Elastic Fibres in Textiles: Elastane, Spandex, Elastodiene, Rubber, Lastol, Elasterell-p and Elastoester
Elastic fibres have changed the way modern garments fit the human body. Earlier, a garment had to be loose for comfort or tight for shape. Elastic fibres made it possible to create garments that are close-fitting and still comfortable. They allow a fabric to stretch during body movement and recover when the stretching force is removed.
In textiles, the word “elastic” should not be used casually. A fibre becomes truly useful as an elastic fibre only when it can stretch significantly and return substantially to its original length. This recovery behaviour is what separates elastic fibres from ordinary flexible fibres.
The important elastic fibres and elastic-fibre-like categories include elastane, spandex, elastodiene, rubber, lastol, elasterell-p and elastoester. Some of these are exact equivalents, some are regional names, and some belong to different chemical families but provide stretch behaviour in fabrics.
Most important point: Elastane and spandex refer to the same fibre category. Rubber, elastodiene, lastol, elasterell-p and elastoester are related by function, but they are not the same chemically.
Table of Contents
- What Is an Elastic Fibre?
- Elastane and Spandex
- Rubber Fibre
- Elastodiene
- Lastol
- Elasterell-p
- Elastoester
- Elastoester vs Elasterell-p
- Chemical Composition of Elastic Fibres
- Chemical Composition Comparison Table
- Comparison of Elastic Fibres in Numbers
- Which Fibre Gives the Maximum Stretch?
- Heat and Chlorine Resistance
- Practical Uses in Apparel
- Processing Precautions
- Common Defects in Elastic Fibre Fabrics
- Sustainability and Recycling Issues
- Simple Summary
- Related Reading
- Sources and Further Reading
1. What Is an Elastic Fibre?
An elastic fibre is a fibre that can be stretched and can return substantially to its original length after the force is removed. The key words are stretch and recovery.
A normal cotton fibre may extend slightly, but it does not behave like an elastic fibre. Polyester may be textured to give stretch, but ordinary polyester is not elastane. Wool has natural crimp and resilience, but it is not an elastomeric fibre. Elastic fibres are designed specifically to provide high extension and recovery.
In simple terms, the stretching behaviour can be understood through the following relationship:
\[ \text{Elongation \%} = \frac{\text{Stretched length} - \text{Original length}}{\text{Original length}} \times 100 \]
If a fibre of 10 cm is stretched to 30 cm, then the elongation is:
\[ \frac{30 - 10}{10} \times 100 = 200\% \]
This is why some textile definitions describe elastic fibres by saying that they can be stretched to three times their original length and recover substantially when released.
| Property | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Elongation at break | How much the fibre can stretch before breaking. |
| Elastic recovery | How much the fibre returns after being stretched. |
| Permanent set | How much extension remains after recovery. |
| Modulus / power | Force required to stretch the fibre or fabric. |
| Heat resistance | Ability to retain stretch after heat exposure. |
| Chemical resistance | Resistance to chlorine, oils, perspiration, washing and dyeing chemicals. |
In garments, elasticity is not determined by fibre alone. It is also influenced by yarn type, fabric construction, knitting or weaving tension, heat setting, finishing and garment pattern.
2. Elastane and Spandex
Elastane and spandex are the same generic fibre category. The difference is mostly regional terminology. Elastane is commonly used in Europe, India and many international textile contexts. Spandex is commonly used in the United States. Lycra is a brand name, not a generic fibre name.
Elastane/spandex is a synthetic elastic fibre based on segmented polyurethane. The fibre contains soft segments and hard segments. The soft segments allow stretching. The hard segments act like anchor points and help the fibre recover after stretching.
