What does lycra mean?
Lycra is a synthetic elastic fibre made from polyurethane and valued for its ability to stretch, recover its shape, and retain flexibility. It is especially common in clothing that must fit closely to the body, including leggings, swimsuits, athletic wear, dance costumes, and undergarments. The name is widely understood, but in many English-speaking markets it remains a proprietary name, and “spandex” or “elastane” are the more neutral generic terms. When used as a modifier, Lycra names the elastic material itself rather than a particular style of garment. Its properties make it useful wherever comfort and freedom of movement are important, although it may be less breathable than some natural fibres. The name was created from letters rearranged out of “acrylic,” even though the material is chemically a polyurethane elastomer rather than an acrylic fibre.
An elastic synthetic fibre or fabric made from polyurethane and used in close-fitting garments, sportswear, swimwear, and other stretch clothing.
"The leggings are made of lightweight Lycra."
Often treated as a mass noun. It may also function generically in lowercase, especially outside markets where the proprietary name remains protected.
Denoting clothing or other fabric made from a highly elastic polyurethane fibre.
"She wore Lycra cycling shorts beneath her ordinary clothes."
This is principally a material modifier and is most natural before the name of a garment or fabric.
The plural is uncommon because the word is normally used as a mass noun; it is mainly appropriate when referring to separate garments or items made from the material.
"The performers arrived carrying their costumes and several spare Lycras."
A fabric named by rearranging the letters of “acrylic” gave clothing its remarkable ability to stretch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lycra come from?
The name was coined in the mid-20th century by the American textile company DuPont from letters rearranged from the word “acrylic.” The material it designated was a new polyurethane elastic fibre, later widely known by the generic terms spandex and elastane. Although the name began as a proprietary designation, it became widely used in general reference to highly elastic fabrics.
How lycra is actually used
Capitalization is appropriate when referring to the proprietary product name, although in some markets the term is also used in lowercase as a generic name. It is commonly treated as a mass noun when referring to the fibre or fabric.
Easily confused with lycra
Lycra is a proprietary name for an elastic polyurethane fibre, while spandex is the common generic term for the same class of material.