FabricIQ
Reading the label…
Spandex
C
⚠️ Commonly associated with fast fashion. Consider higher-quality alternatives.
Synthetic fiber known for exceptional elasticity, stretching up to 500% without breaking. Almost always blended with other fibers.
Material Score Breakdown
Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.
55/100
DurabilityTypical60
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
ComfortAbove-average70
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
BreathabilityPoor25
Air flow and ventilation
WarmthPoor30
Heat retention and insulation
Moisture WickingWeak40
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Care EaseAbove-average70
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Sustainability (separate Eco score)
SustainabilityPoor15
Environmental impact of production and disposal
Brands using spandex
8 brands have products in our catalog whose composition contains spandex. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Old Navy
153 products
Sergio Tacchini
121 products
Uniqlo
65 products
Uniqlo JP
47 products
Topo Designs
42 products
Janji
39 products
32 Degrees
38 products
Ten Thousand
34 products
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing spandex.
Products with spandex
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains spandex. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
Ridge MerinoA
Women's Send-It Seamless Merino Wool Sports Bra
7% Spandex, 100% Merino Wool
$60
Minus33A
Lightweight - Mini Crew Wool Socks Mountain Heritage
1% Spandex, 100% Merino Wool
$20
Minus33A
Merino Wool Running Socks - Micro Ankle
1% Spandex, 100% Merino Wool
$23
Minus33A
Merino Wool Socks - Midweight Over the Calf
1% Spandex, 100% Merino Wool
$24
Minus33A
Merino Wool Running Socks - Micro Mini Crew
1% Spandex, 100% Merino Wool
$24
Minus33A
Midweight - Day Hiker Crew 3-Pack
2% Spandex, 100% Merino Wool
$45
Minus33A
Merino Wool Ski Socks - Micro Cushion - Over The Calf
1% Spandex, 100% Merino Wool
$26
Minus33A
AMC Merino Wool Hiking Socks - Micro Cushion Mini Crew
1% Spandex, 100% Merino Wool
$25
Minus33A
Microweight Cushion - Crew Wool Dress Socks Mountain Heritage
1% Spandex, 100% Merino Wool
$22
Minus33A
Merino Wool Running Socks - Micro No Show Tab
1% Spandex, 100% Merino Wool
$23
Minus33A
Santa Cat Socks - Micro Cushion Mini Crew
1% Spandex, 100% Merino Wool
$25
Minus33A
Microweight Cushion - No Show Wool Socks Mountain Heritage
1% Spandex, 100% Merino Wool
$18
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from spandex. 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 spandex 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
GoodGood comfort (70) and care ease (70) for casual wear
👔Formal/Office
GoodGood durability (60) and comfort (70) for office wear
Detailed Use Case Scores
activewear85
underwear75
everyday60
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional stretch and recovery
- ✓ Comfortable fit
- ✓ Allows freedom of movement
- ✓ Lightweight
Cons
- ✗ Degrades in heat and chlorine
- ✗ Not breathable alone
- ✗ Petroleum-based
- ✗ Cannot be recycled
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
Gore-TexB
+21 vs Spandex · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
DyneemaB
+20 vs Spandex · 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
+19 vs Spandex · 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
• Do not bleach
• Hand wash if possible for maximum lifespan
Additional Care Tips
- • Hand wash in cold water or machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle
- • Line dry in shade — direct sunlight and UV break down spandex/elastane fibers over time
- • Never tumble dry on heat — high heat permanently damages the elastic recovery of spandex
- • Avoid bleach and fabric softener — both degrade elastane fibers and reduce stretchiness
- • Avoid chlorinated pools when possible — chlorine accelerates spandex breakdown
- • Store folded, not hung; avoid leaving stretched on hangers which deforms elastic fibers
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
High environmental impact