Elastane, spandex, lycra, whatever name it goes by, this is the fiber that gave modern fabrics their stretch. Even a small percentage of elastane blended into a woven or knit fabric drastically changes how the garment moves, fits, and feels against the body. Two percent elastane turns a rigid satin into a fabric that follows your curves. Five percent transforms a plain knit into a performance material that recovers its shape after every movement.
Our elastane collection includes everything from lightly stretchy satins with two percent elastane for comfortable fitted garments to four-way stretch meshes with higher elastane content for athletic and dance wear. The stretch range covers one-way, two-way, and full four-way stretch, so you can match the fabric to exactly how much movement your project needs. Combine elastane fabrics with our stretch crepe range for professional suiting with built-in comfort.
THREE WAYS ELASTANE CHANGES THE GAME
1) Fitted garments that actually fit. Before elastane, a fitted dress either zipped or it did not. There was no middle ground. Now fabrics with elastane content accommodate body shapes that rigid fabrics simply cannot handle:
a) Stretch satin and crepe for fitted cocktail dresses that zip smoothly and move comfortably through the event
b) Four-way stretch jersey and knit for wrap dresses and bodycon styles that need recovery after repeated wear
c) Stretch velvet for blazers and structured jackets that look tailored but bend with your arms at the elbows
2) Dance and performance wear. Choreography demands fabric that stretches in every direction and snaps back into shape. Elastane-rich fabrics recover instantly, resist sagging at stress points, and breathe during long routines. Pair with sequin mesh that incorporates elastane for costumes that spark and stretch simultaneously.
3) Active and athleisure. Yoga wear, running tights, and sports bras all rely on elastane content for compression and recovery. The higher the elastane percentage, the more compression the fabric provides. For casual athleisure pieces, two to five percent elastane gives enough stretch for comfort without the compressive tightness of performance gear.
SEWING WITH ELASTANE FABRICS
Stretch fabrics require stretch techniques. Use a ballpoint or stretch needle (75/11 or 90/14 depending on weight). A narrow zigzag stitch or lightning bolt stitch accommodates the stretch better than a straight stitch. Always use polyester thread which has enough give to stretch with the fabric. Cotton thread will pop under tension.
All our elastane and spandex fabrics are sold by the yard with no minimum. We ship fast worldwide with every yard rolled and protected. Questions about stretch percentage, elastane content, or which stretch fabric works for your project? Let us know.