Important Numerical Facts
| Property | Typical / Definition Value |
|---|---|
| Fibre-forming substance | At least 85% segmented polyurethane |
| Stretch definition in many standards | Can be stretched to 3 times original length and recover substantially |
| Equivalent elongation in that definition | Stretching to 3 times original length = 200% elongation |
| Typical commercial elongation at break | About 400–800%, depending on grade |
| Common apparel use level | Often 1–5% in comfort-stretch fabrics; higher in sportswear, swimwear, shapewear and compression fabrics |
| Typical spandex density | About 1.20–1.35 g/cm³ |
| Moisture regain | Usually low, around 0.5–1.5% |
| Melting behaviour | Does not behave like ordinary melt-spun thermoplastic fibre; high heat can degrade elastic performance |
Elastane gives high stretch with very good recovery. A small percentage can change the whole fabric behaviour. For example, a cotton denim with 2% elastane can feel much more comfortable than 100% cotton denim. A knitted fabric with 5–8% elastane can become suitable for activewear or leggings.
| Product | Purpose of Elastane / Spandex |
|---|---|
| Stretch denim | Comfort and recovery |
| Leggings | Body fit and movement |
| Sportswear | Stretch, support and flexibility |
| Innerwear | Fit and shape retention |
| Swimwear | Body conformity |
| Socks | Grip and recovery |
| Medical compression | Controlled pressure |
The disadvantage of elastane is that it is sensitive to heat, chlorine, ageing, some chemicals and repeated high-stress use. Even a small percentage of elastane can also make recycling more difficult.
3. Rubber Fibre
Before elastane became popular, rubber was the traditional elastic material in textiles. Rubber threads were used in waistbands, corsets, foundation garments, suspenders, medical supports and elastic tapes.
Rubber fibre may be made from natural rubber or synthetic rubber. Natural rubber is mainly polyisoprene. Synthetic rubber may include different polymers depending on performance requirement.
Important Numerical Facts
| Property | Typical Value / Fact |
|---|---|
| Natural rubber polymer | Mainly cis-1,4-polyisoprene |
| Isoprene monomer formula | C₅H₈ |
| Density of natural rubber | Around 0.92–0.94 g/cm³ |
| Elongation at break | Often around 500–800%, depending on compound and vulcanization |
| Moisture regain | Very low; rubber is essentially hydrophobic |
| Heat behaviour | Can degrade with heat; vulcanized rubber does not melt like thermoplastic fibres |
| Major weakness | Poor resistance to ageing, sunlight, oils, perspiration and oxidation compared with modern elastane |
Rubber has excellent stretch and recovery, but it has several textile limitations. It is relatively bulky, has poor dyeability, is affected by body oils and perspiration, and can degrade with ageing and sunlight. For fine apparel, elastane largely replaced rubber because elastane can be produced in finer, lighter and more durable forms.
Rubber is still useful in certain elastic tapes, narrow fabrics, industrial products and some medical or support applications. However, in modern apparel, elastane/spandex is usually preferred.
4. Elastodiene
Elastodiene is closely related to rubber. In European and international textile terminology, elastodiene refers to an elastic fibre composed of natural or synthetic polyisoprene, or one or more polymerized dienes, with or without vinyl monomers.
Simple explanation: Elastodiene is the textile generic-name category for rubber-like diene-based elastic fibres.
Important Numerical Facts
| Property | Typical / Definition Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical basis | Natural or synthetic polyisoprene, or polymerized dienes |
| Stretch definition | Can be stretched to 3 times original length and recover substantially |
| Equivalent elongation in definition | 200% elongation |
| Typical elongation range | Often several hundred percent, commonly around 500–800% for rubber-like elastic materials |
| Moisture regain | Very low |
| Density | Close to rubber-like materials, often around 0.9–1.2 g/cm³, depending on polymer and additives |
Rubber is the material term. Elastodiene is the fibre-name category used in textile labelling systems. In practical textile explanation, elastodiene may be understood as a rubber-type elastic fibre.
Rubber and elastodiene are valued for high stretch. Their limitations are ageing, oxidation, sunlight sensitivity, heat sensitivity and poorer resistance to oils and perspiration compared with many modern elastic fibres.
5. Lastol
Lastol is an elastic olefin fibre. It belongs to the polyolefin family rather than the polyurethane family. Chemically, it is related to olefin fibres, but it is designed to provide elastic behaviour.
In FTC terminology, lastol is a cross-linked synthetic polymer with low but significant crystallinity, composed of at least 95% by weight of ethylene and at least one other olefin unit. It must be substantially elastic and heat resistant.
