Making Your Wardrobe Latex Free: A Detailed List

When I first realized that I was actually wearing latex, I went through all my clothes. My sock drawers and underwear drawers were literally just dumped out, as I knew that everything had Lycra/Spandex/Elastene in it. I had no idea that latex was so pervasive! Here is a plan of attack to make your wardrobe latex free:

Remember: elastic and Lycra/Spandex/Elastene are now your arch enemies!

• T-shirts
• Only keep t-shirts without the plastic-y decals, the decals generally contain latex. 
• Check the labels to ensure there is no Lycra/Spandex/Elastene in the material. 
• Examine all of the seams closely, especially around the neckline, across the shoulders, and at the wrists. Clear elastic can be hiding here, and it's very sneaky!
• Jeans
• Check the labels. Almost all denim now contains Lycra/Spandex/Elastene, particularly those designed for women.
• Look for elastic at the waistband and in any areas of ruching.
• Decorations can be iffy. Use your own judgement here.
• Dresses
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Look for elastic across the shoulders, around the neckline, at the cuffs, and at any other seams.
• Ruched or layered dresses almost always have elastic across each ruched section.
• Underwear
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Look for elastic, especially at the waistband and leg openings.
• Socks/Hosiery
• Socks generally don't have tags, and unless they are special ordered, almost all contain latex. Dump the drawers out and say goodbye!
• The vast majority of pantyhose and knee-highs contain latex as well, with the exception of L'eggs brand.
• Slippers
• Look for elastic.
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Get the model information from the tag and call the manufacturer. Be sure to ask about latex in the adhesive or trim as well.
• Once you have the information from the manufacturer that the shoes *should be* latex free, take a sniff of the (clean) sole. If you have no symptoms, move on to sniff the top of the slipper. Any slippers that leave you without symptoms are keepers!
• Swimsuits
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Look for elastic, particularly clear elastic.
• Shoes-Athletic
• Get the model information from the tag and call the manufacturer. Be sure to ask about latex in the adhesive or trim as well.
• Once you have the information from the manufacturer that the shoes *should be* latex free, take a sniff of the (clean) sole. If you have no symptoms, move on to sniff the top of the shoe. Any shoes that leave you without symptoms are keepers!

• Sweatshirts
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Get rid of any sweatshirts with the plastic-y decal(s). 
• Belts
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Some belts have elastic in them, so look closely. 
• Hats
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Search for hidden elastic, especially in the more stylish, formed hats.
• Suits
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Look for elastic, particularly at the waist.
• Shorts
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Look for elastic, especially in waistbands.
• Coats
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Look for elastic. It can be hidden in all sorts of spots in coats, but most often in cinched waists and cuffs.
• Robes/Housecoats
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Look for elastic everywhere.
• Examine all seems very closely for clear elastic. One of my robes had clear elastic across the shoulder seam and I didn't catch it until I had been itchy for a month!
• Skirts
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Look for elastic in any ruching and at the waistband.
• Pants
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Check the waistband for elastic.
• Look for elastic in the cuffs, especially in sweat pants.
• Shoes- Dressy/Casual
• Get the model information from the tag and call the manufacturer. Be sure to ask about latex in the adhesive or trim as well.
• For sandals and women's dress shoes in particular, closely look for any elastic. Even the smallest section of elastic touching your skin can set off symptoms.
• Once you have the information from the manufacturer that the shoes *should be* latex free, take a sniff of the (clean) sole. If you have no symptoms, move on to sniff the top of the shoe. Any shoes that leave you without symptoms are keepers!
• Gloves
• Check the label for Spandex/Lycra/Elastene.
• Look for elastic in any form-fitting portion or gathers/ruching.
• Examine the palm and fingertips. Latex can be hidden here.

If there is Spandex/Lycra/Elastene listed on the label, it must go! Some elastic is fairly easy to remove and replace with latex-free elastic or a drawstring, so you may be able to keep items in which the only problem is a piece of elastic or two.

This has been an ongoing process for me as I continue to find more hidden sources of latex in my clothing, so I'm sure I've left something out. Please comment anything you notice that I have missed!