Even though alpaca wool already possesses excellent properties, it is sometimes useful to enhance certain features by adding small amounts of other materials.

One such material is currently elastane, a rubber-like synthetic fiber made from polyurethane and polyethylene glycol, commonly referred to as spandex. Elastane has been in use since 1959. Its unique characteristics include extreme elasticity and flexibility, permanent shape retention, and very low weight.
Elastane is best known for its use in sportswear and fitted sheets. In textiles containing elastane, the product is often labeled as stretch. Elastane also provides the necessary elasticity in socks and shapewear.

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At pako-fashion, we place great value on ensuring that our textiles are made exclusively from natural, renewable, or recycled raw materials. It is our heartfelt mission to create clothing that is in harmony with nature and brings long-lasting joy to its owners.

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Unfortunately, elastane does not meet these criteria.

Its production is highly energy-intensive, and conventional elastane is not biodegradable. While alternatives such as recycled or biodegradable elastane are now available, they still need to prove they offer a better environmental footprint and are not yet widely used. Until we achieve this transition, we will strive to keep the amount of elastane in our products as low as possible.