If you’ve ever wondered whether spandex, elastane, and Lycra® are actually different, you’re not alone. No matter how many times I look it up, it’s one of those things I seem to forget and have to re-google at least once a year, usually when entering the composition for a new fabric and asking myself, once again, do we say "spandex" or "elastane" in Canada?
Here’s the short answer. Spandex and elastane are the same fibre. Lycra® and Creora® are brand names.
Spandex, also called elastane, is a synthetic fibre known for its stretch and recovery. It allows fabrics to move with your body and return to shape instead of sagging out over time. The fibre was first developed in the late 1950s by DuPont. The term “spandex” was coined as an anagram of the word “expands,” while “elastane” became the internationally used name.
In practice, you’ll mostly see “spandex” used in North America, while “elastane” appears more often in Europe and in sewing patterns. They refer to the same fibre.
Spandex is made by combining chemicals into long-chain polymers, which are then spun into flexible fibres. These fibres are what give spandex its signature stretch and recovery.
Spandex is most often used in knits like our organic cotton spandex jersey. It also shows up in woven fabrics like our stretch bull denim to add comfort and ease of movement.
Lycra® is a brand of spandex originally developed and commercialized by DuPont, the company that first brought spandex to market, which is part of why the names are often confused. Today, Lycra® is produced by The Lycra Company, and the name has become one of the most recognizable in stretch fabrics because of its consistent quality and strong recovery.
Not all spandex is Lycra®, but Lycra® is always spandex.
Creora® is another spandex brand, made by Hyosung. One of their specialty fibres, Creora® HighClo, is designed to be more resistant to chlorine.
This makes it especially well suited for swimwear. Fabrics made with HighClo spandex tend to hold their stretch longer with regular exposure to pool water. We carry swim fabrics made with Creora® HighClo for exactly this reason.
Even though the fibre itself is the same, not all spandex performs the same way. The quality and intended use of the fabric play a big role in how it behaves over time.
For example:
Use a stretch or ballpoint needle to avoid skipped stitches. Choose a stitch that can stretch with the fabric, such as a zigzag or stretch stitch. Let the machine feed the fabric naturally instead of pulling it through, and always test your stitch on a scrap first.
Spandex does not love high heat or harsh treatment. A few simple habits can help your garments keep their stretch. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and avoid high heat in the dryer. Air drying is ideal. Rinse garments after swimming to remove chlorine or salt.
Spandex is a synthetic fibre made from polyurethane, usually derived from petroleum-based sources. It is not biodegradable, although biodegradable spandex are beginning to be more commercially available. Like other synthetic fibres, it can shed microplastics over time. It can also make fabrics harder to recycle when blended with other fibres.
That said, it is often used in small amounts to improve fit, comfort, and longevity. A garment that holds its shape and gets worn regularly can have a longer useful life.
As with many materials, the impact also depends on how it is used and cared for. Choosing well-made fabrics and sewing garments you will wear often can make a meaningful difference over time. To help reduce microplastic shedding, you can also use a wash bag like the Guppyfriend to catch fibres before they enter the water supply.
To explore our range of stretch fabrics, search “spandex” in our shop to find options for everything from bottomweight to jersey knit and swimwear.
Emmanuelle
Emmanuelle is in charge of our marketing department and is voice behind our product descriptions, newsletters, videos, social posts, and blog. If there’s a textile pun to be made, she’ll find it.
