Spandex & Stretch Fabric by the Yard: Online Store Guide

Q: How much spandex fabric do I need?

On 60-inch-wide fabric, roughly 1 yard for a swimsuit, half a yard for a bikini or sports bra, and about 1.5 yards for leggings. Buy a little extra to cut with the stretch running around the body.

Quick Answer: Spandex fabric by the yard comes in two main types: nylon spandex (swimsuit-weight, chlorine-resistant, best recovery) for swimwear and activewear, and cotton spandex jersey (soft, breathable, 10oz) for T-shirts and everyday apparel. Both are 4-way stretch and 60 inches wide.

“Spandex” covers a whole family of stretch fabrics, and buying the right one by the yard is the difference between a swimsuit that holds its shape and a T-shirt that feels just right. This guide explains what spandex actually is, the two types most makers buy, and how to match the fabric to your project.

What Spandex Actually Is

Spandex — also called elastane or Lycra — is an exceptionally elastic fiber, not a fabric on its own. You almost never sew 100% spandex. Instead, a small percentage of spandex is blended with a main fiber like nylon or cotton to give an otherwise stable fabric the ability to stretch and spring back. The main fiber sets the look and feel; the spandex sets the stretch and recovery.

That is why two “spandex” fabrics can behave completely differently. A nylon-spandex swim knit and a cotton-spandex T-shirt knit both stretch, but they are built for very different jobs.

The Two Spandex Fabrics You’ll Actually Buy

For most projects the choice comes down to two fabrics, both 4-way stretch and both 60 inches wide:

	Nylon Spandex	Cotton Spandex Jersey
Typical blend	~80% nylon / 20% spandex	~95% cotton / 5% spandex
Weight	Lightweight, swimsuit-weight	Heavier 10oz knit
Stretch & recovery	High stretch, excellent recovery	Moderate stretch, good recovery
Feel	Sleek, smooth, quick-drying	Soft, breathable, natural against skin
Best for	Swimwear, activewear, dancewear, compression	T-shirts, leggings, loungewear, babywear

Nylon spandex is chlorine-resistant and dries fast, which is why it is the standard for swimsuits and performance wear. Cotton spandex jersey trades some stretch for natural-fiber comfort, making it the go-to for everyday garments worn against the skin.

Match the Fabric to Your Project

Project	Best Choice	Why
Swimsuit / bikini	Nylon spandex	Chlorine-resistant, quick-drying, high recovery
Leggings	Either	Nylon for performance, cotton for softness
T-shirts & tops	Cotton spandex jersey	Breathable with a natural hand
Dancewear / leotards	Nylon spandex	Maximum stretch and a sleek finish
Loungewear / babywear	Cotton spandex jersey	Gentle on skin, easy to wash
Activewear	Nylon spandex	Moisture-wicking, holds its shape

Four Things to Check Before You Buy

4-way vs. 2-way stretch: 4-way stretches in both directions and is essential for close-fitting garments. If you are unsure what that means, our 4-way stretch fabric guide breaks it down.
Stretch direction: Plan to cut so the greatest stretch wraps around the body, not up and down — that is what gives a supportive fit.
Negative ease: Stretch garments are cut smaller than body measurements (usually 10–15% smaller) so they hug and recover. Make sure your pattern is designed for stretch knits.
Weight: Swimsuit-weight nylon is light and sleek; a 10oz cotton jersey is more substantial and opaque. Match the weight to how structured you want the finished piece.

Sewing & Care in Brief

Spandex fabrics are beginner-friendly with a few adjustments. Use a ballpoint or stretch needle, sew with a narrow zigzag or stretch stitch so seams flex without popping, and let a walking foot keep the layers even. For step-by-step help, see our guide to sewing spandex.

To keep the stretch alive, wash cool and skip high heat — hot dryers are what break spandex down over time. Our spandex care guide covers washing and storage in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spandex the same as Lycra or elastane?

Yes. Spandex, elastane, and Lycra are three names for the same elastic fiber. Lycra is a brand name; spandex is the common U.S. term and elastane is used elsewhere.

Can you buy 100% spandex fabric?

Almost never for sewing. Spandex is blended in small amounts (usually 5–20%) with a main fiber like nylon or cotton. The blend gives you a usable fabric with stretch and recovery.

Which spandex is best for swimwear?

Nylon spandex. It is chlorine-resistant, dries quickly, and has the recovery needed to keep a swimsuit snug wear after wear. Cotton spandex absorbs water and suits everyday apparel better.

How much spandex fabric do I need?

As a rough guide on 60-inch-wide fabric: about 1 yard for a swimsuit, ½ yard for a bikini or sports bra, and around 1½ yards for leggings. Buy a little extra so you can cut with the stretch running around the body.