Elastane, also known as lycra, is one of the most widely used materials in the textile industry, especially in the production of sportswear, swimwear, and casual fashion. This material has revolutionized the way we perceive comfort and functionality in our garments. Below, we explain what elastane is, as well as its properties and advantages.
What is elastane?
Elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its great elasticity. It can stretch up to five times its original length without losing its shape, making it a very popular material in garments that require flexibility and comfort. It is often combined with other fibers such as cotton, polyester, or nylon to improve the elasticity of the garment and achieve a more body-hugging fit.
However, elastane is not used alone in the making of garments. It is usually blended with other materials to enhance its elastic properties and improve comfort. At ECOALF, we have managed to integrate elastane into our clothing to offer you pieces with a perfect fit, flexible, and able to adapt comfortably to your body.
Properties of elastane
The properties of elastane are what make it so attractive for use in fashion, especially in sportswear. Some of its main properties include:
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High elasticity: elastane can stretch up to five times its original length and return to its initial shape, providing unique elasticity and resistance to wear.
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Tear resistance: despite its elasticity, elastane is a strong and durable material, meaning it does not tear or wear out as easily as other fabrics.
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Lightweight: elastane is a lightweight material, which makes garments that include it comfortable to wear without feeling heavy.
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Perfect fit: thanks to its ability to stretch, elastane provides a snug fit without restricting movement, making it ideal for sports and casual clothing.
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UV resistance: some elastane garments offer greater resistance to the effects of the sun, helping to prevent material damage from prolonged exposure to light.
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Breathability: despite its elasticity, elastane allows air to pass through the fabric, helping to keep the body cool and comfortable, especially in sportswear.
What is it used for? Uses of elastane in clothing
Elastane is used in a wide variety of garments thanks to its high elasticity. Below, we tell you about some of the most common uses of elastane in clothing and in which pieces of our collection you can find it:
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Sportswear: elastane is the ideal material for leggings, tops, and sweatshirts. Thanks to its elasticity, it allows great freedom of movement, making it perfect for activities that require flexibility and agility.
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Casual wear: more and more fashion brands are incorporating elastane into their collections. Whether in jeans, coats, or dresses, elastane improves the fit of garments, giving them greater comfort.
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Coats and jackets: at ECOALF, we have integrated elastane into some of our coats and jackets, providing a perfect body-hugging fit, greater elasticity, and enhanced comfort throughout the day.
If you are looking for garments that adapt to your body without sacrificing style, be sure to explore our coat collection.
Advantages and disadvantages of elastane
Like any material, elastane has both advantages and disadvantages. Among its main advantages we find:
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Comfort: being an elastic fabric, it adapts to the body and provides a perfect sense of comfort.
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Durability: elastane is highly resistant and maintains its shape even after several washes.
On the other hand, some of the disadvantages of elastane include:
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Delicacy: elastane does not tolerate high temperatures well, so it is recommended to wash these garments at low temperatures to avoid losing their properties.
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Low breathability: another disadvantage can be its breathability, which compared to other fabrics is not very high, especially in warm climates.
In short, elastane is a versatile and comfortable material that has gained great popularity in fashion due to its elasticity, durability, and fit. Adding elastane garments to your wardrobe will allow you to enjoy more comfortable, modern, and functional clothing.
Explore our sustainable women’s and men’s clothing collections and find sustainable and functional garments that make use of this fiber.