Lycra, Elastane, and Spandex are the same material, with slight branding and production process differences. Here’s a brief overview:
- Spandex: The generic term for a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity and stretchiness. Spandex is the base material.
- Lycra: A branded type of spandex fiber produced by Invista (formerly DuPont). Lycra is often considered the premium or high-quality version of spandex.
- Elastane: The European equivalent of spandex, often used interchangeably with the term spandex. Elastane is also a generic term but is more commonly used in Europe and Asia.
In summary:
- Spandex is the generic material
- Lycra is a branded, high-quality version of spandex
- Elastane is the European equivalent of spandex
All three terms refer to the same type of stretchy, elastic fiber used in clothing, textiles, and other applications.
