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MATERIALS
LATEX: WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T LOOK HOT WHILE SAVING THE PLANET?
Words by
LUKA MAHMULJIN UDOVIČIĆ
Published
December 18, 2024

‍"It is a noble and natural material that does not kill animals, does not cut down trees and isn't plastic either." -French fashion designer Arthur Avellano told Dezeen

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"It is a noble and natural material that does not kill animals, does not cut down trees and isn't plastic either." -French fashion designer Arthur Avellano told Dezeen
Sasha Velour for Bricks Magazine Issue 7, wearing Soft Skin Latex
'We knew we wanted it to be black and sexy and tight and shiny. Latex is as black and sexy and tight as you can get... We made a body cast of her, and the costume was made on the body cast. We were afraid that it would rip, because she had these cat claws, and because it’s latex, once it ripped it’s over, you can’t repair it. So we had to make about 40 cat-suits, but actually it never ripped, it was very strong.' -Costume designer Mary Vogt on Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catsuit, Anothermag
Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman, striking a dramatic pose in a sleek, form-fitting black latex suit. The suit features distinct glossy panels, white stitching and a high collar, accentuating her silhouette. She wears bold, dark eye makeup, with her hair styled in loose waves, exuding a fierce and seductive presence. The image captures the iconic look from the 1992 film Batman Returns, emphasizing Catwoman's edgy and powerful character.
MEOW!
Natural latex! A versatile, renewable material sourced from the rubber tree.

Its production can be sustainable and carbon-negative, when grown on non-forested or degraded land, as the trees are not cut down during harvesting. The material gets its name from the milk-like sticky fluid plants produce to protect themselves from pests—when a plant’s bark is damaged, latex appears to seal the wound! 

A close-up image of tree sap being harvested from a rubber tree, with a small incision made in the tree's bark, allowing the sticky latex to flow into a collection cup. The tree is part of a rubber plantation, with the surrounding foliage visible in the background. The latex is a milky white substance, and the process highlights the sustainable extraction method for natural rubber used in products like latex.
Rubber Tree. Source: Eco Terra

Natural latex comes from this sap, making it biodegradable, renewable and eco-friendly. It’s known for its durability, elasticity, and hypoallergenic properties. These trees are grown in plantations across South America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia.

In contrast, its evil twin AKA synthetic latex is made from petroleum-based chemicals and is less sustainable and biodegradable, although it mimics some of natural latex’s qualities. Therefore it’s lame.

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A black model wearing a sheer, see-through latex dress by the brand February Trash, featuring triple laced detailing along the front. She is posing confidently on a couch, with her blonde hair styled straight with a pair of sunglasses.
February Trash, Triple Lace Latex Dress, source: February Trash
Claude Knight, wearing Soft Skin latex black mask with ruffles and a skin tight black bodysuit.
Claude Knight by Jonny Kaye, wearing Soft Skin Latex, source: Soft Skin Latex

From being pushed to the underground for the fetishization of the material, to finding its way into punk and later club kid and party culture, all the way to Hollywood and back, latex has definitely lived a life of its own.

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Designers such as Thierry Mugler and Maison Margiela have incorporated latex into their collections, pushing the boundaries of conventional materials. Now it’s time for latex to embrace its role in both sustainable and sexy fashion—who said you can’t look hot while saving the planet?

Models posing in dramatic fashion for Mugler Fall 1995 Couture, wearing sleek black latex outfits paired with oversized black hats. The latex garments have a glossy, form-fitting appearance, accentuating their bold, futuristic silhouettes. The models stand in powerful poses, exuding an air of sophistication and avant-garde style, with the large hats adding an additional layer of mystery and elegance to the striking ensemble.
Mugler Fall/Winter Couture 1995. source: Vogue

