Ever wondered why there is more than one word used for the 'stretchy' material usually described as Lycra? For example, "90% nylon, 10% elastane" is a blend that makes up a garment that people would normally class as being Lycra. You will rarely, if at all, see the word Lycra used in the material mix for a garment.
Elastane is a synthetic fibre known for its elasticity (it can be stretched over 500% without breaking). As a result, it usually forms the smaller percentage of the blend that it is used in, bodystockings for example. However, in North America, the word spandex is preferred, so the difference in the use of the words elastane and spandex is purely geographical. The word spandex originated as an anagram of the word 'expands'.
Lycra is a brand name featuring this material. There are others, but the Lycra name has become so popular it is has become a household word to often mean elastane/spandex, much to the annoyance of the multi-national company, Invista, who owns the trademark.
So, if you are looking for a figure-hugging material with stretchiness, the mention of Lycra, elastane or spandex will indicate you've found what you're looking for. On our site, you'll see bodystockings that have the word Lycra in the description, because that's how the maunfacturers have decided to label them, but a more appropriate word, elastane or spandex, is used in the description of the material that makes up the bodystocking.
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