Spandex Fabric

Known for its extraordinary expandability, spandex, which is the preferred term for lycra or elastane in North America, is a synthetic fibre which has incredible durability, strength and the ability to stretch and retain shape.

Spandex is predominantly utilised in the clothing industry as it offers comfort, movement, and shape retention after being worn. It is often used in sporting goods due to its lightweight nature and ability to stretch during highly dynamic movement.

As well as sportswear it is used in orthopaedic braces, hosiery and jeans. As a leading fabric wholesaler worldwide, we stock a wide variety of spandex fabric, selling high-quality spandex throughout the UK, Europe and America.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spandex Fabric

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from our customers about Spandex Fabric. If your question isn't covered here, please contact us.

  • Spandex is a synthetic fibre with very high stretch and recovery, capable of extending several times its original length and returning to shape. It’s rarely used as a fabric on its own, instead it’s blended into other fabrics in small percentages to add stretch.

  • Yes, all three terms describe the same fibre. Elastane is the European name. Spandex is the American generic term. Lycra is a brand name owned by The Lycra Company. The fibre is identical, the difference is regional or commercial.

  • Pure spandex lacks body and structure. Blending small percentages, typically 2 to 10 percent, into cotton, polyester, viscose, or wool gives the host fabric stretch and recovery while keeping its main characteristics. Higher percentages produce highly elastic fabrics.

  • Spandex is durable but can degrade over time with chlorine, high heat, ultraviolet light, and repeated stretching. Avoiding hot washes and tumble drying, and rinsing swimwear after use, helps extend the working life of spandex-blend fabrics.

    See our Spandex fabric product range