Garment Fabrics
Lycra
Lycra is the trade name for elastane (spandex) and, in the market, for any fabric that carries it. A small share of elastane with cotton, polyester, nylon or viscose gives the cloth stretch and, more importantly, recovery, so garments keep their shape through wear and washing. Supplied as 4-way stretch knits for activewear, leggings and fitted garments, or as woven stretch for trousers and jeans.
- Typical weight
- 150-300 GSM
- Construction
- Knitted or woven stretch
- Colour
- Dyed or greige
Made to your requirement
Supplied in any GSM or weight per metre, width, thickness and colour, dyed or greige. Tell us your figures, or send the fabric you use now and we will match it.
Quotation within 1 working day.
Supplied as
- Greige
- Dyed
- Printed
Specification
Typical construction, and what you can specify
Ranges are the bands the trade commonly works in, not limits. If your figure sits outside them, ask.
Construction
| Construction | Knitted (2-way or 4-way stretch) or woven stretch |
|---|---|
| Composition | Cotton, polyester, nylon or viscose with elastaneElastane share to requirement. |
| Typical weight | 150-300 GSM |
Made to your requirement
| Weight | To requirementGSM, or grams per running metre. Any weight on request. |
|---|---|
| Width | To requirementAny width on request, subject to loom or machine capacity. |
| Thickness | As per your requirementStated in mm where it matters to your process. |
| Colour | Dyed to shade, or greigeShades matched to your swatch, lab dip before bulk. |
Used for
Where lycra goes
- Leggings and activewear
- Fitted tops, kurtis and dresses
- Stretch trousers and jeans
- Innerwear and dancewear
HS heading 6004 (knitted). Confirmed per consignment against the exact composition.
Questions
About Lycra
How much elastane does lycra fabric contain?
Knitted stretch fabrics usually carry around 5-10% elastane, and woven stretch around 2-3%. More elastane means more stretch and stronger recovery. Tell us the garment and we will suggest the blend.
What is the difference between 2-way and 4-way stretch?
2-way stretch gives along one direction, usually the width. 4-way stretch gives both across and along the fabric, which is what leggings and activewear need.
Also consider
Related fabrics
Not listed? Request it
We specialise in developing all kinds of fabrics.
Not finding the fabric you are looking for? Request it. Send us a swatch, a photo or your specification, and we will develop or source it to your GSM, width, thickness and shade, dyed or greige.