How to Choose Between Polyester vs Elastane?

Polyester and elastane are two synthetic fabrics that have found widespread use in the textile industry. Polyester, known for its durability and versatility, offers resistance to wrinkles, ease of care, and a wide range of appearances.

Elastane, on the other hand, is highly regarded for its exceptional elasticity and stretch recovery, making it ideal for garments requiring a snug fit and flexibility.

While polyester is more readily available and cost-effective, elastane’s specialized properties and involved production process contribute to its higher price.

Understanding the differences between these fabrics is crucial in choosing the right material for various applications, from everyday clothing to activewear and swimwear.

Key Differences Between Polyester vs Elastane

Elasticity

• Polyester: Polyester has low elasticity, meaning it has limited stretchability and does not easily bounce back to its original shape after being stretched. It offers a standard fit and is less suitable for applications that require high levels of stretch and flexibility.
• Elastane: Elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, exhibits high elasticity. It can stretch up to five times its original length and has excellent stretch recovery, meaning it returns to its original shape after being stretched. This makes it ideal for garments that require a snug fit and exceptional flexibility.

Stretch Recovery

• Polyester: Polyester has relatively less stretch recovery, meaning it doesn’t bounce back to its original shape as effectively after being stretched. While it does have some degree of stretch, it may not retain its original form as well as elastane. This makes polyester less suitable for applications that require excellent shape retention and consistent fit.
• Elastane: Elastane boasts excellent stretch recovery properties. It has the ability to stretch up to five times its original length and then return to its original shape with minimal distortion. This remarkable stretch recovery ensures that garments made with elastane maintain their shape and fit even after repeated stretching, making it a preferred choice for clothing that requires a snug and form-fitting silhouette.

Production Process

• Polyester: Polyester is produced through a process called polymerization. It involves the creation of long chains of polymers using petroleum-based chemicals. These polymers are then spun into fibers, resulting in the production of polyester fabric. The process is relatively straightforward and widely used in the textile industry.
• Elastane: The production process for elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, is more complex compared to polyester. It involves the conversion of a synthetic polymer called polyurethane. During this process, the polyurethane is transformed into long-chain polymers that exhibit exceptional elasticity and stretchability. The intricate nature of the production process contributes to the higher cost of elastane fabric.

Cost

• Polyester: Polyester is generally more affordable compared to elastane. The production process for polyester is simpler, and the raw materials used are abundant and readily available. These factors contribute to its lower production cost, making it a cost-effective choice for various applications.
• Elastane: Elastane is relatively more expensive than polyester. The involved production process and the specialized properties it offers, such as high elasticity and excellent stretch recovery, contribute to the higher cost of elastane fabric. The advanced technology and materials required to create elastane fabrics increase its price compared to other synthetic materials.

Durability

• Polyester: Polyester is known for its durability. It is a robust fabric that can withstand regular wear and tear. It is resistant to stretching, shrinking, and wrinkling, making it suitable for garments and products that require longevity and durability.
• Elastane: While elastane offers exceptional elasticity, it may not be as durable as polyester. Elastane fibers are more prone to degradation when exposed to heat, chemicals, and sunlight. To enhance durability, elastane is often blended with other fibers such as polyester or cotton, which helps improve its overall strength and longevity.

Wrinkle Resistance

• Polyester: Polyester fabrics offer good wrinkle resistance. They have a smooth texture and tend to hold their shape well, even after being folded or packed. This makes polyester garments convenient for travel and low-maintenance in terms of ironing and crease removal.
• Elastane: Elastane fabrics generally have similar wrinkle resistance to polyester. However, it’s important to note that elastane is often blended with other fibers, such as polyester or cotton, to enhance its stretchability. The wrinkle resistance of a fabric containing elastane will depend on the specific blend and the properties of the other fibers.

Moisture Wicking

• Polyester: Polyester fabrics can vary in their moisture-wicking capabilities, depending on the specific structure of the fibers. Some polyester blends are designed to be moisture-wicking, drawing sweat away from the body and allowing it to evaporate quickly. This helps to keep the wearer dry and comfortable during physical activities.
• Elastane: Elastane itself does not possess inherent moisture-wicking properties. However, as with polyester, elastane is often blended with other moisture-wicking fibers, such as polyester or nylon, to create fabrics that offer moisture management and enhanced comfort during active pursuits.

