Lycra

Invista's branded elastane/spandex fiber. While chemically the same as generic spandex, Lycra-branded fiber undergoes additional quality testing for consistent stretch and recovery. Found in everything from jeans to swimwear.

Material Score Breakdown

Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.

65/100

DurabilityTypical55

How long the fabric lasts with regular use

ComfortAbove-average78

Softness, feel against skin, wearability

BreathabilityWeak50

Air flow and ventilation

WarmthPoor35

Heat retention and insulation

Moisture WickingWeak45

Ability to pull sweat away from skin

Care EaseTypical65

How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain

Sustainability (separate Eco score)

SustainabilityPoor25

Environmental impact of production and disposal

Products with lycra

We don't have any garments containing lycra in our catalog yet. Browse the full synthetic materials or check the product catalog.

What this score doesn't measure

This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from lycra. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.

×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same lycra feel and last very differently.
×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.

Best For

👕Everyday Casual

Good

Good comfort (78) and care ease (65) for casual wear

Detailed Use Case Scores

athletic85

everyday70

Pros

✓ Exceptional stretch and recovery — returns to original shape
✓ Branded quality assurance vs generic spandex — more consistent performance
✓ Adds comfort and freedom of movement to any blend
✓ Retains fit wash after wash better than generic elastane

Cons

✗ Degrades with heat — chlorine and sunlight break it down
✗ Not breathable on its own — always used in blends
✗ Petroleum-based, not recyclable in most systems
✗ Loses elasticity permanently once overstretched

Better alternatives

Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.

Gore-TexB

+11 vs Lycra · 76/100

Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.

DyneemaB

+10 vs Lycra · 75/100

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.

HardshellB

+9 vs Lycra · 74/100

Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.

Care Guide

Washcold (30°C)

Cycledelicate

Detergentregular

BleachDo not bleach

Dryline dry

Ironlow

Dry Cleanavoid

SoftenerNo

Special Notes

• Never use high heat — destroys elasticity

• Hand wash if possible for maximum lifespan

Additional Care Tips

• Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) — heat is the enemy of elastane
• Never use chlorine bleach — rapidly degrades stretch fibers
• Tumble dry on low or air dry — high heat permanently damages elasticity
• Do not iron directly — use a press cloth on low if needed
• Rinse swimwear in fresh water after pool/ocean use

Cost

$$$$$

Mid-range

Shrinkage

Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions

Eco Rating

High environmental impact

Keep exploring

All fabricsBrowse 200+ materials Compare materialsSide by side Products with LycraReal garments Care decoderLaundry symbols

FabricIQ

Reading the label…

Material Score Breakdown

Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.

65/100

DurabilityTypical55

How long the fabric lasts with regular use

ComfortAbove-average78

Softness, feel against skin, wearability

BreathabilityWeak50

Air flow and ventilation

WarmthPoor35

Heat retention and insulation

Moisture WickingWeak45

Ability to pull sweat away from skin

Care EaseTypical65

How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain

Sustainability (separate Eco score)

SustainabilityPoor25

Environmental impact of production and disposal

What this score doesn't measure

This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from lycra. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.

×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.

×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same lycra feel and last very differently.

×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.

Additional Care Tips

• Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) — heat is the enemy of elastane

• Never use chlorine bleach — rapidly degrades stretch fibers

• Tumble dry on low or air dry — high heat permanently damages elasticity

• Do not iron directly — use a press cloth on low if needed

• Rinse swimwear in fresh water after pool/ocean use