Yes. Elastane fabrics will shrink if you expose them to heat. The manufacturing process creates tension on the fibers, and these fibers relax and shrink when you apply heat.
To prevent elastane from shrinking, don’t wash it in hot water or dry it in high heat. How much the elastane will shrink depends on the quality of the elastane and the blend.
What Is Elastane?
Many of us are familiar with Spandex and Lyrca. But did you know that those fabrics and Elastane are the same?
Spandex and Lycra are made of Elastane fabrics. While Americans are more familiar with the term Spandex, Europeans are more familiar with the term Elastane.
Elastine is a synthetic fabric made from polyurethane. The manufacturing process involves chemical toxins. But this fabric not too harmful to the environment when handled properly.
How Stretchy Is Elastane?
Pure Elastane can stretch up to seven times its size and bounce back to its original shape effortlessly. This fabric is durable and can hold its shape for a long time.
Elastene-blends can also stretch well. When combined with Elastane, fabrics like Rayon and Polyester can become stretchy. While these textiles are not stretchy and have bad shape retention, mixing them with Elastane allows them to become stretchy.
Does Elastane Shrink When Wet?
Elastane will shrink when exposed to hot water. Not only that, but the temperature can also melt the fabric, damaging it beyond repair. To prevent Elastane from shrinking or getting damage, only use cold water.
The type of blend also matters. Is the Elastane pure or blended? Spandex and Cotton blends shrink faster than pure Elastane.
Does Elastane Shrink In The Dryer?
Yes. Elastane shrinks when exposed to moisture and high heat. That is part of the reason why you have to dry clean most Elastane fabrics.
If you must use the dryer, use a protective mesh.
How Much Does Elastane Shrink?
Elastane will shrink when exposed to high heat. To shrink elastane it needs to be exposed to temperatures of at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods.
The amount will depend on the level of heat and elastane blend. On average elastane shrink about 5 to 10 percent.
At higher temperatures, elastane won’t shrink more than 10 percent. At higher temperatures, the heat will cause permanent damage to the fabric.
How To Shrink Elastane?
Are you thinking about shrinking your spandex to make it fit better? We’ve got you covered.
Below are steps on how you can shrink elastane to the perfect size safely.
Does Cotton Spandex Blend Shrink?
Yes, cotton and elastane blend fabrics will shrink. This blend will shrink more than spandex by itself. The main reason for this is that cotton is more prone to shrinkage than cotton.
The amount of shrinkage this blend has will depend on the specific blend. Blends with more cotton, such as 95% cotton 5% elastane, will shrink much more since it’s primarily cotton. In contrast, a 5% cotton 95% elastane blend will shrink less because of its primary elastane.
Both fabrics are vulnerable to high temperatures. Placing these fabrics in the washer or dryer at high temperatures will cause shrinkage.
Cotton is more susceptible, which means it will shrink at lower temperatures when compared to the elastane.
Tutorial Guide
The next best thing to dry cleaning Elastane is handwashing. Hand washing may cause extra effort, but it will extend the fabric’s life by a lot.
If you don’t have the luxury of time to hand wash, you can wash your Elastane in the gentlest laundry cycle your machine has.
The safest way to dry Elastane is by air drying it. Elastane dries fast so you won’t have trouble with this.
Avoid ironing Elastane as much as you can. If you must, use the lowest heat. Some elastane blends can withstand more heat than others, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions.
What Are The Other Features Of Elastane
Stretchy
Elastane can stretch 400%-700% of its size without breaking.
Durable
Elastane doesn’t break easily for as long as you don’t expose it to high heat.
Water and Oil resistant
Elastan is water and oil resistant. It’s durable against seawater, sunblock lotions, or beauty products.
As such, elastane is an excellent swimwear fabric.
Resistant to Sun
Many fabrics lose their colors when exposed to sunlight. But elastane can withstand UV rays for prolonged periods.