Fit

• Polyester: Polyester fabrics generally offer a standard fit. They do not have significant stretchability, and their shape remains relatively consistent. This makes polyester suitable for garments that require a looser or more relaxed fit, such as certain types of outerwear or casual clothing.
• Elastane: Elastane is renowned for its ability to provide a snug fit. It offers excellent stretch and recovery, allowing garments to mold to the body’s contours and providing a close and form-fitting silhouette. Elastane is commonly used in garments that require stretch and shape retention, such as activewear, swimwear, and undergarments.

Application

• Polyester: Polyester has a wide range of applications due to its versatility and durability. It is commonly used in clothing, including shirts, pants, dresses, and jackets. Additionally, polyester is widely utilized in home textiles, such as bedding, curtains, and upholstery fabrics. It is also used in outdoor gear, including tents, backpacks, and sportswear.
• Elastane: Elastane finds its primary application in garments that require stretch, flexibility, and a snug fit. It is extensively used in activewear, including leggings, sports bras, and athletic apparel. Elastane is also prominent in swimwear, providing stretch and shape retention for swimwear designs. Additionally, it is utilized in undergarments and body-hugging clothing items.

Blending Capability

• Polyester: Polyester is highly compatible with blending with other fibers. It can be easily blended with natural fibers like cotton or with other synthetic fibers such as nylon or rayon. Blending polyester with other fibers enhances its properties, such as moisture-wicking, breathability, and stretchability, depending on the desired characteristics of the final fabric.
• Elastane: Elastane is commonly blended with other fibers to enhance their stretchability and flexibility. It is frequently blended with fabrics like polyester, cotton, or nylon to create fabrics with improved stretch and recovery properties. The blending capability of elastane allows for the customization of fabrics to meet specific performance requirements.

Comfort

• Polyester: Polyester fabrics can vary in terms of comfort depending on the specific fabric construction and finish. While polyester is generally smooth and soft, it may not offer the same level of breathability and moisture absorption as natural fibers. However, advancements in fabric technology have led to the development of polyester blends that offer improved comfort, such as moisture-wicking properties and enhanced breathability.
• Elastane: Elastane is known for its excellent comfort due to its high elasticity and stretchability. It allows for freedom of movement and provides a close and flexible fit. Elastane fabrics can conform to the body’s contours, ensuring a comfortable wearing experience, especially in garments that require flexibility and a snug fit.

Shape Retention

• Polyester: Polyester fabrics have relatively good shape retention. They can withstand stretching and maintain their original shape well over time. Polyester garments tend to hold their form and resist sagging or stretching out, making them suitable for items that require consistent fit and shape, such as pants or skirts.
• Elastane: Elastane is renowned for its exceptional shape retention properties. It can stretch up to five times its original length and then return to its original shape without losing elasticity. This characteristic ensures that garments made with elastane maintain their shape and fit even after repeated stretching, making it highly desirable for form-fitting clothing like leggings or swimwear.

Resistance to Stretch

• Polyester: Polyester fabrics offer resistance to stretching, meaning they have limited stretchability. While polyester may have some inherent flexibility, it does not have the same level of stretch as elastane. This makes polyester more suitable for garments that require structure and less stretch, such as tailored clothing or outerwear.
• Elastane: Elastane is highly stretchable and exhibits excellent resistance to stretch. It can stretch significantly without losing its elasticity or shape. This property allows for comfortable movement and ensures that garments made with elastane can maintain their shape even with frequent stretching or repetitive movements.

Colorfastness

• Polyester: Polyester fabrics generally have good colorfastness. They are resistant to fading and can retain their color vibrancy even after repeated washing or exposure to sunlight. Polyester’s synthetic nature allows it to hold dyes effectively, resulting in long-lasting and vibrant colors.
• Elastane: Elastane itself does not have inherent colorfastness. However, when blended with other fibers, such as polyester, the colorfastness of the fabric will depend on the properties of the other fiber. Elastane blends typically retain the colorfastness properties of the other fibers used in the blend.

Care

• Polyester: Polyester fabrics are known for their easy care. They are typically machine washable, quick-drying, and resistant to wrinkles and shrinking. Polyester garments often require minimal ironing and can withstand regular laundering without losing their shape or color.
• Elastane: Elastane fabrics generally have similar care requirements to the other fibers in the blend. Depending on the blend, elastane-containing garments may require special care instructions. It is important to follow the care label instructions provided by the manufacturer to maintain the integrity and stretch recovery of the elastane blend.

