Resistance bands have long been a staple for people looking to workout and gain strength without the use of heavy weights or expensive equipment. But with so many styles and variations, it can be difficult to decide on whether a fabric or latex resistance band is better for you.
Both latex and fabric resistance bands are great options and can be used to build strength and lose muscle. However you may personally find one to be more comfortable than the other, while each does excel at different workouts and exercises.
But that’s just the short answer. Both materials have their pros and cons and there will also be an element of personal preference depending on how you like to workout.
So let’s take a look at each one and work out which is going to be more suitable for you.
Latex Vs Fabric Resistance Bands – Comparison
As touched on above, there are pros and cons for each resistance band material.
Latex Resistance Bands
As the name suggests, these are made from latex/rubber. They’re often far slimmer than a cloth or fabric band and can range in size.
You’re probably more likely to have seen a regular latex resistance band which are about a meter in length. However, they also come in a mini size, similar to that of a fabric band.
The full sized versions of these bands are generally more suited towards full body and arm based workouts, although they can be folded over and used effectively for legs and glutes as well. While the mini versions are perfect for legs and glutes.
It’s also important to note that the actual resistance level of latex bands can vary greatly. They come in a range of thicknesses which is what controls their resistance. So, the thinner the band, the lower the resistance, and a thicker band means more resistance. This is why you’ll often find these sold in sets that include 3-5 resistance levels with colour coordinated bands.
Fabric Resistance Bands
Often referred to as booty bands or glute bands, fabric resistance bands are made from a durable elastic material.
Unlike latex bands, these are much smaller in length and as much as 10x thicker. They also have a much larger level of resistance and, unlike latex bands, it’s their length that determines the resistance level rather than thickness.
Due to their size and resistance, fabric bands are almost exclusively used for lower body exercises. Especially those focusing on the glutes which is where the booty band nickname comes from.
Latex Vs Fabric Resistance Bands – Which is better?
At the end of the day this is going to be based on what you want to get out of them.
However, latex bands are generally a better option for people who have never used a resistance band or worked out before. This is because they can have a much lower level of resistance and provide a little more functionality in being able to use them for full body workouts.
Fabric bands are a much better option if your goal is to work on your lower body. Specifically glutes, quads and calves. Additionally, they are far more comfortable to use as they don’t cause as much friction against your skin which can be particularly painful.
So, latex bands are a great choice for beginners while fabric bands are better for those looking to focus specifically on leg and glute exercises.