When it comes to fabric blends, the terms cotton/lycra and cotton/spandex are often used interchangeably. But is there a correct term to use? Let's delve into the details to find out.
What is Lycra?
Lycra is a brand name for a type of spandex fiber. It is known for its exceptional elasticity, making it a popular choice for stretch fabrics. Lycra is often blended with other fibers like cotton to add stretch and recovery properties to the fabric. The LYCRA Company produces authentic LYCRA brand spandex fibers. The company is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and has 6 manufacturing facilities, 4 R&D labs, 1 distribution hub, and 13 offices around the world.
What is Spandex?
Spandex is a generic term for a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional stretchiness. It is commonly used in activewear, swimwear, and other garments that require a high degree of elasticity. When blended with cotton, spandex adds stretch and comfort to the fabric. Many companies make spandex for use in knitting textiles.
Which Term is Correct?
Both cotton/lycra and cotton/spandex are commonly used to describe fabrics that contain a blend of cotton and spandex fibers. While lycra is a specific brand of spandex, the terms are often used interchangeably in the textile industry. However, if you want to be technically accurate, using cotton/spandex would be the correct term since spandex is the generic name for the fiber.
So, whether you refer to it as cotton/lycra or cotton/spandex, you are essentially talking about the same type of fabric blend. The key is to understand that lycra is a brand name for spandex, and spandex is the generic term for the stretch fiber.