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What is elastane?
Elastane is an elastic synthetic fibre that is regularly used in clothing and underwear. You rarely come across it in its pure form: it is usually combined with cotton, polyester or nylon, where a few percent is enough to noticeably improve the properties of the textile. Elastane is also known by other names: spandex (especially in English-speaking countries), Lycra, Dorlastan and simply stretch.
How is elastane made?
Elastane is created through a chemical process. It starts with a liquid plastic, polyurethane (PU). This liquid is pressed through a sieve with tiny holes into long, thin threads, which solidify as soon as they enter a chemical bath. The threads are then pulled through preheated rollers to make them more elastic, and finally heated and cooled so they remain structurally stable while keeping their stretch. The end product is a spool of yarn that is ready to be used in clothing, for example stretch jeans, T-shirts and shirts.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of elastane?
Besides stretch, elastane mainly provides shape retention: the fabric keeps springing back to its original form. As a result, a garment keeps its fit and knees and elbows do not sag. In addition, textile with elastane is hard-wearing and quick-drying, ideal for swimwear and sportswear. On the other hand, stretch fabric is less breathable than natural materials such as cotton or wool. Elastane is also sensitive to heat, so do not wash clothing with elastane at high temperatures and keep it out of the dryer; washing too hot is the quickest way to lose the stretch. Finally: because of the chemicals used in production, elastane is not the most environmentally friendly material, and a blended fabric is harder to recycle.