Spandex
🏭 Synthetic Also called Elastane, Lycra.
The stretch in stretch jeans: a small amount goes a long way.
What it's made from
Polyurethane-based plastic spun into very elastic fibers. Lycra is a brand; elastane is the international name, also allowed on US labels.
At a glance
| BreathabilityLets air and heat through | Low (2 of 5) |
|---|---|
| WarmthFor its weight | Low (2 of 5) |
| Absorbs sweatPulls moisture off your skin | Very low (1 of 5) |
| DurabilityResists wear and pilling | Low (2 of 5) |
| Wrinkle resistanceStays smooth | Very high (5 of 5) |
| Easy careMachine wash and dry | Medium (3 of 5) |
| Sheds microplasticsWhen washed | Yes |
| Biodegradable | No |
A general guide. The weave, weight and finish of a fabric matter as much as the fiber.
How it feels
You don’t feel it directly; it makes the fabric stretch and recover.
Good for
- Stretch denim (1–3%)
- Leggings and activewear
- Underwear waistbands
Watch for
- Breaks down with heat and chlorine, so stretch clothes bag out over time.
- Even 2% makes the fabric much harder to recycle.
Care
Wash cold, air dry. Heat is what ruins it.
Often blended with
What those blends mean: Spandex + cotton · Spandex + nylon · Spandex + polyester
Compare
Guides
More synthetic fabrics
See it before you buy
TruTag reads the fabric on every clothing listing at Amazon, Target and Walmart and shows how much spandex is really in it, right under each search result. See how it works →