Spandex, also known as elastane, is an elastic fiber often used in leggings and other tight clothing. It’s a versatile fabric with stretch, durability, and shape-keeping abilities. However, it is made from a petroleum-based, nonrenewable resource and requires significant energy and chemical inputs.
Environmentally Friendly
Buying clothes made from sustainable fabric alternatives is an important step toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle. These fabrics are less harmful to the environment and tend to be more durable, comfortable, and versatile.
One of the most common synthetic fabrics worldwide is spandex, also known as elastane. This material is used in all types of clothing, including socks, underwear, bras, and activewear. Spandex is a synthetic fabric that makes it possible to make very stretchy and comfortable clothes. It’s also a durable, wrinkle-resistant fabric that can withstand repeated washing. However, there are some negative environmental impacts associated with using spandex. For instance, spandex production requires a lot of toxic chemicals and releases a lot of plastic microfibers into the environment every time it’s washed. Another major issue with using spandex is that it doesn’t biodegrade. It could take 200 years for traditional fossil-based spandex to decompose completely. Therefore, choosing a more sustainable alternative when shopping for spandex fabrics is important.
Affordability
The benefits of choosing sustainable spandex fibers for your clothing include being environmentally friendly, comfortable, and versatile. They are also affordable on a per-wear basis.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex are popular because they’re durable, lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and breathable. However, they require a lot of energy, water, and chemicals. Plus, they release plastic microfibers every time you wash them. The impact of a whole garment made of synthetic spandex is negligible because the majority of stretchy clothing only contains 5 to 10% of it. To reduce your environmental impact, consider using organic cotton instead. Natural fibers like hemp and linen are an excellent alternative to synthetic fabrics. These materials are sourced from renewable sources and use fewer resources and toxic chemicals to produce. They also decompose faster in a landfill, leaving the environment better off than synthetic fabrics. If you’re shopping for organic cotton, look for the label GOTS, which guarantees that the raw materials used in its production are ethically produced and sustainably managed. This will help you avoid harmful pesticides and fertilizers linked to health problems, water pollution, and global warming.
Comfort
There are some benefits to using sustainable spandex fibers for your clothing. For starters, these fabrics are super comfortable to wear and are also easy to take care of. Spandex is a synthetic fabric that is also known as elastane, and it is commonly used in leggings, shapewear, and other tight, elastic apparel. It can also be found in sportswear, swimwear, and cycling clothes.
The synthetic fiber elastane isn’t biodegradable, so it doesn’t make sense to use this in your clothing unless you can find an alternative. However, there are many great sustainable options out there to consider.
Another option is Roica, a sustainable fiber that degrades the environment without releasing any harmful substances into the air.
Additionally, spandex is an excellent choice for yoga clothes because it is lightweight and can be worn while performing a wide range of physical activities. In addition, it is incredibly durable and can resist moisture damage from sweat or perspiration. If you want to go a step further and be even more eco-friendly, look for organic spandex. This fiber is produced from wood pulp that is grown in sustainably managed forests, requiring less water and pesticides than traditional cotton crops.
Versatility
The benefits of choosing sustainable spandex fibers for your clothing include improved comfort, longer useful life, and less environmental impact. They also reduce your risk of a range of health problems, including allergies, eczema, and skin irritations. Spandex fibers are made from segmented polyurethane molecules, which owe their elasticity to alternating flexible and rigid segments that react differently when stretched. This structure makes the fibers incredibly stretchy but does not lose their elasticity after repeated stretching like rubber does.
During manufacturing, manufacturers create the segments using chemicals like Methylene diphenyl isocyanate (MDI) and ethylene glycol or 1,4-butanediol. These chemicals are then cured to make flexible segments and are often mixed with water to form fibers. Fossil fuel-based raw materials are the source most prepolymers manufacturers use to make spandex. Extracting and refining petroleum is energy-intensive and exacerbates climate change. However, some plant-based alternatives to conventional spandex could be more environmentally friendly and offer benefits in other areas.
Another alternative is Tencel, produced from eucalyptus trees that require far less water and pesticides than cotton. This makes Tencel a more eco-friendly option than cotton for activewear and everyday clothing.
The final option to consider is recycled spandex in many ethical brands. However, recycling spandex can be difficult and requires time and money.
Style
Whether you’re looking for sustainable yoga clothes or comfortable activewear, plenty of eco-friendly options exist. One that’s becoming increasingly popular is spandex or elastane. It’s a synthetic fabric that makes clothing feel incredibly stretchy. Unlike rubber, spandex fibers don’t lose their elasticity after repeated stretching and can resist wrinkles and pilling. Moreover, spandex is durable and easy to maintain, making it an excellent choice for active wear.
In addition to being more environmentally friendly, organic and natural fibers are less expensive than their synthetic counterparts. They break down faster in landfills and require less water for processing. This means they’re less likely to leach harmful chemicals into the environment and cause harm to wildlife. Choosing sustainable spandex fibers for your clothing can help you stand out in the crowd and feel confident in your outfit. They are also effortless to care for and won’t wrinkle as quickly as other fabrics. You can even wash them more often, if you prefer, without worrying about them getting worn out.
