How do we feel about spandex vs. Elastene, respectively?

No idea which to buy over the other. So i recently switched to 90%, “pure” plant based fabric and organic cotton activewear and underwears. One of the organic cotton brands I’ve been specifically eying for some time and been willing to start buying from was Mate the Label! Mate’s activewear is all, only spandex-based regarding that small, non-cotton stretch percent. However, i have been seeing some bad news about Spandex generally. And Reddit’s flood of responses about “spandex being WORSE than even polyester,” or other comments purely antagonizing spandex, has really been driving it out for me. That’s the problem with Mate’s choices.

Now on the other hand, id you ask me why I was open to their activewear specifically in the first place, I’ll say it’s actually because i assumed the spandex would help with better form-fitting and, is better quality and durable enough. Whereas, elastene, probably to assume not so much. I think spandex doesn’t feel as cheap either. But like i said, some people just say that spandex is more toxic—it’ll even shed much more microplastics and easily. This also makes it bad for the environment, then.

Don’t know what to think about all this. I rly wanna try Mate now and keep it consistent, purchasing most of their, activewear pieces, especially a legging from them, since they make nicely, comfortably-fit durable activewear perfect for gym sessions and versatile workout sets. Their bras and some tops are, low impact usually, but it’s not like i go over that or medium-impact ever anyway. But which one is actually better between the two stretch inseams?? Which one is generally cleaner and last in the long run, without shedding too much? Should I ever opt for less spandex or just the elastene? Also, i know already that bio based elastene and maybe spandex exist too, I just mainly know of the brand Pangaia. They’re great! Focuses mainly on sustainability and planet health! However, they are WAYy too high-end. I cannot afford more than one of their pieces.

But real quick to add, for a comparison: Mate’s cotton-spandex ratio is 92% with 8%, other brands can be the same exact, but some others are 94/95% with 5%.