Important Numerical Facts
| Property | Typical / Definition Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical family | Olefin-based elastic fibre |
| Ethylene content | At least 95% by weight |
| Structure | Cross-linked polymer with low but significant crystallinity |
| Moisture regain | Very low, generally near 0% |
| Density | Polyolefin-type fibres are low density; polyethylene-based materials are commonly below 1.0 g/cm³ |
| Main performance identity | Elastic and heat resistant compared with ordinary olefin behaviour |
Lastol was developed to provide elastic stretch through an olefin-based fibre rather than segmented polyurethane. Its low moisture absorption and olefin chemistry make it different from elastane.
In practical fabric terms, lastol may be used where stretch is required but where the producer wants an olefin-based elastic component. However, it is less commonly discussed in apparel retail than elastane or spandex.
6. Elasterell-p
Elasterell-p is an inherently elastic polyester-based fibre. It is not spandex. It is also not ordinary polyester. It is a special subclass of polyester that provides recoverable stretch because of its bicomponent or multicomponent structure.
A well-known commercial example is LYCRA® T400® fibre, which is commonly associated with elasterell-p technology.
Important Numerical Facts
| Property | Typical / Definition Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical family | Polyester subclass |
| Polymer structure | Formed by interaction of 2 or more chemically distinct polymers |
| Composition rule | No one polymer exceeds 85% by weight |
| Ester group requirement | Ester groups are dominant; at least 85% by weight of total polymer content |
| Stretch definition | If stretched at least 100%, it must durably and rapidly revert substantially to unstretched length |
| Equivalent stretch | 100% stretch means fibre length becomes 2 times original length |
| Compared with elastane | Lower stretch than spandex, but better heat and chemical stability in many applications |
Elasterell-p gives spandex-free stretch. This is useful in denim, trousers, shirting, sportswear and casualwear where moderate stretch and good recovery are required, but where mills or brands may want to avoid some disadvantages of spandex.
| Property | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|
| Moderate stretch | Good comfort stretch |
| Better dimensional stability | Less risk of excessive growth |
| Polyester-like durability | Useful in everyday apparel |
| Heat tolerance | Easier in some finishing conditions than spandex |
| Spandex-free claim | Useful for certain product positioning |
Elasterell-p does not usually provide the extreme stretch of elastane/spandex. It is more appropriate where controlled stretch, shape stability and easier processing are more important than maximum extension.
7. Elastoester
Elastoester is another elastic fibre category, but chemically it is different from elastane. It is a synthetic polymer composed of both polyether and polyester components.
In FTC terminology, elastoester is a manufactured fibre in which the fibre-forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 50% by weight aliphatic polyether and at least 35% by weight polyester.
Important Numerical Facts
| Property | Typical / Definition Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical family | Polyether-polyester elastic fibre |
| Aliphatic polyether content | At least 50% by weight |
| Polyester content | At least 35% by weight |
| Introduced for labelling by FTC | 1997 |
| Major early use areas | Sportswear, swimsuits, cycling shorts, ski pants |
| Moisture regain | Low, like many synthetic fibres |
| Strength/stretch identity | Stretchy like spandex but physically different from polyester and spandex |
Elastoester was recognised as a separate generic fibre name because it was different enough from polyester and spandex in physical behaviour. It has been associated with stretch sportswear applications such as swimwear and cycling shorts.
A major practical advantage is resistance to some conditions that damage ordinary spandex. FTC noted that elastoester is stretchy like spandex, readily washable, withstands high temperatures when wet, retains dyes better than nylon/spandex fabrics, and is less likely to be adversely affected by chlorine. This made it useful for swimwear and performance apparel.
