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Elastane (Spandex / Lycra)

What is Elastane (Spandex / Lycra)?

Elastane is a synthetic fibre with exceptional stretch: the fabric can stretch up to 500–600% and then fully return to its original shape. It is almost never used on its own, but added to other fabrics, usually between 1–20%, to provide stretch and recovery. The names Spandex, commonly used in the US, and Lycra, a brand name by Invista, refer to the same fibre type. With more than 113,000 monthly searches, this is one of the most searched-for fabrics in our data.

Fabrics with Elastane

Specifications

  • Construction Always blended with other fibres, in woven or knitted fabrics
  • Composition 1–5% in shirting fabrics; 15–25% in sportswear and swimwear
  • Fabric weight Depends on the carrier fibre
  • Stretch Two-way stretch: stretch across the width; four-way stretch, 4-way stretch: stretch in all directions
  • Abbreviations EL = elastane, EA = elastane (alternative code)
  • Appearance Depends on the carrier fibre, always flexible and stretchy

Elastane (Spandex / Lycra)

Elastane fibres can stretch significantly and recover after tension is released. In fabrics, elastane is often combined with cotton, polyester, polyamide or viscose to improve comfort and fit. The base fibre still determines much of the hand feel, while elastane mainly adds elasticity and recovery.

Elastane can be used in knitted fabrics such as jersey, rib and power stretch, but also in woven fabrics such as stretch twill, stretch denim or stretch poplin. Heat, chlorine, bleach and high tumble-drying temperatures can reduce elasticity over time. For production, stretch direction and recovery should always be tested before cutting.

Applications

  • Sportswear and activewear, 15–25% EL
  • Swimwear
  • Shapewear and underwear
  • Jeans and stretch trousers, 1–3% EL
  • Dancewear and leggings

Practical Tip

4-way stretch, meaning two-way stretch in both length and width, gives maximum freedom of movement. It is ideal for sportswear and activewear. Two-way stretch is sufficient for jeans, dresses and blouses.

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Written by

Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

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