Tomima’s Blog – Lingerie & Underwear Expert

Here’s an example of a typical email we receive from women with latex allergies:

Hi, I am desperate. I have a latex allergy that has gotten worse and now I can’t wear a latex bra or underwear..I found underwear but finding a bra in my size 38DDD is impossible. Do you have any resources or know of where I can buy one. (actually several) thanks, Linda B.

My heart goes out to all you women with latex allergies.  It’s really almost impossible to find bras and panties that don’t give you a reaction.  And, for some of you, your reaction can actually put you in the hospital.

For the last 8 years, I have researched this issue to try and find a solution.  Unfortunately, I have yet to find one.  And, here’s the rub; liability.  Manufacturers would rather not get involved with this problem for fear of being sued.

Okay, this may sound callous, but I must admit I completely understand.  Here’s what has happened to me on a number of occasions.  I have suggested an item, having reviewed its tags, to a woman who is latex intolerant .  But, rather than working with me, several of these women have stated they will sue me if I’m wrong.  Talking about biting the hand that feeds you!

Last year, I was contacted by a woman who works for a latex-free non-profit organization.  Sorry, I can’t remember its name.  She was asking for my help in identifying garments that are latex free. I shared with her my desire to help, but also my negative experience with some of the latex-intolerant women who contacted me.  She confirmed that there is a rather militant group out there that discourages finding solutions.

The best I can do is communicate the fabric content that is given to me by the manufacturers.  Most elastic in lingerie these days is made with spandex rather than latex.  However, the manufacturer is at the mercy of the factory making the raw material.  Latex is cheaper than spandex.  So, the manufacturer may be thinking they are purchasing latex-free products, when in fact the factory has snuck some latex in the mix.  To avoid lawsuits, lingerie manufacturers make no promises of products being latex free.

Another issue is the level of latex intolerance.  For some women, it’s an annoying rash, for others, it can send them running to the hospital.  The reaction swing is large.  This is probably why the responses I receive are also so varied.

I have inquired about any test available to use on fabrics to see if there is latex.  So far, I have been told there is no home test available.

I would dearly love to help all of you find a solution.  However, who wants to work with a group that threatens lawsuits?  When a lingerie garment on my site is found to be latex free, I hope you will write a review and let us know.  We will then be happy to put a comment in the description that the garment was found to be latex free by latex-intolerant women. 

We have one bra, the Leading Lady 600, which its manufacturer claims to be latex free.  It’s sizing starts at 32A and goes up to a 42DD. The elastic used has spandex in it, and this elastic does touch the skin.  But it’s a good starting point, and has many positive reviews.

Addendum.  Just today, our website received this email.  It proves my point about not wanting to get involved in the conversation for fear of liability:

Is this bra latex-free? Does the spandex or straps have natural rubber/latex in them, or a synthetic? The description is confusing as it doesn’t say, then one reviewer says it is latex-free. The Tomina’s comment that it can be ‘latex-free’ if worn inside out is completely ERRONEOUS and could be fatal- latex free means not one speck of natural rubber or latex- just being around it can cause severe anaphylactic allergic reactions in some persons, even death. It may be true that some persons can wear latex if it is covered or not touching them, but they do not realize that could be very dangerous- if one has a latex allergy, they can go from just sensitive to anaphylaxis within minutes.