What is Spandex?

Written by Amy Cheyne

Did you know | Spandex - that stretchy stuff most commonly found in activewear - is an anagram of expands? 🤯

So what is spandex, anyway? You might know it as elastane - it's a synthetic fibre renowned for its elasticity. It is most commonly used in conjunction with other fibres to add stretch to clothing.

You might also know it as LYCRA^®, which was the very first spandex fibre - invented in the 1950s! While originally used in hosiery and swimwear, the uses of spandex rapidly expanded in the 1980s as the fitness craze took over the world.

Spandex is known for its superior shape retention properties making it a popular choice with more figure-hugging garments. The rise in the popularity of activewear has seen an increase in demand for spandex.

Spandex is used to add rebound to fabric so it is rarely visible - a small amount of spandex goes a long way! This means that the base fabric maintains its original appearance. For example, spandex is often added to denim jeans to allow stretch, without compromising the look & feel of the denim. Often the spandex content of the garment is as little as 3-5%, like our super-popular Selwyn Jacket or gorgeous Mason Dress.

At House of Uniforms, we have a huge range of products that contain spandex - especially for use in industries or occupations where comfort is king.