Quick answer: Wash spandex in cold water on a gentle cycle, skip bleach and fabric softener, and air dry — never use high heat, which breaks down the elastane and kills the stretch. Rinse swimwear after chlorine or salt water.

Washing

Use cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Turn garments inside out and use a mesh laundry bag to protect the surface, especially for metallic, hologram, and sequin fabrics. Avoid bleach and fabric softener — softener coats the fibers and reduces stretch and moisture-wicking.

Drying

Air dry, laid flat or hung. Heat is spandex’s enemy: tumble drying and high temperatures degrade the elastane, causing bagging and loss of recovery.

Swimwear & activewear

Rinse activewear and swim fabric in cool water after each use to remove chlorine, salt, and sweat. Don’t wring — press water out gently.

Ironing & storage

Avoid ironing. If needed, use the lowest setting with a press cloth and never touch foil or hologram finishes directly. Store flat or rolled. See our spandex glossary.

Buying quality stretch fabric

Well-made nylon/spandex holds up far better than cheap blends. Request a sample or browse the shop.

How should I wash spandex fabric?

Wash cold on a gentle cycle, avoid bleach and fabric softener, and air dry. Heat is the main enemy of spandex.

Can I put spandex in the dryer?

Avoid high heat, which breaks down the elastane. Air drying keeps stretch fabric lasting longer.

Where can I buy quality spandex that lasts?

Stretch House sells premium spandex by the yard at stretchhouse.com, with free samples and worldwide shipping from New York since 2004.