Elastics are flexible materials that can stretch and return to their original shape. They are commonly used in everyday items like rubber bands, hair ties, and clothing waistbands. The ability to stretch makes elastics very useful in various applications, from holding things together to providing comfort in garments. In science, elastics are important in understanding how materials behave under stress. When a material is stretched, it can either return to its original form or become deformed. This property is known as elasticity, and it helps engineers design everything from bridges to sports equipment that can withstand forces without breaking.