The Ultimate Spandex FAQ
LED Queens designs gym spandex that goes on skintight, celebrates your identity, and moves with you toward your greatest fitness and health goals. After all these years, we still get many questions about how to wear, style, and care for spandex gear.
How do I choose the right size?
When shopping with us, please reach out for one-on-one sizing help via email. We’ll gladly help you pick your right size.
If you’re shopping elsewhere, always check their size chart, read reviews, and remember that spandex is meant to go on skintight. It should never hurt or cut off circulation. Instead, it should feel like a second skin.
Some garments offer compression, which means extra tightness for blood-flow support or medical use. At LED Queens we don’t make compression gear at the moment, but if we ever do, that will be clearly listed on the product page.
Do I need a specific body type to wear leggings without shorts?
No — what you need is self-confidence. And confidence fluctuates for everyone. Some days we feel unsure of ourselves, and other days we’re fully in touch with our power.
If you’re not ready for spandex at the gym, wait until you are. If you want to push yourself out of your comfort zone, start with something subtle. Dark leggings are always a discreet, elegant choice.
Depending on gym culture and your performance needs, pair your tights with an undergarment that supports you and helps you present your body in a way that feels respectful and affirming.
At LED Queens we don’t recommend shorts over tights. Leggings belong on all bodies, and singling out male-presenting people for wearing them is discriminatory. But you get to choose your style. If shorts feel right for you, wear them.
What’s the best underwear to wear under spandex?
For smooth lines and better performance, we recommend:
- Thong
- Jockstrap
- Dance belt
We don’t recommend boxer briefs or loose underwear. They bunch up and draw attention. The right undergarment gives you presence, authority, and supports your confidence while you work out.
How do I wash and dry spandex?
- Machine wash: Cold water only. Never warm or hot. Heat damages elasticity and gives spandex a saggy look. Hot water also degrades moisture-wicking.
- No fabric softener, no ironing. Both ruin the fibers.
- Hand wash: Cold water + line dry. It’s gentle, classic, and preserves the garment best.
Most people use machines, and that’s fine — just keep it cold and air dry.
Isn’t spandex, Lycra, and elastane plastic?
Yes. Spandex garments are made from petroleum, which is processed into fibers. Nylon and polyester — which we often blend with spandex — are also petroleum-based.
At LED Queens we’re aware of the environmental cost. That’s why we make small runs and, when possible, produce on demand to minimize waste. We choose spandex because of its stretch, performance, and stunning look.
Isn’t it gay to wear tights or spandex shorts?
That question is steeped in internalized shame. And we are sorry for your loss. But on the other hand, we can say that spandex belongs to everyone. Spandex is no less gay than sweatpants, sneakers or hoodies. But it does so happen that many of us queer folks choose fashion and clothing to express our consciousness.
People of all genders and orientations wear spandex every day. The focus on men male-presenting folks wearing it is rooted in oppression, homophobia, and queerphobia. If people are throwing these questions at you, definitely use your critical thinking skills and evaluate why they are asking this in the first place. It says a lot more about them than it does about you.
And let’s not forget: men wore tights first, centuries ago.
Can wearing polyester/spandex cause skin irritation or rash?
Most people wear LED Queens gear without any issues, but every body is unique. A very small number of people may notice irritation — especially if they have sensitive skin, conditions like eczema, or wear spandex for long periods in hot, humid conditions.
To help prevent this:
- Wash your gear before first wear.
- Keep it clean after workouts.
- Wash cold with gentle detergent, and air dry.
- Choose a fit that’s snug but not restrictive.
If you know you’re sensitive to synthetics, test spandex for short periods first, or layer a lightweight base garment. And if your doctor has advised avoiding synthetics, natural fibers like cotton or linen are a better option.
Note: This guidance is not medical advice. LED Queens products are not medical devices. If you experience a rash or ongoing irritation, stop wearing and consult a healthcare professional.
Can I wear any spandex as swimwear?
No. Not all spandex is made for water. Swimwear fabrics are heavier so they don’t turn transparent, and they usually have lining for support (and as a way to conceal details of genitals and other areas of the body).
At LED Queens we don’t make speedos right now. But we do make bodysuits with a liner that can be worn as swimwear.
What is the lifetime of spandex?
It depends on material, construction, and how often you use it. As a rule:
- Wash cold, line dry, avoid heat.
- Don’t use softener or iron.
- Care properly, and your gear can last for years.
At LED Queens we use sublimation printing, which means colors stay vibrant for many years if you follow care instructions.
Why are LED Queens products limited runs?
We make small batches because we want to avoid waste, keep collections unique, and make sure our gear feels special for the people who wear it. We don't feel pressured to work within the mainstream. Instead, we focus on our customers and we keep it queer.