Have you ever purchased sporty leggings that were perfect online but felt like plastic wrap when you squatted? Of course, we have. The trick is in the fabric. When it comes to sportswear, the material is more important than the brand.
When it comes to sportswear, the material is more important than the brand. When it comes to sportswear, the material is more important than the brand.
From stretch to moisture management, the right material can completely transform your workout experience. This is where terms such as Lycra, spandex, and elastane come into play. They may sound complicated, but they are actually the hidden heroes of your most comfortable sportswear pieces. Now, let’s get down to business and explain it all in simple terms.
What Makes Gym Wear Fabric So Important?
Your workout wear should flow like a second skin. Not fight you in lunges. Not slip down during a run. Not become see-through when you squat.
The right material will help with:
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Stretch and flexibility
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Sweat absorption and quick drying
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Shape retention
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Breathability
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Durability after multiple washes
It’s like picking the right teammate, who will support you.
What Is Spandex?
Spandex is a synthetic fibre that has insane elasticity. It can stretch five times its actual size and then revert back without losing its shape.
Why Is Spandex Used in Gym Wear?
Spandex cloth material is mixed with other materials like polyester or cotton to make activewear that stretches with you.
This is why it is so popular:
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Has high elasticity
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Helps to keep clothes fitted and in place
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Helps to prevent sagging
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Adds comfort during heavy exercise
Without spandex, your leggings will be stiff. And nobody wants that.
Is Lycra Different From Spandex?
Lycra fabric is, in fact, a trademarked brand name that belongs to The Lycra Company. The actual material is spandex. This means that all Lycra is spandex, but not all spandex is Lycra.
Why Does Lycra Carry a Premium Price Tag?
This is because Lycra is all about:
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Improved durability
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Improved stretch recovery
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Long-term fit retention
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Soft touch
It’s like the luxury brand of spandex: same thing, but better.
If you’ve ever worn leggings that still feel like new after several months, they probably contained Lycra.
What About Elastane?
Now, this is where people get confused. Elastane is just another name for spandex. In the US, it’s known as spandex. But, in Europe and other regions of the world, it’s called elastane. So when you see elastane spandex on a label, it’s pretty much the same thing.
What Is Elastane Fabric Used For?
Elastane fabric is never used alone. It’s mixed with:
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Polyester for moisture-wicking sportswear
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Cotton for comfort-driven athleisure
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Nylon for compression and durability
The ratio of the mix determines the performance of your garment. The higher the elastane content, the more stretchy it will be. The lower the elastane content, the more structured it will be.
How Much Stretch Is Too Much?
Great question. Typically, most sportswear has a composition of 5% to 20% elastane or spandex. That’s the sweet spot.
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5-8%: Light stretch, best for yoga or walking
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10-15%: Moderate stretch, best for gym workout
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18-20%: High compression, best for performance wear
Too much stretching will affect the durability of the fabric. Too little stretch will limit the mobility of the wearer.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Workout Style
Not all exercise routines are the same. And your fabric shouldn’t be either.
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For Yoga or Pilates: Go for soft fabrics with a moderate amount of elastane. You want flexibility without being squished.
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For Weight Training: Opt for the one with a high amount of spandex cloth material. Squats and lunges require serious stretching.
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For Running or HIIT: Go for moisture-wicking fabrics with high-quality elastane fabric. You will be sweating a lot.
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For Athleisure: Comfort comes first. A cotton blend with a low amount of elastane spandex is ideal.
Quick Fabric Checklist Before You Buy
The next time you go shopping for sportswear, read the label carefully.
Ask yourself these questions:
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Does it contain Lycra fabric or elastane?
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What percentage of stretch fibre is used?
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Is it mixed with moisture-wicking fabric?
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Does it feel soft and firm at the same time?
If you answered "yes" to all these questions, then you're making a great choice.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate material for your gym wear is not rocket science if you know the basics. Spandex, Lycra, and elastane are pretty much the same superhero with stretchy powers, just with different labels. The trick is in the combination and ratio. The perfect combination will provide you with comfort, strength, and confidence in every single rep.
And if you are looking for fashionable and functional alternatives, MKH is here with an amazing range of women’s activewear that will move with you, not against you, because your gym wear should hype you up, not hold you back.
FAQs
Is elastane spandex the same thing?
Yes. Elastane and spandex are other names for the same synthetic material. The name depends on the location.
Is Lycra fabric better than regular spandex?
Lycra is a trademark name for spandex. It may have better durability and recovery properties, but the material is the same.
Does spandex cloth material make gym wear breathable?
Not by itself. Spandex is always mixed with polyester or nylon to provide breathability.
Is elastane fabric bad for sensitive skin?
Not usually. However, the sensitivity varies depending on the fabric mix. If mixed with harsh fabrics, it may be irritating.
Can gym wear work without elastane?
From a technical standpoint, yes, but it won’t provide the same stretch properties. Most sportswear has some percentage of elastane for flexibility.
