashion buyers looking for a high-end piece, the higher investment in real latex might be justified due to the quality and shine, particularly as fashion buyers may seek that luxury appeal for their textiles.
Faux latex garments are typically a much lower price point, which makes it a more appealing option for fashion buyers who want to test the waters with the latex looks, without the price tag associated with real latex bodysuits. Faux latex bodysuits are made from an inexpensive synthetic materials and because they are made with a mass-production interest, they will typically have a much lower price point. So anyone trying out the latex looks for a specific event or looking for the most affordable option in price, faux latex might be their best option.
5. Appearance: The Differences Between Real and Faux Latex
Real and faux latex bodysuits can appear similar at first glance, depending on the lighting in the room. Real latex would be expected to have a more bold and better-quality shine that faux latex can never reproduce. In addition to the material’s formfitting capabilities, real latex has a more favorable and cleaner look on camera or for photoshoots.
Though faux latex does have a shiny effect, real latex always provides a better overall gloss (and /or texture) to the shine than faux latex. Depending on the quality, faux latex can look plastic or “less” smooth then latex. Faux latex is impressive enough to provide the look in regular clothes and daily styling options; just remember that it can not be trusted to hold the shine, gloss, or look of real latex.
6. Potential for Allergies: Skin Sensitivities
As a side note, some individual could experience latex allergies as sensitive skin skin conditions; this could even be dangerous. Allergies occur in response to the proteins found in natural rubber latex, leading to skin rash and irritation, all the way to allergic reactions. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin or know you may have a latex allergy, faux latex is a safer material because it is produced synthetically and does not contain natural rubber latex proteins.
Generally, faux latex is hypoallergenic, so it is nice to have the option if some one is interested in latex clothing despite their knowledge of needing to consider possible irritation from wearing in natural rubber latex. If you are not sure whether you are allergic to latex, you should consider putting a small patch on your skin just to make sure the full bodysuit is not going to a problem.
7. Ethical and Environmental Considerations
In choosing between faux and real latex, those concerned about the ethical or environmental impact of their clothing options can factor those concerns into their decision. For example, because it is a natural material, real latex is biodegradable and can come from rubber trees, which are a renewable resource. However, the process of fabricating real latex garments and processes, and the act of transporting its course, can contribute to an environmental impact.
Faux latex is often vegan, or at least does not involve animal products, but it is derived from plastics and synthetics, which are not biodegradable and contribute to pollution. However, some brands are dedicated to producing faux latex in a sustainable manner and you may come across faux latex more suited to environmental concerns.
Conclusion
If your top wish is to have the ultimate high-fashion, glossy, second-skin look, and the financial costs and maintenance don’t concern you, then you likely want real latex. The feel and shine of real latex are splendid for special events, photoshoots, or if you are just serious about wearing latex clothes as fashion.
Alternatively, if comfort, price point, and ease of wear are more important to you, then faux latex is a great option. Faux latex does not get the same intensity as a real latex bodysuit, but it still has a stylish and edgy look with less maintenance and cost. Faux latex bodysuits are also great for anyone with latex allergies, or for those who want to tiptoe into such a unique material.
Both real latex bodysuits and faux latex bodysuits have their pros and cons, but ultimately which is the best style to choose really comes down to you, your preference, your style, your budget, and how much effort and maintenance you want to put into your look. Either way, whether you settle for real latex or faux latex, you can be assured that you still be an attention-grabber in your fashion self-exploration.