8. Elastoester vs Elasterell-p
These two names sound similar, but they are not the same. Both are alternatives to conventional spandex in some uses, but their chemical definitions and performance identities are different.
| Point | Elastoester | Elasterell-p |
|---|---|---|
| Broad chemistry | Polyether + polyester elastic fibre | Polyester subclass |
| FTC definition | At least 50% aliphatic polyether and at least 35% polyester | Two or more chemically distinct polymers, ester groups dominant |
| Main identity | Stretchy fibre different from spandex and polyester | Inherently elastic polyester-type fibre |
| Common association | Sportswear, swimwear, performance apparel | T400-type comfort stretch, denim, trousers, casualwear |
| Stretch character | Elastic synthetic fibre | Moderate recoverable stretch polyester |
| Relation to spandex | Alternative to spandex in some uses | Spandex-free stretch option |
Simple memory aid: Elastoester is a polyether-polyester elastic fibre. Elasterell-p is an elastic polyester subclass.
9. Chemical Composition of Elastic Fibres
Elastic fibres are grouped together because they provide stretch and recovery, but chemically they are not the same. Some are polyurethane-based, some are rubber-based, some are olefin-based, and some are polyester-based. This chemical difference affects stretch, recovery, heat resistance, chlorine resistance, ageing behaviour, dyeing behaviour and recyclability.
9.1 Elastane / Spandex
Chemically, elastane/spandex is a segmented polyurethane or polyurethane-urea elastomer. In FTC terminology, spandex is a manufactured fibre in which the fibre-forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% segmented polyurethane.
| Point | Chemical Detail |
|---|---|
| Generic names | Elastane, Spandex |
| Chemical family | Segmented polyurethane / polyurethane-urea |
| Minimum composition | At least 85% segmented polyurethane |
| Main building blocks | Polyol or macrodiol + diisocyanate + chain extender |
| Structure logic | Soft segments give stretch; hard segments give recovery |
| Common brand examples | LYCRA®, Creora®, ROICA™, Dorlastan |
In simple words, elastane is like a molecular spring. The soft segments stretch, and the hard segments help pull the fibre back.
9.2 Rubber Fibre
Rubber fibre is based on natural or synthetic rubber. Natural rubber is mainly cis-1,4-polyisoprene, a polymer of isoprene. The monomer formula of isoprene is \(C_5H_8\).
| Point | Chemical Detail |
|---|---|
| Generic material | Rubber |
| Natural rubber composition | Mainly cis-1,4-polyisoprene |
| Monomer unit | Isoprene, \(C_5H_8\) |
| Polymer repeat idea | Polyisoprene chain |
| Additional ingredients | Sulphur, accelerators, antioxidants, fillers and pigments may be added during compounding/vulcanization |
| Fibre behaviour | High stretch and recovery, but ageing-sensitive |
Natural rubber is not used as pure polymer alone in many textile products. It is usually compounded and vulcanized. Vulcanization creates sulphur crosslinks between rubber chains, improving elasticity, strength and durability.
9.3 Elastodiene
Elastodiene is a rubber-like elastic fibre category. It is closely related to rubber. EU textile-fibre definitions describe elastodiene as an elastofibre composed of natural or synthetic polyisoprene, or composed of one or more polymerized dienes, with or without one or more vinyl monomers.
| Point | Chemical Detail |
|---|---|
| Generic name | Elastodiene |
| Chemical family | Diene-based elastomer |
| Main possible composition | Natural or synthetic polyisoprene |
| Other possible composition | Polymerized dienes, with or without vinyl monomers |
| Related material | Rubber |
| Fibre behaviour | Rubber-like high stretch and recovery |
A diene is a monomer containing two carbon-carbon double bonds. Isoprene is one such diene. This is why elastodiene is chemically close to rubber-type elastic materials.
Simple explanation: Rubber is the familiar material name. Elastodiene is the textile generic fibre name for rubber-like diene-based elastic fibres.
9.4 Lastol
Lastol is an elastic olefin fibre. It is not polyurethane-based like elastane and not rubber-based like elastodiene. It belongs to the olefin/polyolefin family.
| Point | Chemical Detail |
|---|---|
| Generic name | Lastol |
| Chemical family | Elastic olefin / polyolefin |
| Minimum composition | At least 95% by weight ethylene |
| Other component | At least one other olefin unit |
| Structure | Cross-linked, low but significant crystallinity |
| Related commercial idea | Elastic polyolefin fibre |
| Fibre behaviour | Elastic stretch with olefin-type low moisture absorption |
Because lastol is olefin-based, it is hydrophobic and has very low moisture absorption. It is chemically closer to polyethylene-type materials than to spandex.
