What is Elastane? And is it sustainable? Here’s everything you need to know regarding elastane and if you should look for this material or avoid it in your next purchase.
Elastane is a good fabric in terms of its use to make clothing stretchy and form-fitting. It’s often found in activewear such as yoga pants, leggings, and sports bras, alongside any other kind of garment that may be used for physical activity.
The main difference between polyester and elastane is that elastane is used to add stretch to a garment. Polyester fabrics are almost never stretchable, unless the garment has added elastane in it. Both are synthetic materials not found in nature.
The problem with elastane is both its manufacturing process and end of life: They have a large carbon footprint. The material cannot biodegrade and is manufactured unsustainably, using energy-intensive practices and harsh chemicals.
Choose to buy from brands that blend elastane with more sustainable materials, such as organic cotton. Some brands also reduce their overall impact in other ways, like prioritizing plastic-free packaging, or donating to environmental non-profits.
All of these brands try to reduce their environmental footprint. — Organic Basics — Pact — Tentree — Girlfriend Collective — Toad And Co