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!