9.5 Elasterell-p
Elasterell-p is an elastic polyester-type fibre, not spandex. It belongs to the polyester family but has a special elastic structure.
| Point | Chemical Detail |
|---|---|
| Generic name | Elasterell-p |
| Chemical family | Elastic polyester subclass |
| Polymer structure | Two or more chemically distinct polymers |
| Composition limit | No one polymer exceeds 85% by weight |
| Functional group | Ester group is dominant |
| Ester content rule | At least 85% by weight of total polymer content |
| Typical fibre form | Often bicomponent or multicomponent polyester |
| Common commercial example | LYCRA® T400® fibre is commonly associated with this category |
Its stretch comes from the interaction of different polyester components, often in a bicomponent structure. When the components shrink or respond differently, the fibre develops crimp and recoverable stretch.
9.6 Elastoester
Elastoester is an elastic fibre made from both polyether and polyester components. It is chemically different from both spandex and ordinary polyester.
| Point | Chemical Detail |
|---|---|
| Generic name | Elastoester |
| Chemical family | Polyether-polyester elastic fibre |
| Minimum polyether content | At least 50% by weight aliphatic polyether |
| Minimum polyester content | At least 35% by weight polyester |
| Difference from spandex | Does not meet spandex polyurethane definition |
| Difference from ordinary polyester | Has significant polyether content and elastic behaviour |
| Use identity | Stretch fibre for sportswear, swimwear and performance fabrics |
The polyether portion contributes flexibility and elasticity. The polyester portion contributes fibre-forming strength and textile usefulness.
10. Chemical Composition Comparison Table
| Fibre | Chemical Family | Main Composition | Important Numerical Composition Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elastane / Spandex | Segmented polyurethane / polyurethane-urea | Long-chain synthetic polymer with soft and hard segments | At least 85% segmented polyurethane |
| Rubber | Polyisoprene elastomer | Natural rubber mainly cis-1,4-polyisoprene | Isoprene monomer formula \(C_5H_8\) |
| Elastodiene | Diene-based elastomer | Natural/synthetic polyisoprene or polymerized dienes | Diene/polyisoprene-based elastic fibre |
| Lastol | Elastic olefin / polyolefin | Ethylene-rich cross-linked olefin polymer | At least 95% by weight ethylene plus another olefin |
| Elasterell-p | Elastic polyester subclass | Two or more chemically distinct polymers, ester-dominant | No polymer above 85%; ester groups at least 85% of total polymer content |
| Elastoester | Polyether-polyester | Long-chain polymer with aliphatic polyether and polyester | At least 50% polyether and 35% polyester |
11. Comparison of Elastic Fibres in Numbers
| Fibre | Chemical Basis | Key Numerical Definition | Typical Elongation / Stretch Behaviour | Moisture Regain | Major Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elastane / Spandex | Segmented polyurethane | At least 85% segmented polyurethane | Commonly 400–800% elongation at break; definition often uses recovery after stretching to 3 times original length | ~0.5–1.5% | Sportswear, denim, innerwear, swimwear |
| Rubber | Natural or synthetic rubber, often polyisoprene | Natural rubber mainly cis-1,4-polyisoprene | Often 500–800% elongation, depending on compound | Very low | Elastic tapes, supports, traditional elastic products |
| Elastodiene | Polyisoprene or diene-based elastomer | Recovery after stretching to 3 times original length | Several hundred percent elongation | Very low | Rubber-like textile elastic fibres |
| Lastol | Elastic olefin | At least 95% ethylene plus another olefin unit | Elastic and heat resistant; lower public data availability than spandex | Near 0% | Specialty stretch fabrics |
| Elasterell-p | Elastic polyester subclass | Stretch at least 100% and recover substantially | Moderate stretch; less than spandex but stable | Low | Spandex-free stretch denim, trousers, casualwear |
| Elastoester | Polyether + polyester | At least 50% polyether and 35% polyester | Stretchy like spandex; grade-dependent | Low | Swimwear, cycling shorts, sportswear |
12. Which Fibre Gives the Maximum Stretch?
For maximum stretch, elastane/spandex and rubber-type fibres are the strongest candidates. Elasterell-p and elastoester are more useful where controlled stretch, processing stability or special performance requirements are important.
