Elastane Yarn

Elastane Yarn VS. Spandex Explained

Elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional stretchiness. It is often used in combination with other fibers to create stretchy clothing and is used in a variety of garments, including athletic wear, swimwear, and denim. Elastane, spandex, and Lycra are terms that are often used interchangeably to refer to the same type of synthetic fiber. In general, there is no significant difference between elastane and spandex, as they are both made from the same polymer and have similar properties.

Where does the name spandex come from
A lot of questions arise when we talk about this fiber: Where does spandex come from? Is spandex breathable? And is spandex natural or synthetic? It is enormously stretchable. The main component of the synthetic fiber is polyurethane, a synthetic raw material that is as stretchy as rubber. This allows elastane to be stretched by up to 700 percent without wearing out: The fiber always returns to its original shape undamaged. A remarkable stretching exercise, which makes spandex the perfect material for precisely fitting sportswear that puts away all movements unscathed.

Elastane fabric: No creasing, no "pilling"
The smooth, rubber-like texture ensures that spandex fabrics are extremely durable and do not wrinkle. They also do not lint and no unsightly nodules form - a wear process called "pilling".

Elastane is breathable
After the rubber comparison, this property of the material elastane is even more amazing. The smooth spandex fibers absorb little moisture and dry quickly again. Thus, clothing made of spandex never looks uncomfortably wet. However, there is one disadvantage: The synthetic fiber develops unpleasant odors more quickly than it's the case with natural fibers. However, there are already innovative coatings that prevent perspiration odors.

Spandex is always only elastic accessory
Artificial fibers do not feel as comfortable on the skin as natural fibers. That's why elastane is only ever added to fabrics to make snug-fitting and elastic fabrics, and not used exclusively for fabric production. The proportion is usually less than 30 percent and endows cotton fabrics, for example, with stretchy capabilities. Stretch jeans, socks or yoga pants are a good example. However, spandex not only works well in the mix with sustainable natural fibers, but is also readily found in super stretchy blended fabrics with other synthetic fibers, for example for neoprene suits, swimwear or cycling clothing.

Morphological Characteristics Of Elastane Yarn

The elastic fibers are located within the dermal reticular layer, and their arrangement is parallel or oblique to the collagen fibers, and more often in the lower part of the reticular layer. Elastane fibers usually surround collagen fibers. The wavy elastic fibers can also surround hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and peripheral nerves. In the superficial dermis, the elastic fibers are perpendicular to the epidermal-dermal junction. The elastic fibers are 1 to 3 microns in diameter and have good elasticity, which can restore the original shape of the collagen fibers after stretching.

In the dermis, elastin fibers generally renew very slowly, which can be accelerated by ultraviolet light and inflammation. Elastin fibers also change with age and a variety of genetic disorders. Degeneration of dermal elastin tissue is a sign of photodamage to the skin. It was confirmed in tissue sections of the papillary layer and is caused by the accumulation of abnormal elastic fibers.

The Production Process of Elastane Yarn

The production process passes through 3 phases and 6 steps. There are 4 different ways to produce the elastane yarn, melt extrusion, reaction spinning, solution dry spinning, and solution wet spinning.

What Is Elastane Yarn Used For

Thanks to its incredible stretch and flexibility, elastane is used in a variety of textile products. Here's what it's used for:

Undergarments: Elastane is an important component in undergarments like bras, panties, and briefs. While it doesn't constitute a high percentage of the final product, the waistband on most undergarments is usually made of elastane yarn because of its stretchiness.

Athletic wear and activewear: Elastane's elasticity, flexibility, and moisture-wicking properties make it perfect for athletes and people with active lifestyles. From swimwear and bike shorts to yoga pants and hiking attire, the fabric's form-fitting nature offers excellent comfort while enhancing movement.

Close-fitting clothes: Elastane's stretchiness makes it perfect for a variety of casual clothes like skinny jeans, t-shirts, dresses, and skirts. Generally, these clothes consist of other fibers combined with elastane yarn to make them more elastic.

Outerwear: Spandex's stretch and shape retention properties make it suitable for outerwear such as jackets, coats, and blazers. Including spandex allows these clothes to provide a closer fit, freedom of movement, and enhanced comfort. It also ensures that outerwear garments retain their shape even after prolonged wear.

Accessories: Spandex isn't limited to clothing alone. It's also used to make accessories like gloves, headbands, and wristbands, where elasticity is essential. Accessories made from spandex provide a snug and comfortable fit, making them suitable for accessories.