Spandex vs. Elastane: What's the Difference?
Check the label on almost any pair of workout pants, and you will see spandex or elastane in the mix. Sometimes you will see Lycra instead. So what is the difference? Here is the simple answer.
The short answer: they are the same thing
Spandex and elastane are two names for the same stretchy synthetic fiber.
- Spandex is the name mostly used in the US and Canada.
- Elastane is the name used in most other parts of the world.
- Lycra is a brand name for this same type of fiber, the way Kleenex is a brand of tissue.
So if one label says spandex and another says elastane, you are looking at the same kind of stretch.
What spandex does in workout clothes
Spandex is rarely used on its own. It is blended with other fibers like nylon or polyester to add stretch and recovery, meaning the fabric stretches when you move and snaps back to its shape afterward.
- Lets you squat, lunge, and reach without the fabric pulling tight
- Helps clothes keep their shape instead of bagging out at the knees
- Gives a closer, cleaner fit
How much spandex do you need?
It depends on the piece. More spandex means more stretch.
- Everyday tees: a small amount, or none
- Training tees: around 5 to 15 percent for easy movement
- Training pants: around 10 to 20 percent for squats and lunges
- Compression gear: often higher, for a very tight fit
For comparison, the KYNOS FlexStride Jogger is 80% nylon and 20% spandex with four-way stretch, and the KYNOS Performance Tee is 58% nylon, 28% polyester, and 14% spandex.
Two-way vs. four-way stretch
Spandex content is only part of the story. How the fabric is knit matters too. Two-way stretch gives in one direction. Four-way stretch gives both across and along the fabric, so it moves with you in every direction. See what to look for in training joggers.
How to read the label
Fabric labels list fibers from highest percentage to lowest. A few quick reads:
- "95% cotton, 5% elastane": a cotton piece with a little give. Comfortable, but it holds onto sweat.
- "80% nylon, 20% spandex": a smooth, stretchy training fabric built to move.
- "100% polyester" or "100% nylon": no added stretch, so fit and cut matter more.
- "Lycra" on the tag: the same stretch fiber, listed by brand name.
Spandex does need a little care to last, mainly keeping it away from high heat. See how to keep your activewear stretchy.
For more on fabrics, see polyester vs. nylon vs. cotton and what GSM means in clothing.
Browse the full KYNOS men's collection.