Elastane: definition, percentages and what it changes in a garment

Elastane: definition, percentages and what it changes in a garment

Elastane is a synthetic fibre, derived from polyurethane, that stretches and then returns to shape; it is also known as Lycra and spandex. In a garment, a few percent are enough: 2% in a denim shirt, 5% in a fitted polo, up to 14% in sports leggings, according to the compositions noted in our catalogue.

Those few percent change the cut, the comfort, the choice of print and the way the garment is washed. Here is what to know before choosing team wear that stretches.

What is elastane?

Elastane is a synthetic fibre known for its elasticity: it withstands a 600% elongation before breaking, according to Wikipedia, and returns to its length once released. It was developed in 1958 by Joseph Shivers, a DuPont chemist; Lycra is the brand name that made it famous, and in English it is called spandex or elastane.

It is almost never used on its own. It is blended with cotton or polyester, in a small proportion, to make an otherwise rigid fabric elastic. On the label, it appears with its percentage, often the smallest one: "95% cotton, 5% elastane". Our article on composition labels explains how to read the rest.

How much elastane is in a garment?

The elastane percentage follows the use: 2 to 5% to give a shirt or trousers some freedom, 4 to 5% for a polo, a fitted t-shirt or cotton leggings, 5 to 10% for a technical t-shirt or a softshell, up to 14% for sports leggings.

Compositions noted on the tknp.io product pages on 15/10/2026. Sweatshirts, for their part, do without it: none of the models at the top of our sweatshirt range contains any.

Why choose stretch garments for a team?

For freedom of movement: a stretch polo follows every gesture without pulling at the shoulders, stretch trousers follow the knee at every step, a sports t-shirt stays close to the body without hampering the stride. Elastane also helps a fitted garment keep its shape.

The trade-off comes down to two points. A fitted cut is less forgiving of a wrong size: have people try before ordering the run. And elastane dislikes heat, which matters in the wash (see below). In our polo range, stretch versions sit next to 100% cotton polos, such as B&C's Polo Id.001: the choice depends on the use and the style you want.

Can you customise a garment containing elastane?

Yes. On a mostly-cotton blend, such as a polo with 5% elastane, cotton printing methods apply, including DTG printing, which is reserved for mostly-cotton fabrics. On stretch sports polyester, DTF transfer takes over: it is a flexible print that holds on cotton, polyester and their blends.

For a running t-shirt or a sports club's merch in stretch polyester, the custom running t-shirt reviews the prints that hold on these technical fabrics.

How do you care for a garment containing elastane?

Avoid the tumble dryer: heat wears out elastane, as our guide to laundry symbols points out. Let the team's stretch garments air-dry.

Is elastane eco-friendly?

No: elastane is a petroleum-based fibre, and it is not biodegradable. In a garment, it remains a minority, and some models in our catalogue pair their few percent of elastane with recycled polyester, such as JHK's Softshell Jacket (94% recycled polyester, 6% elastane). For an outfit that does not need to stretch, 100% cotton remains the simplest choice.

Let each team member pick their stretch polo size

With a fitted cut, the right size matters more than ever: a stretch polo that is too small pulls, one that is too big loses its line. The tknp.io Store pre-order settles the question upstream: for 7 to 21 days, everyone opens the link and reserves their own size, then all the polos go into production together, at the rate the total quantity allows.

Mention it when you share the link: once the pre-order closes, no size is exchanged.