| Stretch Level | Fibre Category |
|---|---|
| Very high stretch | Elastane / spandex, rubber, elastodiene |
| Moderate to high controlled stretch | Elastoester |
| Moderate comfort stretch | Elasterell-p |
| Specialty olefin-based stretch | Lastol |
Elastane/spandex is the most widely used modern apparel fibre where high stretch and recovery are required. Rubber and elastodiene have high stretch but are less suitable for many fine apparel applications because of ageing and durability limitations.
13. Which Fibre Has Better Heat and Chlorine Resistance?
Elastane/spandex can be sensitive to heat and chlorine, although special grades have improved performance. Rubber is also sensitive to ageing, sunlight, oils and oxidation.
Elastoester and elasterell-p are often considered more suitable where heat resistance, dyeing stability or chlorine resistance is important. This is especially relevant in swimwear, sportswear and stretch fabrics that undergo wet heat processing.
| Requirement | Better Options |
|---|---|
| Maximum stretch | Elastane / spandex |
| Swimwear chlorine resistance | Elastoester or chlorine-resistant elastane grades |
| Heat-setting stability | Elasterell-p, elastoester, special heat-resistant spandex grades |
| Natural rubber-like elasticity | Rubber / elastodiene |
| Spandex-free comfort stretch | Elasterell-p |
14. Practical Uses in Apparel
14.1 Stretch Denim
Stretch denim usually uses elastane/spandex in the weft direction, often as a core-spun yarn. The cotton sheath gives denim appearance, while elastane gives stretch and recovery.
Elasterell-p may also be used in spandex-free stretch denim where controlled stretch and better dimensional stability are required.
14.2 Sportswear
Sportswear requires stretch, recovery, movement comfort and repeated-use durability. Elastane/spandex is common in leggings, sports bras, compression tops and activewear. Elastoester may be useful where heat, washing and chlorine resistance are important.
14.3 Swimwear
Swimwear requires stretch, recovery, body fit and resistance to chlorine and sunlight. Elastane is widely used, but chlorine-resistant grades are preferred. Elastoester has also been recognised for swimwear because of its resistance to chlorine-related discoloration and wet heat performance.
14.4 Innerwear and Shapewear
Innerwear needs controlled stretch and gentle recovery. Elastane/spandex is the dominant elastic fibre because it provides high stretch at low percentages. Shapewear may use higher elastane content to create pressure and body shaping.
14.5 Socks and Hosiery
Elastic fibres help socks stay in place and recover after stretching. Spandex, rubber-covered yarns, or other elastic yarns may be used depending on cost and performance.
14.6 Medical and Compression Textiles
Compression stockings, bandages and support garments require controlled pressure. Elastane/spandex is commonly used, but rubber or elastodiene may also appear in some support products.
15. Processing Precautions
Elastic fibres require careful handling. Their performance can be damaged by poor processing. A good stretch fabric is not simply a fabric that stretches. It is a fabric that stretches, recovers, remains stable after washing, and continues to fit the body properly during use.
| Processing Stage | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Yarn feeding | Maintain controlled tension |
| Knitting / weaving | Avoid uneven elastane feed |
| Heat setting | Use correct temperature and time |
| Dyeing | Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive heat |
| Finishing | Prevent over-stretching and heat damage |
| Cutting | Relax fabric before cutting |
| Sewing | Use stretch-compatible seams |
| Washing | Avoid chlorine bleach unless fibre is designed for it |
A common problem in elastane fabrics is growth or bagging. This happens when the fabric stretches during wear but does not fully recover. It may appear at the knee, elbow, waist or seat areas.
