Stretch and Recovery: Why Lycra Content Matters

|Dynamic Knitfabs

Quick Answer

Stretch lets a fabric move; recovery brings it back. Both depend on Lycra content and construction.

Stretch Lycra fabric

Stretch fabrics contain spandex, sold under brand names such as Lycra. The amount used, and how the fabric is built, decides how it performs.

Stretch vs recovery

  • Stretch: how far the fabric extends when pulled.
  • Recovery: how well it returns to its original size. Poor recovery causes baggy knees and saggy waists.

Typical spandex content

  • 2 to 5%: comfort stretch for wovens such as satin Lycra and stretch crepe
  • 5 to 10%: more stretch for fitted knits
  • Higher: activewear, swimwear and shapewear

What to ask for

  • Spandex percentage
  • Stretch direction: 2-way or 4-way
  • Stretch and recovery test results for performance garments

Explore stretch and Lycra fabrics, 4-way and 2-way Lycra.

About the Author

The Dynamic Knitfabs Team

Dynamic Knitfabs Pvt. Ltd. is a family-run fabric manufacturer founded in 1990, with in-house knitting, weaving and sublimation printing in Surat and Noida, India. The company is led by Directors Rajeev Jain and Siddharth Jain and supplies fabric to 100+ international and Indian fashion brands.

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