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Elastane (Spandex / Lycra)

What is Elastane?

Elastane is a synthetic, highly elastic fibre added to fabrics to improve stretch and recovery. It is usually combined with cotton, viscose, polyester or polyamide, allowing garments to move more easily with the body and retain their shape. Spandex is the term mainly used in the United States, while LYCRA® is a brand name for elastane fibres. At Nooteboom Textiles, elastane is found in various woven and knitted fabrics, including Jersey, Stretch Denim and other stretch qualities.

Fabrics with Elastane

Specifications

Construction: used in woven and knitted fabrics, often in combination with other yarns.
Composition: elastane is usually blended with cotton (CO), viscose (VI), polyester (PL) or polyamide (PA).
Weight: depends on the fibre composition, fabric construction and intended application.
Stretchability: highly elastic, with the finished fabric providing either 2-way or 4-way stretch.
Abbreviations: EL and EA are used for elastane; spandex is an alternative fibre name, while LYCRA® is a brand name.

Properties of Elastane

Elastane is produced from synthetic polymers and can stretch to several times its original length under suitable conditions. After stretching, the fibre largely returns to its original shape, helping fabrics maintain their fit. Even a small percentage of elastane can noticeably affect a fabric's stretchability. The actual elasticity, stretch direction and recovery depend on the elastane content, the other fibres and the fabric construction. Elastane is sensitive to excessive heat and certain chemicals, making proper care important.

What is LYCRA®?

LYCRA® is a registered brand name for elastane fibres developed to provide stretch, flexibility and shape recovery in fabrics. The brand belongs to The LYCRA Company and is commonly associated with sportswear, swimwear, underwear and fitted clothing. LYCRA® is not a separate fibre type, but a branded form of elastane, also known as spandex. Not every fabric containing elastane is made with LYCRA® fibres.

What is Spandex?

Spandex is a synthetic, highly elastic fibre that allows fabrics to stretch and return largely to their original shape. It is the same fibre type as elastane, with spandex being the term primarily used in the United States and elastane being more common in Europe. Spandex is usually combined with cotton, polyester, viscose or polyamide to improve stretch, comfort and shape recovery. It is widely used in leggings, sportswear, swimwear, stretch jeans and other fitted garments.

What is the Difference Between Elastane, Spandex and LYCRA®?

Elastane and spandex are two names for the same type of elastic fibre. Elastane is the commonly used European term, while spandex is mainly used in American textile descriptions. LYCRA® is a registered brand name owned by The LYCRA Company and is not a separate generic fibre type. A fabric containing 5% elastane therefore does not automatically contain LYCRA® fibres.

What is the Difference Between 2-Way and 4-Way Stretch?

A 2-way stretch fabric stretches mainly in one direction, usually across the width. A 4-way stretch fabric can stretch in both the lengthwise and crosswise directions. The presence of elastane does not automatically create 4-way stretch, as the woven or knitted construction also determines the direction of stretch.

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

Tim Zanoni Nooteboom Textiles

Posted on

13/05/2026 Last updated on 06/10/2026