When you think of the word cool, what’s the first image that comes to mind? Well, if it’s not Marlon Brando on a bike with a leather jacket on, we don’t know what’s wrong with you. Jokes aside, leather jackets have been very much the epitome of cool-looking for almost a century now. The way the material shines, wrinkles, and compliments all skin tones is simply in a league of its own. But what about its cheaper alternatives like faux leather and latex?
Over the years, many new alternatives to leather popped up on the fashion market. Some of the most popular are definitely latex and faux leather. However, unlike animal-friendly faux leather, latex material isn’t really trying to mimic leather. It’s something else entirely, even if it tends to shine and signal sexy and dangerous at the same time. So, let’s look into the differences between these materials and see which one suits you best.
Latex vs. Leather: Major Differences
Although these materials share similarities, they have more differences than meets the eye. Namely, the most obvious difference is that leather is of animal origin, while latex comes in both natural and synthetic forms. The latex material is a mixture of different particles that form a stable dispersion. As such, it’s a rubbery material that reacts to heat and cold by spreading and shrinking. The most common products that come from this material are latex gloves, latex condoms, and latex clothing.
Unlike natural and synthetic latexes, we get leather from skinning animals. Yep! It’s as cruel as it sounds. The most common animals that we kill for leather are cattle and calves. Nevertheless, some others include pigs, sheep, and goats. But we don’t stop there! The leather production relies on exotic animals as well. These include snakes, crocodiles, zebras, kangaroos, and even some birds. Therefore, there’s an argument to be made that latex production is a more conscious and eco-friendly choice.
Latex
The most obvious trait of this synthetic rubber material is that it’s shiny. As such, it makes the person wearing it stand out from the rest of the crowd. Nevertheless, latex isn’t commonly seen in everyday life. It’s something celebrities and pop stars wear at gala events and fashion shows. Moreover, it’s common in underground sex circles like the BDSM community. Many fetish outfits come from it, making latex a kinky material on its own.
On the other hand, aside from being shiny, latex outfits are usually rather tight. Unlike spandex, latex isn’t that stretch-friendly. When you put it on, it feels almost like a second skin, metaphorically and literally. As a metaphor, latex brings out that other person in you, the one from your fantasies, free of sexual shame and guilt. As for the literal part, latex can restrict airflow, making you sweat more than usual, and even cause a latex allergy.
Leather
Like we’ve said already, leather is the epitome of cool. From badass bikers to rock stars and dominatrices, they all share some type of leather clothing, be it jackets, pants, gloves, masks, or boots. It’s all the same. Of course, leather isn’t just about its slick, shiny, black iteration. You can find all sorts of leather products that are soft and of other colors. But that’s tamer and doesn’t have the same impact as the previously mentioned.
One of the main cons of leather is that it doesn’t really work well with water. After being exposed to it for a long time, the material will begin to deteriorate. Although you will still be able to wear it, it will lose its original quality. But then again, it can still look cool if you’re into that whole biker-rocker fashion. Still, it won’t work for a slick BDSM outfit, as it will appear worn-out, less shiny, and overall wrinkled.
How About Faux Leather?
A common alternative to leather is its faux variant. Namely, faux leather is a popular choice for many people for different reasons. From its animal-friendly origin to its lower price, this type of material is more common than ever. When it comes to the material itself, it can come in three different types. There’s PU, PVC, and synthetic faux leather. Although they differ in origin, their properties are pretty much the same.
The main pros of faux leather are many, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come with some negatives. The bright side includes that it doesn’t require hurting animals for its production. Additionally, it costs less to produce and, in turn, to purchase. But that’s not all. It’s also easy to work with, it’s durable, and it has a realistic quality. Still, the downsides include that it doesn’t breathe like genuine leather, making you sweat more easily.
Which One Should You Choose?
When it comes to the question of which of these three materials you should choose, there isn’t a straight answer. All three have unique qualities and can serve different purposes. Nevertheless, if you’re okay with skinning animals, we’d have to say that nothing can beat quality leather. It simply looks cooler than anything else. However, its major con is that it costs way more than the other two options.
On the other hand, latex is an excellent option if you want to look chic. In fact, more and more celebrities are getting into it, so it’s safe to say there’s a fashion trend going on. If you can look past the comfort issues some people have, it will be a great material to combine with both regular clothes and sexy garments in the bedroom. But if you’re on a tight budget and don’t fit into latex easily, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend faux leather. Make sure to visit https://laidtex.com because you can never be wrong with them, they’ll help you get what you need.
Latex and Leather Clothing
The best thing about these materials is that they work on every occasion. You can combine them with other outfits and still look stylish. On the other hand, wearing only leather or latex will make a major impact on the way people perceive you. It might be a bit too much for some, but it is what it is. They are simply sexy. As such, we’d always be looking to incorporate them into our sex life, so try it on at some point — you won’t regret it.
