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Elasticity vs. Spandex — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
Elasticity refers to a material's ability to return to its original shape after being stretched, while spandex is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity.
Elasticity vs. Spandex — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Elasticity and Spandex

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Key Differences

Elasticity is a physical property observed in various materials, which allows them to stretch and return to their original dimensions. While spandex, specifically, is a material engineered to enhance this property, often stretching up to five times its original length.
Materials exhibit elasticity to varying degrees, based on their molecular structure. Whereas spandex is designed to maximize elasticity, making it ideal for clothing that requires a high degree of flexibility, such as sportswear.
Elasticity is not exclusive to synthetic materials; it can be found in naturals like rubber and some types of wood. On the other hand, spandex is entirely synthetic, made from a polymer called polyurethane, which is engineered for durability and stretch.
The term 'elasticity' is used more broadly in physics to describe the deformative properties of materials under stress. Meanwhile, spandex is a trade name for a specific type of highly elastic material.
While discussing applications, elasticity is a critical factor in many engineering and manufacturing processes. Spandex, however, is specifically targeted towards fashion and apparel, highlighting its specialized use.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Ability of a material to revert after being stretched
A synthetic fiber known for its high elasticity

Material Type

Can be both natural and synthetic
Strictly synthetic

Composition

Varies widely (rubber, wood, metal)
Primarily composed of polyurethane

Usage

Broad (engineering, manufacturing)
Specific (apparel, performance wear)

Stretch Limit

Varies, generally lower than spandex
Extremely high, up to 500% stretch

Compare with Definitions

Elasticity

Elasticity in physics pertains to the degree to which a material can withstand changes in length when under force.
Steel displays elasticity under tensile stress.

Spandex

Spandex is a lightweight, synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity.
Spandex is commonly used in athletic wear.

Elasticity

Biological elasticity refers to the ability of living tissues to return to original form post-stretch.
Skin shows elasticity when pinched.

Spandex

The fiber is celebrated for its ability to retain shape after extensive stretching.
Spandex leggings return to shape even after repeated wear.

Elasticity

Elasticity in business can refer to the flexibility of a business model to adapt to changes.
A business shows elasticity in adjusting its operations during economic fluctuations.

Spandex

Spandex is also known as Lycra, a brand name by DuPont.
Lycra is another popular term for spandex fabric in the market.

Elasticity

In economics, elasticity measures how quantity demanded changes in response to price changes.
Gasoline has relatively low price elasticity.

Spandex

Spandex is often blended with other fibers to enhance the stretchability of fabrics.
Cotton-spandex blends are popular in jeans.

Elasticity

Elasticity refers to the capacity of a material to recover its original shape after deformation.
Rubber bands exhibit great elasticity when pulled and released.

Spandex

The material is resistant to lotions, oils, and sweat, making it ideal for active wear.
Spandex swimsuits maintain integrity in chlorinated pools.

Elasticity

The condition or property of being elastic; flexibility.

Spandex

Spandex, Lycra, or elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. It is a polyether-polyurea copolymer that was invented in 1958 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont's Benger Laboratory in Waynesboro, Virginia, US.The generic name "spandex", which is an anagram of the word "expands", is the preferred name in North America.

Elasticity

The property of returning to an initial form or state following deformation.

Spandex

A type of stretchy polyurethane fabric
Gold spandex leggings

Elasticity

The degree to which this property is exhibited.

Spandex

A synthetic fiber or fabric made from a polymer containing polyurethane, used in the manufacture of elastic clothing.

Elasticity

A measure of how changes in price affect supply or demand for a given good, equal to the percentage of change in supply or demand divided by the percentage of the price change.

Spandex

Of or relating to spandex or its elastic qualities.

Elasticity

(physics) The property by virtue of which a material deformed under load can regain its original dimensions when unloaded

Spandex

A synthetic fibre known for its exceptional elasticity.

Elasticity

(economics) The sensitivity of changes in a quantity with respect to changes in another quantity.
If the sales of an item drop by 5% when the price increases by 10%, its price elasticity is −0.5.

Spandex

Clothing made from such material.

Elasticity

(computing) A measure of the flexibility of a data store's data model and clustering capabilities.

Spandex

An elastic textile material, used for clothing

Elasticity

(computing) A system's ability to adapt to changes in workload by automatically provisioning and de-provisioning resources.

Spandex

An elastic synthetic fabric

Elasticity

(mathematics) The ratio of the relative change in a function's output with respect to the relative change in its input, for infinitesimal changes at a certain point.

Elasticity

The quality of being elastic.

Elasticity

Adaptability.
Her elasticity allowed her to recover quickly.

Elasticity

The quality of being elastic; the inherent property in bodies by which they recover their former figure or dimensions, after the removal of external pressure or altering force; springiness; resilience; tendency to rebound; as, the elasticity of caoutchouc; the elasticity of the air.

Elasticity

Power of resistance to, or recovery from, depression or overwork; - usually referred to as resilience[3].

Elasticity

The tendency of a body to return to its original shape after it has been stretched or compressed;
The waistband had lost its snap

Common Curiosities

What is spandex?

Spandex is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity and strength, widely used in clothing.

Can elasticity be found in materials other than spandex?

Yes, many materials exhibit elasticity, including rubber, certain plastics, and metals, each with varying degrees of stretchability.

How does the elasticity of spandex compare to natural fibers?

Spandex typically offers superior elasticity compared to natural fibers, allowing garments to stretch significantly more without losing shape.

Does elasticity refer only to physical properties?

In physics, yes, but the term is also used metaphorically in other fields such as economics and business to describe responsiveness to changes.

What is elasticity?

Elasticity is the ability of any material to revert to its original shape after being stretched or compressed.

Is spandex only used in clothing?

While primarily used in clothing, especially sportswear and active wear, spandex is also used in certain medical applications, such as compression garments.

What makes spandex ideal for sportswear?

Its high stretchability and ability to return to shape make spandex ideal for sportswear, providing comfort and movement without constriction.

What are the environmental impacts of spandex?

As a synthetic, petroleum-based product, spandex can be less sustainable than natural fibers and is not biodegradable.

How is spandex made?

Spandex is made from polyurethane, which is produced by reacting a polyester with a diisocyanate, which then produces the polyurethane.

What is the primary advantage of spandex over rubber?

Spandex is lighter, stronger, and more durable than rubber, especially when exposed to body oils, perspiration, and detergents.

Can spandex be recycled?

Recycling spandex is challenging due to its chemical structure and the complexity of separating it from blended materials.

Why is spandex often blended with other fabrics?

Blending spandex with other fabrics like cotton improves the elasticity, fit, and comfort of the fabric, making it suitable for everyday wear.

How does temperature affect the elasticity of spandex?

Spandex maintains its elasticity over a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for various climates and activities.

Is spandex hypoallergenic?

Spandex itself is hypoallergenic, though some people may react to chemicals used during its manufacturing process.

How should spandex garments be cared for?

Spandex garments should be washed in cool water and air-dried to preserve elasticity and prevent degradation from heat.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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