Elastane fabric
Elastane (also called spandex or Lycra) is the stretch fibre added in small amounts to give clothes their fit and recovery. It is petroleum-based and non-biodegradable, but because it appears at only a few percent, the dominant fibre usually drives a garment's skin profile.
On your skin
The fibre itself is not a known allergen. Reactions usually trace to processing chemicals or dyes rather than the elastane. Since it is used in small amounts, the main fibre sets the skin profile.
Comfort and performance
Stretches 500 to 800 percent and springs back, giving fitted clothes their shape and recovery.
Durability
Elastane degrades with heat over time. Wash cold and avoid hot tumble drying to keep the stretch alive.
Environmental impact
Petroleum-based and non-biodegradable. Even a few percent of elastane makes a garment much harder to recycle.
See what your clothes are really made of
Scan any care label. ClothTrace reads the real fibre, decodes the wash symbols, and flags what it puts against your skin. Free to scan.
Download for iPhoneElastane FAQ
Is elastane the same as spandex and Lycra?
Yes. Elastane, spandex, and Lycra all refer to the same stretch fibre. Lycra is a brand name.
Is elastane bad for your skin?
The fibre is not a known allergen. Any reaction usually comes from dyes or processing chemicals, not the elastane.
How do you keep elastane from wearing out?
Wash cold and air dry. Heat is what breaks down the stretch over time.
- Sources
- Fibre2Fashion technical data; OEKO-TEX.
- Textile science on segmented polyurethane fibres.