Elastane

Synthetic

Stretch fibre

Also known as Spandex or Lycra. A highly elastic fibre that stretches up to 600% of its length — almost always used as a small-percentage blend to add stretch.

Origin & Production

A polyurethane-based fibre invented by DuPont (1958). Produced by melt- or solution-spinning. Lycra is the best-known brand name (by Invista).

Key Properties

  • Exceptional stretch & recovery
  • Lightweight
  • Always blended (typically 2-15%)
  • Retains garment shape
  • Sensitive to heat & chlorine

Common Uses

Denim with stretchLeggings & activewearUnderwear & swimwearFitted garments

Sustainability

Difficult to recycle when blended (which is almost always). Makes garment recycling harder as it must be separated from other fibres. Bio-based alternatives are in R&D.

Care Instructions

Washing

Follow care label of the primary fabric in the blend. Typically machine wash at 30 °C.

Drying

Avoid high heat — elastane loses stretch permanently above ~150 °C.

Ironing

Low heat only, and avoid ironing directly over elastane-heavy areas (waistbands, cuffs).

Tips
  • Never use chlorine bleach — it breaks down elastane
  • Don't wring stretch garments — gently squeeze out water
  • Hang or lay flat to dry to preserve elasticity

See how brands use Elastane

Inside the dashboard, track elastane adoption across brands, view season-over-season trends, and benchmark against competitors.

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Quick facts

Classification
Synthetic
Sub-type
Stretch fibre
Key property
Exceptional stretch & recovery
Primary use
Denim with stretch

Other materials