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A model showcasing Look 15 from Avelanno's Fall/Winter 2023 collection, wearing a skin tight grey latex tailored dress, walking down the runway.
Avelanno, FW23, Look 15. Source: Avelanno
Lady Gaga wearing a stunning red latex outfit with a dramatic drain and Victorian-esque ruffles by Atsuko Kudo while meeting and performing for Queen Elizabeth II in Blackpool, England. The outfit features a form-fitting, high-shine red latex dress with intricate detailing, showcasing Lady Gaga’s bold, avant-garde fashion sense. She exudes confidence, with her signature dramatic makeup and platinum blonde hair styled in waves.
Lady Gaga wearing Atsuko Kudo to meet and perform for Queen Elizabeth II in Blackpool, England, on December 7, 2009, source: X
Lady Gaga meeting Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a stunning red latex outfit with a dramatic drain and Victorian-esque ruffles by Atsuko Kudo
Leon Neal/Stringer/Getty Images, source: Business Insider

Wearing an all-red all-latex outfit is definitely the perfect choice to meet the Queen in.

However, not all is sunny in latex-land. Harvesting latex can and does contribute to deforestation (particularly when forests are cleared to expand plantations, especially on large-scale industrial ones), and the processing of latex into wearable fabrics often involves harmful chemicals. Therefore, while natural latex can be a more sustainable option, it requires careful and mindful sourcing and processing. On the other hand, natural latex also has significant environmental advantages when grown on already cleared land or in sustainable systems, making it a way better alternative to synthetic rubber and other crops like palm oil.

The focus should be on managing production sustainably to minimize its impact on forests.

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Latex also carries a certain taboo, often linked to fetish culture and sexualized imagery. 

‘As rubber clothing increased in popularity, some wearers came to discover it was both pragmatic and sexually pleasurable. “It’s the most sensual fabric there is”, says The Baroness, “because it has a unique look, smell, taste, sound and feel.”’ -BBC 
The model is wearing a Harikrishnan latex green tinflatable trousers with red stripes in the middle, posing while looking down at the camera, in a studio.
Harikrishnan's inflatable latex garment. Source: Dezeen
Brooke Candy on the cover of her Sexorcism album, wearing a glossy black Soft Skin latex outfit. The outfit has a second-skin appearance, highlighting her bold and futuristic aesthetic. There are a pair of two black shiny gloves with some sort of feathers, as well as a neck piece, thigh-high boots as well as a bottom-piece, all in watching latex. Her platinum blonde hair styled in an edgy, sculpted manner and intense makeup. The image, photographed by Steven Klein, exudes a provocative, high-fashion vibe, capturing the rebellious energy of the album.
Brooke Candy for the 'Sexorcism' Album cover, wearing Soft Skin latex, photographed by Steven Klein, source: Soft Skin Latex

Due to its connections to fetish, some still view it as ‘provocative’ or even inappropriate. 

Yet, as fashion becomes more diverse in its exploration of identity and expression, latex is increasingly being embraced for its unique texture and possibilities and potential in sustainable fashion.

So, ready to rock some latex?

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cover: Soft Skin Latex @SoftSkinLatex

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SOURCES:

Dezeen: Hahn, Jeniffer. "Latex: The Natural Rubber Material Pushing Fashion Towards Sustainability." Dezeen, December 1, 2020. Link

Gay Times: Williams, Jack. "Sustainable BDSM and Kink Clothing: The Future of Fashion." Gay Times, 29th December 2023 Link

Medium: Poppunk. "Bound But Not Constrained: A History of Latex Fashion." Medium, Aug 5, 2023. Link

BBC Culture: George, Cassidy. "From Fetish to Fashion: The Rise of Latex." BBC Culture, January 8, 2020. Link

The Guardian: Swash, Rosie. Queen + Lady Gaga: The Spectacular Fashion Moments." The Guardian, December 8, 2009. Link

Another Magazine: Lack, Hanah. "Costume Designer Mary Vogt on Michelle Pfeiffer's Catsuit." Another Magazine,July 20, 2012. Link

Beauty Shall Save The World: Tanner, Sharon. “Moments of Mugler: For the Love of Latex.” Beauty Shall Save The World, January 31, 2022. Link

Carbon Brief: Chandrasekhar, Aruna. “Rubber drives ‘at least twice’ as much deforestation as previously thought.” Carbon Brief, 18 October 2023. Link

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“As soon as I tried it on I felt like superwoman, and knew that I wanted to use this fabric to design clothes, as I thought other women might get the same feeling,” -Atsuko Kudo

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