Spandex / Elastane (Lycra) Fabric: Properties, Uses & Care
Comprehensive spandex / elastane (lycra) fabric guide. Learn about spandex / elastane (lycra) fiber properties, breathability, durability, sewing uses, and garment care instructions.
Spandex (also called Elastane or by the brand name Lycra) is a synthetic fiber famous for stretching up to 500% of its original length and snapping right back into shape.
Key Properties
- Category: synthetic
- Breathability: Moderate/10
- Durability: High/10
- Texture: Smooth, stretchy, and elastic.
Recommended Uses & Care
Common Uses: Leggings, Yoga pants, Stretch jeans, Swimwear, Sports bras, Sock cuffs
Care Guidelines: Wash in cool or lukewarm water. Avoid chlorine bleach and fabric softeners. Always hang dry or tumble dry on lowest heat to preserve the stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you never use fabric softener on leggings with spandex?
Fabric softeners leave a thin waxy coating on elastic fibers that clogs the fabric's moisture-wicking pores and permanently degrades the stretch recovery.