Let me guess: You read somewhere that elastane and spandex are no different. They’re similar materials that are used interchangeably. No significant difference between them but their names.
But you’re not sure if this is a fact or a cap. That led you to this post.
Well, welcome! Join JaceApparel as we put an end to the elastane vs spandex debate. Warning: You’ll be surprised by the plot twists in this post. Everyone was right. Elastane and spandex are just the SAME THING!
You’ll never be confused when to choose elastane and spandex ever again. Know their properties, sustainability, and how they are made. A bonus of care tips and disposal is also just a read away!
Keep reading!
Table of Contents
What is Spandex?
Spandex Material is an artificial fabric synonymous with elasticity. It’s in the same league as nylon and polyester. Two other popular synthetic materials that are widely used around the world.
Spandex is also just an ANAGRAM of the word EXPANDS. You can tell from its name. Spandex = expands. It can literally stretch up to 800% of its original size and return to its standard size with ease.
It’s also known for being lightweight, durable, and comfortable. Qualities that make this fabric loved in the gym clothing manufacturers. Here is a guide about Spandex vs Lycra.
Quick Fun fact: Spandex is rarely used on its own. It’s often blended with other fabrics. Nobody really wants a shirt that can expand 8X, right?
Ayse Boylu, Textile/Apparel Engineer
What is Elastane?
Elastane is the EXACT same thing as spandex. Surprise, surprise!
There’s no real difference. It’s made from the same chemicals as spandex. And offers the same incredible stretch of up to 800%. The only distinction? Their name.
In Europe and many other parts of the world for instance. The term elastane is a lot more popularly known. However, in the U.S., elastane is a stranger. Instead, people refer to it as spandex.
Elastane Vs Spandex Vs. Other Fabrics
| Property | Elastane/Spandex | Lycra | Polyester |
| Elasticity | Incredibly elastic, it can stretch up to 800% of its standard size | Very similar to spandex, highly elastic | Limited stretchability feature, usually less than 10% |
| Durability | High, resistant to wear and tear | Very durable, resistant to stretching and wear | Durable but can degrade over time, especially without proper care |
| Common Applications | Activewear, swimwear, medical garments | Activewear, sportswear, fashion | Casual wear, sportswear, home furnishings |
| Customizability | Blend-friendly with other fabrics to enhance further its properties | Often blended with spandex for that added stretch | Also commonly blended with other fibers to enhance properties |
| Comfort | Soft, breathable, and comfortable | Soft, breathable, and flexible | Generally, it is a lot more comfortable but can be less breathable |
| Maintenance | Easy to maintain and resistant to fading | Easy care and resistant to fading and even shrinking | Low maintenance, durable, plus it’s resistant to wrinkles |
| Cost | On the pricier side | More expensive than elastane/spandex | Affordable, economical, and widely available |
| Weight | Lightweight | Just slightly heavier than spandex | Heavier than spandex and lycra, but sometimes depends on the blend, too |
Properties of Elastane Vs Spandex
Elastane and spandex are both hugely popular, in-demand fabrics for almost every industry. Well, this is mostly influenced by their excellent properties. Let’s go over each one. Starting with…
Stretchability
Spandex/elastane, by itself, is unbelievably stretchable.
Cotton, which can only stretch up to 8% of its original length, cannot even be compared. Linen? It only stretches about 2% at most. Nylon and polyester can’t even pull over 20%.
But spandex? It offers a jaw-dropping 500% to 800% stretchability. That’s 8 times its OG length!
This doesn’t mean, though, that every spandex garment is stretchy or floppy. Spandex and elastane are rarely used on their own. You’ll find them often BLENDED with other fibers.
For shapewear, 30% of spandex may be used. Sportswear can take up to 20% of the fabric composition as spandex. This technique provides optimal stretchability without losing structure or durability.
Comfortable
Spandex on its own isn’t the most comfortable fabric. But since it’s often woven with other fabrics. It can be just as comfy as your favorite natural fibers! No wonder it’s such a favorite for athleisure.
Here are the comfort properties you can expect from spandex fabric blends:
- Stretchable
- Soft
- Breathable
- Smooth
Pro tip: If you prioritize your customer’s comfort, go for the classic spandex-cotton combo. It’s the most comfortable variation of spandex.
Robert J. Beaulieu, Textile Expert
Durability
Guess what? Spandex/elastane is surprisingly tough for such a stretchy fabric.
When blended, it RESISTS wear and tear like a champ. Customers may frequently move or wash them, no problem at all! Plus, spandex also snaps back to its original shape every single time. No saggy leggings here! Check the list about Top Leggings Wholesale Distributors.
It’s as durable as athletes. Indeed, your BIZ stays strong in the market.
Quick-drying
Spandex dries fast. Like, really fast. Spill some water? Sweaty workout? The moisture’s gone before you even notice! As it hates soggy clothes.
Of course, as mentioned, spandex/elastane isn’t used alone.
So, it’s best to pair it with moisture-wicking fabrics. It can be polyester mesh fabric or nylon! The choice depends on you.
Pro Advice: Always consider the price when blending spandex/elastane with other fabrics. Fabrics prices vary from one another. If you aim to target price-conscious customers, choose the inexpensive type.
Versatility
Elastane/spandex is the ultimate chameleon of the fabric world. It adapts to all kinds of uses you may think of.
I’ve mentioned some already—custom jeans, activewear, everyday clothes.
Need flexibility for your yoga collection? No problem! It’s this unmatched adaptability that makes spandex a wardrobe staple for everyone. You’re not in the APPAREL biz if you don’t use spandex at least once!