Appearance

• Polyester: Polyester fabrics offer a wide range of finishes and textures. They can be smooth, lustrous, or matte depending on the desired effect. Polyester can also be treated to mimic the appearance of natural fibers like silk or cotton. The versatility of polyester allows for various aesthetic options in terms of appearance and texture.
• Elastane: Elastane fabrics typically have a smooth and glossy appearance. Due to its high elasticity, elastane fabrics have a stretchy and form-fitting look. Elastane’s primary focus is on functionality rather than aesthetics, as it is mainly used to provide stretch and flexibility in garments.

Availability

• Polyester: Polyester is widely available in the textile market. It is a commonly used synthetic fiber, and a wide range of polyester fabrics can be found in various colors, patterns, and finishes. Polyester is readily accessible in both fabric stores and the manufacturing supply chain.
• Elastane: While elastane is available in the textile market, it is not as widely available as polyester. Elastane is a specialized material primarily used in the production of stretchable garments. It is more commonly found in specific sections of fabric stores or specialized suppliers catering to activewear and swimwear industries.

Environmental Impact

• Polyester: Polyester has a significant environmental impact due to its production process, which relies on petrochemicals derived from non-renewable resources. The extraction and processing of these resources contribute to environmental degradation. However, advancements have been made in developing recycled polyester (rPET) made from post-consumer plastic bottles, reducing the environmental impact to some extent.
• Elastane: Elastane, like polyester, is derived from petrochemicals and has a similar environmental impact. The production process for elastane involves complex chemical conversions and may involve the use of hazardous substances. Efforts have been made to develop more sustainable elastane alternatives, such as bio-based elastane or elastane made from recycled materials.

Heat Resistance

• Polyester: Polyester fabrics have moderate heat resistance. They can withstand normal heat exposure during ironing or drying without significant damage or melting. However, it is important to follow care instructions and avoid excessive heat to prevent distortion or melting of the polyester fibers.
• Elastane: Elastane has moderate heat resistance similar to polyester. It can withstand normal ironing temperatures and dryer heat. However, caution should be exercised to prevent excessive heat exposure that can lead to deformation or damage to the elastane fibers.

Use in Activewear

• Polyester: Polyester fabrics are commonly used in activewear due to their durability, moisture-wicking properties, and ease of care. Polyester blends offer enhanced breathability, moisture management, and flexibility, making them suitable for various athletic activities. Polyester activewear is known for its ability to provide comfort, freedom of movement, and durability.
• Elastane: Elastane is extensively used in activewear due to its exceptional stretch and recovery properties. It allows for full range of motion, flexibility, and a snug fit, making it ideal for compression garments, leggings, sports bras, and other active apparel. Elastane’s ability to maintain shape and provide a supportive fit is highly valued in activewear designs.

Polyester vs Elastane: Comparison Table

Criteria	Polyester	Elastane
Elasticity	Low elasticity	High elasticity
Stretch Recovery	Less stretch recovery	Excellent stretch recovery
Production Process	Polymerization	Polyurethane conversion
Cost	Relatively inexpensive	Relatively expensive
Durability	Durable	Durable
Wrinkle Resistance	Good wrinkle resistance	Good wrinkle resistance
Moisture Wicking	Varies depending on fiber structure	Varies depending on fiber structure
Fit	Offers a standard fit	Provides a snug fit
Application	Versatile in various industries	Used mainly in stretchable garments
Blending Capability	Easily blended with other fibers	Often blended with other fibers
Comfort	Can feel less comfortable during prolonged wear	Provides excellent comfort
Shape Retention	Moderate shape retention	Excellent shape retention
Resistance to Stretch	Offers resistance to stretching	Highly stretchable
Colorfastness	Good colorfastness	Good colorfastness
Care	Easy to care for	Easy to care for
Appearance	Offers a range of finishes and textures	Typically smooth and glossy
Availability	Widely available	Available, but not as common as polyester
Environmental Impact	Petrochemical-based, less sustainable	Petrochemical-based, less sustainable
Heat Resistance	Moderate heat resistance	Moderate heat resistance
Use in Activewear	Less commonly used	Widely used in activewear

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

Polyester and elastane are two distinct synthetic fabrics, each with its unique characteristics and applications. Polyester offers durability, ease of care, and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of garments and textiles.

Elastane, with its exceptional elasticity and stretch recovery, provides a snug fit and flexibility, primarily used in activewear and form-fitting apparel. While polyester is more widely available and cost-effective, elastane’s specialized properties come at a higher price.

Understanding the differences between these fabrics allows for informed choices in selecting the most suitable material based on specific needs, performance requirements, and budget considerations.