Elastane
Elastane
Pronunciation: eh-LAS-tain
The generic name for spandex/Lycra fiber, providing stretch and recovery in virtually all modern lingerie.
What Is Elastane?
Elastane is a synthetic polyurethane fiber invented by DuPont chemist Joseph Shivers in 1958. It is the same material sold under the brand names Lycra (by Lycra Company, formerly Invista) and spandex (the common American term). The fiber is produced by reacting a polyol with a diisocyanate, then spinning the resulting polymer into long, elastic filaments that can stretch up to 500-700% of their resting length and snap back completely.
What makes elastane essential for lingerie is its recovery — the ability to return to its original shape after being stretched. This is what keeps a bra band snug throughout the day, prevents underwear from sagging after hours of wear, and allows bodysuits to contour without feeling restrictive. Elastane is almost never used alone; it is blended with nylon, cotton, polyester, or silk at ratios of 5-20% to give the base fabric its stretch characteristics while retaining the hand feel and breathability of the primary fiber.
In lingerie construction, elastane content varies by purpose. Bra bands and shapewear use higher percentages (15-20%) for firm compression and lift. Everyday panties and bralettes use lower percentages (5-10%) for comfort stretch. Swimwear relies on chlorine-resistant elastane variants to maintain shape despite pool chemical exposure. The fiber is sensitive to heat, bleach, and UV light — these are the primary enemies of stretchy lingerie longevity.
Sinderella blends elastane into our lingerie to ensure every piece moves with the body, maintaining its shape from morning to night without digging or riding up.
How to Wear & Style
Elastane-rich lingerie works in every climate — the stretch allows airflow while maintaining fit. For hot, humid weather (like Indian summers), choose pieces where elastane is blended with cotton or modal for better moisture absorption. In cooler months, elastane-nylon blends offer a sleeker feel under fitted clothing. When buying, size by your current measurements rather than sizing down — over-stretching elastane beyond its intended range accelerates fiber breakdown. Always wash in cool water and skip the dryer to keep the stretch intact for years.
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Explore All CollectionsFrequently Asked Questions
What is elastane?
The generic name for spandex/Lycra fiber, providing stretch and recovery in virtually all modern lingerie.
What percentage of elastane should good lingerie contain?
Most quality lingerie contains between 5% and 20% elastane blended with a base fiber like nylon or cotton. Bras and shapewear sit at the higher end (15-20%) for firm support, while everyday underwear uses 5-10% for gentle stretch. More elastane means more compression and recovery, so the ideal percentage depends on whether you want a relaxed feel or a sculpting fit.
Why does elastane lingerie lose its stretch over time?
Elastane fibers degrade when exposed to heat, chlorine, body oils, and UV light. Machine drying is the biggest culprit — the high heat breaks down the polymer chains that give the fiber its snap-back ability. To maximize the lifespan of stretchy lingerie, always wash in cool water, skip the dryer entirely, and lay flat or hang to dry in shade.