What does elastane mean?
Elastane is a lightweight synthetic fibre prized for its exceptional elasticity: it can stretch to several times its length and repeatedly return to its original shape without losing form. Chemically, it is a polyurethane-based polymer developed in the late 1950s by DuPont chemist Joseph Shivers, who refined earlier research into a commercially viable textile fibre. Elastane is rarely used on its own; instead, small amounts — often just a few percent — are blended into cotton, polyester, or nylon to add stretch and shape retention to clothing such as leggings, swimwear, socks, and fitted garments. Terminology varies by region and context: British English favours 'elastane', American English uses 'spandex' (an anagram of 'expands'), and Lycra remains a widely recognized brand name rather than a generic term. Because it is durable, resistant to sweat and detergents, and virtually invisible in a fabric blend, elastane has become indispensable to modern apparel.
nounA synthetic elastic fibre, known as spandex or Lycra, that can stretch to several times its length and return to its original shape; used especially in clothing to give garments stretch.
- A highly elastic synthetic polyurethane fibre (known as spandex in the US and Lycra as a trademark), used to give stretch to garments such as sportswear, swimwear, and fitted clothing.
"These leggings are made of a cotton-elastane blend that moves with you."
"Athletic wear often contains a small percentage of elastane to allow freedom of movement."
"The label says 95% cotton, 5% elastane."
Elastane is almost always used as an uncountable noun; a rare technical plural may refer to different varieties of the fibre, but this is uncommon outside specialized contexts.
"Different elastanes offer varying degrees of recovery and heat resistance."
Invented in 1958 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont, elastane can stretch up to five times its length and snap right back — it's why your jeans hug and your swimsuit survives.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of elastane
The word 'elastane' was coined in the mid-20th century, combining 'elastic', which derives from Greek 'elaunein' ('to drive, beat out'), with '-ane', a suffix common in chemical nomenclature. The fibre itself emerged from post-war polymer research: Joseph Shivers at DuPont perfected it around 1958–1959 as an improvement on earlier work by Otto Bayer's team in Germany. Its American name 'spandex' was coined as an anagram of 'expands', while 'Lycra' became the best-known trademark. Related words sharing the same Greek root include 'elastic' and 'elastomer'.
How elastane is actually used
Mass noun; not normally pluralized. 'Elastane' is the standard term in British English; American English typically uses 'spandex', while Lycra is a registered trademark of The LYCRA Company. In garment labelling, percentages are usually given by weight.
Easily confused with elastane
Elastane is a synthetic fibre used in fabrics, while elastin is a natural protein found in connective tissue that allows skin and blood vessels to stretch.
Elastic is an adjective meaning able to stretch and recoil (or a noun for rubber bands), whereas elastane is the specific synthetic fibre itself.