Why there is elastane in bamboo clothing
Short answer: Elastane is added in small amounts to give stretch and help clothes return to shape. Without elastane, underwear, socks and leggings in particular would quickly go baggy and lose their fit.
What elastane does
Pure viscose can stretch, but it does not pull back by itself. Elastane is the fibre that provides the recovery. It works like a spring in the fabric, so clothes sit as they should, even after a whole day of being stretched many times.
How little is needed
The share of elastane is typically a few percent. That is enough to hold the shape without changing how the fabric feels against the skin. The rest is viscose, so it is still the soft, smooth feel you notice when you put the clothes on.
Where it is used most
Socks, underwear and leggings contain the most elastane, because they need to fit closely and follow the body as you move. Leggings without stretch would bag at the knees after a few hours. See how it looks in practice in bamboo leggings for women.
Where it is used least
T-shirts and bedding often have little or no elastane, because they should not cling or fit tightly. Here the drape and softness of the viscose matter most. A sheet or duvet cover should lie loose and smooth. See the range in bamboo bedding.
Heat damages elastane
Elastane loses its grip when exposed to heat for long periods. That is the main reason tumble drying is discouraged and 60 degrees should not be the standard. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and dry on a rack. See the washing guide.
Other things that cause wear
Chlorine, strong stain removers and sun cream can also weaken elastane over time. Rinse swimwear and training clothes soon after use, and avoid leaving clothes in the sun for hours. These are small habits, but they affect how long the stretch lasts.
Signs of worn elastane
When the waistband no longer pulls back after a day of wear, or your socks keep slipping down, the elastane is spent. You may also see small white threads poking out of the fabric. Those are broken elastane fibres, a sign the garment is nearing its end.
Why not go without
Clothes with no elastane at all exist, but they behave differently. Underwear without stretch has to be cut with more room and loses its shape faster. For close fitting items, a small share of elastane is a compromise that makes clothes more comfortable and longer lasting.
Fit and size
Elastane makes it easier to find the right size, because the fabric gives a little. But a size that is too small does not improve by stretching. Clothes that are stretched all the time wear out the elastane faster. Choose the size that feels comfortable from the start.
Read more
If you want to know more about how stretch works in bamboo clothing and how the different products behave, read is bamboo clothing stretchy. It also covers the difference between stretch in the fabric and elastic in the edges.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there plastic in bamboo clothing
Elastane is a synthetic fibre, but it makes up only a small part of the fabric. It is there to give stretch and hold the shape, especially in underwear, socks and leggings.
Can I get bamboo clothing with no elastane
Yes, some products such as bedding and certain t-shirts have little or no elastane. Check the content label on each item if avoiding synthetic fibres matters to you.
How do I make elastane last longer
Avoid the tumble dryer and high temperatures, wash at 30 to 40 degrees and dry on a rack. Rinse out chlorine and sun cream quickly, and pick a size that is not constantly stretched.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
