The same fibre, two names
Elastane and spandex are two names for the same synthetic stretch fibre. Spandex is the name used in the United States and Canada. Elastane is used in the UK, across Europe and in Australia. The fibre is the same, so a fabric labelled 5% spandex in one market would be labelled 5% elastane in another.
What about Lycra
Lycra is a registered brand name for elastane fibre made by one producer. Using the brand name suggests a particular fibre source, but it is not a separate kind of material. Many garments use unbranded elastane with identical behaviour.
How much stretch fibre is in a garment
Elastane is rarely used alone. It is blended with cotton, polyester or nylon in small proportions. A few percent adds comfort stretch to a casual knit, and higher proportions are used where strong stretch and recovery matter, such as leggings, swimwear and compression wear.
- Low percentage: comfort stretch in t-shirts, jersey and casual knits.
- Medium percentage: close fitting activewear and fitted tops.
- Higher percentage: leggings, swimwear and shapewear.
Stretch and recovery
Stretch is how far a fabric extends and recovery is how well it returns. Both depend on the percentage of elastane and on the knit. Test recovery on the sample, because a fabric that stretches well but does not recover will bag at the knees and seat.
Care and labelling
Elastane is sensitive to high heat, which can weaken it over time, so care instructions usually recommend a cooler wash and avoid high heat drying. Labelling rules require the fibre content to be stated using the name accepted in the market you sell into, so confirm the correct term before the labels are printed.
