Reference name : Elastane / spandex · polyurethane-based elastofibre
Sources consulted on 2026-10-06 · Textile fibres · Synthetic fibre
Role and characteristics
Elastane is polyurethane-based and differs from polyamide; the names do not identify the same material.
How to choose
Try sitting and moving. Check shape recovery without squeezing, plus waistband, seams and lining. Compare stretch garments by noting where movement matters: waist, knee or shoulder. Try the same motion in both. Useful ease can come from cut as well as stretch; immediate feel cannot promise lasting shape retention.
Distinguish from
Elastane and spandex name this stretch-fibre family. Stretch is a performance description, not a composition or exact percentage.
Limitations and considerations
Percentage alone does not establish comfort or support. Stretch wording does not specify washing temperature; follow whole-garment care.
Frequently asked questions
Can fibre name determine care?
No. Blends, finishes and accessories can change instructions. Read the whole garment label.
Does elastane percentage guarantee comfortable fit?
No. Evaluate cut, seams and garment use together.
Does stretch remove the need to try a garment?
No. Dimensions, seams and stretch areas can differ. Compare the whole item in relevant positions.
Sources & references
- Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 · Annex I ↗EUR-Lex · European Union · Sources consulted on 2026-10-06
- Textile care ↗GINETEX · Sources consulted on 2026-10-06
Reference names are sourced; selection advice is editorial. An ingredient function establishes neither tolerance nor formula effectiveness. A fibre alone does not determine garment quality.