Right on track: sporty latex style from Adidas and Libidex

RIGHT ON TRACK: SPORTY LATEX STYLE FROM ADIDAS AND LIBIDEX

The launch of a latex collection by any big clothing brand naturally provokes a range of reactions from latex enthusiasts. Some welcome it as a sign of the ever-growing mainstream acceptance of latex, which they feel can only be a good thing. Some regard it as cynical, short-termist cultural appropriation by parasitic fashion firms. Others feel the designs may look great, but wonder why the garments are two or three times the price of similar items from dedicated latex brands.

When Adidas recently launched its small 3-Stripes latex track wear range in the United States, it doesn’t look like customers spent too much time debating any of those issues. Despite the low profile launch, the women’s latex collection — comprising a t-shirt-sleeved bodysuit, long-sleeved jacket and leggings in a choice of two colours — sold out almost immediately. It has left more than a few rubber lovers hoping that this was just a test launch that will lead to sporty latex style becoming a permanent feature of the global Adidas clothing range.

Some of you might be reading this and thinking: hold on, didn’t Adidas introduce a latex clothing range some time ago? To which the answer is: yes and no. Yes, its Ivy Park range was described as latex (and can still be found thus represented on some third-party shopping sites). But no, it wasn’t latex, it was shiny PU-coated stretch fabric. But these days shiny PU is so often described as latex or “latex-look” on fast fashion sites wanting to associate their products with the coolness of the real thing, that it’s possible Adidas thought they were using a perfectly legitimate description.

Top image: the Adidas plunge into sporty latex style with its 3-Stripes capsule collection, already sold out, comprised long-sleeved jacket, leggings and – shown below centre – bodysuit

Evidently though, the company has learnt from this error, and the latex range it just launched definitely is real latex. From the photography, it looks well-made, and what’s more, the pricing doesn’t appear to have suffered from the “let’s bump it up to prestige fashion prices” tendency. The only price we could still find online was $275 for the jacket-style 3-Stripes Latex Top, equivalent to about £220 (€264). This figure is very close to the £229.95 price of our Female Varsity Jacket (see below), a roughly equivalent type of garment.

Meanwhile, with Adidas not yet fully embracing latex with a globally available, comprehensive collection of items for men as well as women, what can rubber lovers hankering after sporty latex style do? You might not be too surprised to hear that they could do a lot worse than to check out the contributions Libidex itself has made to this particular genre!

Although the Libidex website doesn’t offer sportswear as a top-level category, there are plenty of sporty looks to be found within the relevant sub-categories. Since it’s the Adidas women’s track wear range that inspired this article, we will focus for this round-up on Libidex women’s garments with similarly sporty themes. And remember: all Libidex latex can be ordered in scores of different colours in addition to those shown below!

Libidex sporty latex tops

Libidex sporty tops, left-right: Female Varsity Jacket £229.95; Bardot Swimsuit £124.95; Ruby Top £184.95; Isla Hoodie £194.95

Beginning with sporty latex style in tops, our Female Varsity Jacket (above left) features an American bomber cut just like our popular men's style on which it’s based. High-waisted and comfortable as an overgarment or against your skin, it features contrast sleeves and trims, press stud and two front pockets.

For an appropriate layer of latex under the Varsity Jacket, consider our Bardot Swimsuit (above second left). With contrast trim giving it a sporty touch, it could serve as the perfect underpinning to a jacket and leggings, or one of our two-piece tracksuits or one-piece coverall styles.

If activewear for you isn’t complete without a hoodie, our Ruby Top (above second right) is a long-sleeved version of our popular Scarlet Top featuring tight-fitting sleeves and the oversized hood design much loved by our customers.

Our second latex hoodie for the ladies is the Isla Hoodie (above right), which really stands out with its contrast trim of single stripes to the zip front and hood, plus double stripes to the sleeves and waistband.

Libidex sporty latex legs

Libidex sporty legs, left–right: Female Digit Leggings £199.95; Helena Riding Trousers £189.95; Matrix Leggings £103.46 inc 10% off; Racer Leggings £229.95

If the Adidas approach to sporty latex style has inspired you, you’re going to want tight leggings. And if you feel plain leggings are all that’s needed with a stripy top, then our classic high-waist, full length Matrix Leggings (second right above) should fit the bill. As best sellers, they’re also discounted by 10%.

With very prominent contrasting striping to legs and waistband, our Female Digit Leggings (above left) are so-named because of the double-digit number on each upper thigh. It doesn’t have to be “69” — you can choose any two numbers, or even symbols (although the latter will be in a more basic font).

Our Helena Riding Trousers (above second right) were created with a shaped panel evoking traditional riding breeches and a motif on the inside leg. But with their contrasting wide side seam and waistband, and the right colour combination, they could readily adapt to the role of tracksuit bottoms.

Our fourth example of sporty latex legwear, Racer Leggings (above right) feature a side panel with laser cut checkerboard pattern (black and white as standard, but other colours can be requested). And if you don’t find the leg trim racy enough on its own, matching Racer Gauntlets are also available.

Libidex sporty latex suits

Libidex sporty suits, left–right: Female Tracksuit £296.96 inc 10% off (Female Tracksuit Top £179.95 also available separately); Female Hazard Suit £243.96 inc 10% off; Female Batwing Tracksuit £263.96 inc 10% off; Bianca Jumpsuit £359.96 inc 10% off

Libidex also caters for those wanting a more traditional loose-fit tracksuit look. Our Female Tracksuit (above left) — a best-seller with 10% off — is a two-piece ensemble comprising zipper hoodie and matching trousers. It has elasticated waistband and cuffs, and the jacket has functioning pockets!

Our other two-piece tracksuit, the Female Batwing Tracksuit (above second right) offers a classic ’80s feel with oversized raglan sleeves, loose fit and dropped crotch. The trousers feature elasticated cuffs and waistband; the hooded top has an elasticated hem, a drawstring hood and a front zip.

For the general look of a two-piece tracksuit in a one-piece garment, check out our Female Latex Hazard Suit (above second left). Featuring elasticated waist, wrist and ankle cuffs (perfect for those dirty and naughty jobs), this latex boiler suit fastens with a full front zip going through the crotch.

Another one-piece look we offer is the Bianca Jumpsuit (above right). With dramatic full-volume pleats and optional drawstring hood, this billowing latex garment has several zip options. It comes in numerous colour combos, although the one pictured is probably best saved for indoor sports!