Many shops sell shiny clothing under the word latex when it is in fact PVC or vinyl. In a photo the look can be similar, but the feel, the fit and the care are completely different.
What is latex?
Natural latex comes from the sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). It is made into thin sheets, which are cut and glued by hand to make a garment. There is no fabric backing: the garment is 100% rubber, stretches in every direction and fits like a second skin.
What are PVC and vinyl?
PVC and vinyl are plastics, usually coated onto a stretch fabric such as polyester or elastane. The garment is sewn like ordinary clothing. It shines without polishing, but it stretches less, does not mould to the body in the same way and breathes even less than latex.
How to recognise real latex
- The description says “100% latex” or “natural rubber”, not “latex look”, “wet look” or “faux latex”.
- There is no fabric on the inside: the inside is the same material as the outside.
- The seams are glued, not stitched.
- Unpolished, latex is satin-matt; it only becomes mirror-like with a shine product.
- It stretches in every direction and returns to its shape.
- The price: a real latex catsuit made by hand cannot cost the same as a mass-produced PVC suit. Beware of very cheap listings that show latex photos but deliver PVC.
Which one should you choose?
PVC is cheaper and needs no polishing. Latex offers an unmatched fit and feel, a deep shine and a huge choice of colours, including transparent shades. It asks for a little care, explained in our guide How to clean, shine and store latex. All DuckyDucky garments are made of 100% natural latex: discover our latex catsuits.
More advice in our latex guides.