16. Common Defects in Elastic Fibre Fabrics
| Defect | Cause |
|---|---|
| Bagging | Poor recovery or wrong elastane selection |
| Growth after wear | Insufficient recovery or poor heat setting |
| Elastane breakage | Excess tension, needle damage, chemical damage |
| Grin-through | Elastane core visible when fabric stretches |
| Width variation | Uneven elastic yarn tension |
| Curling | High elastic recovery in knitted fabrics |
| Seam cracking | Stitch not suitable for stretch fabric |
| Loss of stretch | Heat, chlorine, ageing or chemical damage |
17. Sustainability and Recycling Issues
Elastic fibres improve garment comfort and shape retention, but they also create sustainability challenges. A fabric with even a small amount of elastane can be harder to recycle than a mono-fibre fabric.
Cotton with elastane, polyester with elastane and nylon with elastane are more difficult to separate mechanically or chemically. This is one reason brands are exploring spandex-free stretch fibres such as elasterell-p or new recyclable stretch systems.
Rubber and elastodiene also have ageing issues. Elastoester and elasterell-p may offer alternatives for some stretch applications, but no single elastic fibre solves all sustainability problems. The best fibre depends on product purpose, durability, recyclability, comfort and supply-chain control.
18. Simple Summary
| Fibre | Remember It As |
|---|---|
| Elastane | International name for spandex; high-stretch segmented polyurethane |
| Spandex | US name for elastane |
| Rubber | Traditional elastic fibre; high stretch but ageing problems |
| Elastodiene | Rubber-like diene-based elastic fibre category |
| Lastol | Elastic olefin fibre; at least 95% ethylene-based |
| Elasterell-p | Elastic polyester subclass; spandex-free comfort stretch |
| Elastoester | Polyether-polyester elastic fibre; useful in sportswear and swimwear |
Conclusion
Elastic fibres are small in percentage but powerful in effect. Elastane/spandex is the most important modern elastic fibre because it provides very high stretch and excellent recovery even at low fabric percentages. Rubber and elastodiene represent traditional rubber-like elasticity but are limited by ageing, sunlight, oils and perspiration.
Lastol provides elastic behaviour through olefin chemistry. Elasterell-p offers spandex-free recoverable stretch through an elastic polyester structure. Elastoester provides a different polyether-polyester route to stretch, with advantages in sportswear and swimwear applications.
For textile professionals, the important point is that elastic fibres should not be selected only by name. The correct selection depends on required stretch percentage, recovery, power, heat resistance, chlorine resistance, dyeing route, fabric construction, garment use and sustainability requirement.
Related Reading on Fibre Knowledge, Man-Made Fibres and Finishing
Sources and Further Reading
- Federal Trade Commission / eCFR. “16 CFR § 303.7 — Generic Names and Definitions for Manufactured Fibers.” Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-303/section-303.7
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. “16 CFR § 303.7 — Generic Names and Definitions for Manufactured Fibers.” Available at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/16/303.7
- WIPO Lex / European Union. “Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 on Textile Fibre Names and Related Labelling and Marking.” Available at: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text/474120
- Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Polyisoprene.” Available at: https://www.britannica.com/science/polyisoprene
- Federal Trade Commission. “FTC Recognizes New Fiber for Fabric Used in Swimsuits and Other Stretchy Garments.” Available at: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/1997/05/ftc-recognizes-new-fiber-fabric-used-swimsuits-other-stretchy-garments
General Disclaimer
This article is intended for textile education and general understanding. The numerical values in this article include legal-definition values and typical textile-property ranges. Actual fibre properties may vary according to polymer type, fibre grade, denier, filament structure, yarn construction, fabric construction, finishing, heat setting, chemical exposure and test method.
For commercial decisions, supplier technical data sheets, recognised textile testing standards and applicable labelling regulations should be consulted. Brand names such as LYCRA® are used only for explanatory context; fibre labelling should follow the legally accepted generic fibre names in the relevant country or market.
Goyal, P. Elastic Fibres in Textiles: Elastane, Spandex, Elastodiene, Rubber, Lastol, Elasterell-p and Elastoester. My Textile Notes. Available at: http://mytextilenotes.blogspot.com/2026/06/elastic-fibres-in-textiles-elastane.html
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