Suggested Reading:
The Myths of Synthetic Fabric: Facts You Should Know
Merino Wool Fabric: The Secret to Sustainable and Stylish FashionManufacturing Process of Elastane and Spandex
Natural fabrics come from nature. Wool? Sheep or alpacas. Silk usually comes from silkworms.
How about spandex/elastane, the stretchiest artificial fabric?
Well, it pretty much comes from the lab. Making it is all sciencey stuff. Now, suppose you’re into that kind of thing. Here’s a quick rundown of how elastane and spandex are transformed into chemicals. To stretchable shirts and jeans!
Step 1: The Prepolymer is Created
The process starts with mixing macro glycol and diisocyanate together. These are two specialized chemicals under heat and pressure.
Note that it needs to have a spot-on ratio of 1:2. Otherwise, you’ll have a failed spandex base.
Step 2: Add Diamine Acid
Once the prepolymer is successfully created. It’s combined with diamine acid to spark a chain extrusion reaction. Just know that this creates a thick, gooey substance. Which is the KEY to creating spandex.
Step 3: Creating Liquid Spandex Strands
Time to turn the gooey substance into liquid spandex strands! I love calling them spandex spaghetti.
Here’s how the process works:
The goo substance gets thinned out with a solvent. It will then be sent through a machine with tiny holes to form liquid strands.
Can’t you just weave liquid? That’s where the next step comes in.
Step 4: Solidifying the Spandex Fibers
Remember those liquid strands? They’re exposed to heated gas and nitrogen to harden into fibers. Then, pressurized air is used to form strands of different sizes.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
To make spandex smooth and durable, the fibers take a dip in a finishing agent. (Magnesium stearate is a popular choice). Finally, they’re wound into spools. From there, they’re ready to be used with any other fabric!
Suggested Reading: Twill Fabric for Durable and Versatile Apparel
Sustainability of Elastane and Spandex
We love using spandex/elastane as a stretchy, versatile go-to fabric. Unfortunately, this isn’t the most sustainable material out there.
In fact, it might be one of the LEAST eco-friendly options. Here’s why.
Spandex production is highly chemical-intensive. As mentioned earlier, the process of creating spandex involves hazardous chemicals. Plus, it uses vast amounts of energy and water to complete the production cycle.
On top of that, spandex sheds microplastics during use and washing. (As with all artificial fabrics.)
These tiny fibers are non-biodegradable. So, they remain on Earth for hundreds of years. Building up in waterways and causing potential harm to marine life and even humans.
Is there a way to reduce your environmental impact while still using spandex?
Good news: there is!
These are my go-to’s:
- Research plant-based alternatives to petroleum-based spandex.
- Opt for recycled spandex materials made from production waste.
- Mix spandex with natural fibers like organic cotton to reduce its presence.
Small steps, BIG changes!
Friendly Expert Tip: Find manufacturers with sustainable production processes. For example, a waterless dyeing technique. There are a ton of them who have the initiative to save the Earth.
You can check out these unbranded gym clothing manufacturers in the meantime.
Care Tips and Disposal of Elastane and Spandex
Fabric care tips aren’t just for EXPENSIVE designer pieces. Good garments deserve good care, too.
And, assuming that your brand produces good clothes (with the help of us, JaceApparel). Make sure to tell your customers these essential care tips!
Care tips for Elastane and Spandex
Check the Care Label. With spandex/elastane, the washing instructions on the label are must-do’s. It’s there for a reason! And it pretty much sums up how to keep the fabric in great shape.
Stick to Cold Water. Hot water? Big no! Remember the process earlier? Spandex is created using heat, which can also break down the fibers and ruin the stretch. Cold water is your best friend.
Use a Gentle Detergent. Skip the harsh stuff. Fabric softeners and heavy-duty detergents can damage elastane/spandex. Opt for detergents meant for delicate clothing.
Hand-Wash When Possible. It’s the safest option. But if you prefer to machine wash it. Try choosing a gentle cycle and toss the garment in a mesh laundry bag.
Disposal Tips
Disposing of spandex clothing isn’t too different from disposing of any other fabric.
For garments in good condition. Donate to local charities or thrift stores. Join a clothing swap. Or get creative with upcycling. I’ve made several cute headbands and cleaning rags from my old spandex pieces.
For garments in bad condition. Dispose of them as you would any other fabric in your area. In the U.S., that usually means dropping them off at a textile recycling program. As a last resort, the trash could be an option.
Suggested Reading: Sustainable Clothing Manufacturers USA
People Also Ask About Elastane Vs Spandex
1. Does elastane/spandex last long?
Yes! Elastane and spandex aren’t just elastic—they’re durable, too! Making them suitable for heavy-duty applications like ropes and gym accessories.
2. Is China cheaper to source elastane and spandex?
Absolutely. China is the go-to for anything cheap. So, if you want to source the cheapest elastane and spandex fabric. Partner with a reliable Chinese manufacturer.
3. What are the typical applications of elastane and spandex?
Elastane and spandex are the holy grail in sportswear and gymwear. Now, they’re commonly used in lingerie, medical garments, and even on upholstery.
4. Are these materials customizable?
Yes! Apart from blending with other materials. Elastane/spandex is customizable to enhance its properties. Very much the perfect material for high-performance gym clothing.
Conclusion
Hope this post clears out any of your confusion! There’s no such thing as elastane vs spandex. These two terms are just the same material.
Now, if you wanna source top-quality elastane/spandex products. Just call JaceApparel!
We have custom apparel from T-shirts to hoodies to jackets, sportswear, gym wear, and more. Name what you need; we have it! Low prices guaranteed!
Source:
- lycra.com – Are elastane and spandex the same?
- thespruce.com – How to wash and care for elastane and spandex?