Spandex yarn (popularly known as Lycra) is a man-made elastic fiber/texture material with elastic properties. It can be stretched four to seven times its initial length yet springs back to its original length once tension is released. While the yarn appears to be a single continuous thread, it is in reality a bundle of tiny filaments. Lycra is never used alone; it is always combined with another fiber (or fibers), natural or man-made. Weaving or knitting techniques, together with fabric type and end use, determine whether Lycra is used in a bare or covered yarn form. Lycra yarn can be covered with various filament yarns such as nylon, polyester viscose, cotton and so on.
Used widely in socks, stockings, gloves, caps, body fitting/hugging products, cardigans, etc.