Thread: What are the differences between these stretch fabrics?

I'm not very knowledgeable about textiles, and, whenever I browse websites like Spandex World, I wonder what these terms mean:

Milliskin
Moleskin
Glissenett
Slinky
ITY

Plus, is "swim spandex" suitable for dance costumes? I am confused by fabrics!

I think the best thing is to order swatches.

I have glissenet swatches and they are semi-sheer, finer than mesh, and shimmery.

Swim spandex might be okay for a dance costume, or it might be too lightweight. The spandex in, say, Pharonics of Egypt costumes is fairly heavy weight spandex.

I'm not very familiar with the other terms.

Originally Posted by Ainsley

I'm not very knowledgeable about textiles, and, whenever I browse websites like Spandex World, I wonder what these terms mean:

Milliskin
Moleskin
Glissenett
Slinky
ITY

Plus, is "swim spandex" suitable for dance costumes? I am confused by fabrics!

Originally Posted by Ainsley

Milliskin

From Wikipedia: "Milliskin is a type of fabric commonly used to make tights and dance leotards. It was used to make the Superman costume in the movie Superman Returns (2006)"

Moleskin

Moleskin Sewing Guide - EmmaOneSock.com Discount Designer Fabrics

Glissenett
Slinky

Knit Fabric Glossary
Slinky Sewing Guide - EmmaOneSock.com Discount Designer Fabrics

ITY

ITY Jersey Sewing Guide - EmmaOneSock.com Discount Designer Fabrics

Plus, is "swim spandex" suitable for dance costumes? I am confused by fabrics!

Probably depends on the weight. Not all swimsuits are made from the same kind of knit fabric, and there isn't much to guarantee this term is applied equally across multiple manufacturers or vendors. As Sedonia says, the best way to know if it is the kind of fabric you want is with a swatch.