Why is lycra also referred to as spandex?

Lycra and spandex refer to the same type of synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. The choice that identifies 'spandex' as an anagram for 'expands' highlights an interesting linguistic connection. The name 'spandex' was created to evoke the idea of the material's ability to stretch and expand, which is one of its most significant qualities. This connection is fitting because the fabric is widely recognized for providing comfort and freedom of movement, making it popular in activewear and athleisure clothing.

Other options do not accurately capture the relationship between the terms. Spandex isn’t solely defined by an abbreviation related to elasticity, nor does it inherently maximize compression or indicate any pricing difference from lycra. Therefore, the tie between the name 'spandex' and the concept of expansion effectively illustrates the characteristic that makes this fiber widely used.