Let’s just be clear, since we are comparing latex vs fabric resistance bands, we will only be looking at the variety of resistance bands that wrap around your legs. These kinds of bands are known as booty bands, hip circle bands, mini bands, and glute bands. They are resistance bands made for the legs.

    Why are we only talking about these short resistance bands? Well, when it comes to fabric bands, they only come in the booty band variety, whereas latex bands come in other styles and sizes, such as 41” loop resistance bands, resistance tubes with handles, therapy strip bands, and so on. Because of this, when comparing fabric to latex, it only makes sense to discuss the mini booty band type of resistance bands.

    Moreover, it should be noted, as we are only discussing fabric vs latex booty bands, the information below only applies to this short style of band. When it comes to the longer resistance bands, which people use for upper body exercises, lower body exercises (in a different way), explosive exercises, pull up assistance, strength training, stretching, joint mobilization, rehab, and so on, latex is the best option, and not just because its the only option, but it just makes sense for the band to be strictly rubber for those kinds of uses as you want them to be able to stretch as much as possible (this is a point about fabric bands that we will be getting into).

    So, just to reiterate, this fabric vs latex rubber resistance band comparison is only regarding the small bands made for the glutes, hips and legs (although if you get creative with them they can also be used for things like core exercises and arm exercises too).

FABRIC RESISTANCE BANDS

Fabric resistance bands are made from a durable elastic fabric material. The bands are relatively short in length, but the material and feeling of them is substantial. They are thicker and wider than latex mini bands, and they also have more resistance.

One thing important to note about fabric bands is they are not all the same length. The more resistance, the longer the mini band will be. 

Fabric bands can be used in so many ways for lower body exercises, with most exercises involving the bands wrapping around your thighs, calves or ankles – think exercises like glute bridges, squats, side steps, kick backs, hip abductors, clamshells. That said, they can be effective in other ways as well, like one legged RDLs (step on the band and grab the other end and do a stiff-legged deadlift) or core exercises like plank walks. All in all, fabric hip bands are super versatile.

Other common names for fabric resistance bands:

Booty Bands, Glute Bands, and Hip Bands.

We will now discuss the pros and cons, without going too in-depth as we will do that during the categorical comparison further below.

Pros of fabric resistance bands:

• They don’t roll up
• They won’t pinch skin, pull hair or irritate the skin
• They are non-slip
• They are more fitted and feel much more snug
• They are extremely durable, so they won’t rip or tear
• They provide more resistance which most find to be more effective for lower body movements (i.e. if you want to build a booty, these are the ones)

Cons of fabric resistance bands:

• They have more resistance (one person’s pro is another person’s con), so they are somewhat harder to use for people with below average leg strength.
• There is only 2-3 resistance levels, where as latex mini bands have 5, depending on the seller (albeit some light mini bands resistance levels are so little they are almost useless).
• After a lot of use they will start to stretch out.
• While they are more effective for lower body strength and hypertrophy, they are less versatile in the ways you can use them due to fabric bands having less stretchability.

LATEX MINI BANDS

Latex mini bands are made from latex, so they are purely rubber. They are not as wide or thick as fabric bands. Some latex bands of lower resistance levels are so thin that they feel almost like therapy bands. However, latex mini bands of higher resistance levels are pretty thick, yet not as thick as fabric bands.

The resistance level range of latex mini bands varies greatly, and it depends on how thick the bands are. Manufacturers like us produce mini bands at all different kinds of thickness, so it will depend on what the seller has for how much resistance a latex mini band is. Most times you will find them to be quite thin and ranging from light to medium (with the highest resistance still actually being a medium in terms of what the manufacturer offers). We know as we produced both bands. Fabric is limited in the sizes where as mini latex bands have much more thickness options.

Note: Latex bands will all be the same length, unlike fabric bands. The resistance level is determined by the thickness of the band, not the length (unlike fabric bands).

Other names for latex mini bands:

Some call them Booty Bands (but this is more for the thicker variety, as if you type booty band into google, you will mostly see fabric bands as they are better for building a booty due to more resistance). Other names are simply mini bands and resistance loop bands for legs.

The names are quite interchange within the resistance band genre, so pay attention to the fabric or non-fabric point the most. One pic will immediately tell you what kind of band you are looking at. The fabric bands are obvious. What’s not as obvious is the thickness of the latex mini bands, so you may need to ask about that if not enough information is provided, which often is the case with latex mini bands.

Pros of latex mini bands:

• A wider range of resistance levels (depending on the seller).
• They may be better for beginners who lack lower body strength.
• They are more versatile for things like upper body exercises as they can stretch more.
• They are easier to clean.
• They are not likely to stretch out overtime.

Cons of latex rubber mini bands

• They roll up during exercises.
• They pinch skin or pull hair if placed directly on the skin.
• Overall, they are much less comfortable.
• They can cause allergic reactions to those who are allergic to latex.
• They have a latex smell (that usually goes away or lessens with time).
• They can break or tear if used on abrasive surfaces or stretched too far.

Others

BUILDING MUSCLE AND STRENGTH：Unless you are an absolute beginner to fitness and working out, you should go for fabric resistance bands if you want to build muscle and strength in your lower body

COMFORT：Fabric resistance bands are far more comfortable, and to be frank, they will not annoy you like mini bands do because they won’t roll up or irritate your skin.

DURABILITY：This is a tough one because it depends on how you use them. With fabric bands, you don’t have to worry about tears or stretching them and having them snap, but they can fray. Mini bands, if used carefully, can last longer. That said, for the price of either these bands, it’s a lot better to not have to worry about the band ripping, tearing or snapping and just buy a new fabric band when and if it stretches out than to have to be cautious with your latex mini band all the time.

VERSATILITY：Generally speaking, latex mini bands are more versatile. However, fabric resistance bands are very versatile themselves, especially for what people intend to use mini bands for.

DESIGN：Fabric bands have a superior design.

CLEANING：Latex mini bands are easier to clean and they won’t pick up any smells (although they will have a rubber smell themselves).

POPULARITY：Fabric resistance bands

PRICE：It is pretty close so we will give this one a tie. It just depends on the seller.

Contact us to learn more about our wholesale resistance bands！