A Story of Lycra and Spandex Clothing

A registered trade mark of Invista, formerly Dupont, lycra or spandex suits is a stretchy and forgiving fiber. This is a popular synthetic fiber and is used throughout the world by many designers and clothing manufactures. Manufactures use lycra and spandex in blends that include cotton, silk, and synthetic fibers.

This fiber was developed by DuPont in 1958 to be used as an alternative to rubber that was then being used in corsets. Lycra and spandex is the synthetic competitor to rubber due to its stronger and more durable nature. Unlike rubber, this fiber is more resistant to detergents, lotions, and sweat. Polymer chains help lycra to have its rigid and flexible portions, yet the fibers are able to stretch and retain it shape.

Lycra suit and spandex can stretch several times its size and has the ability to return back to its original shape. The advantages of using lycra and spandex in clothing are its lightweight, comfortable, and breathable properties. Due to the close fitting nature of the fiber, it is often used in women's clothing more so then in men's clothing. Lycra can also be found in plus-sized clothing and children's clothing.

More advantages are that is quick to dry, moisture wicking, and is easily to dye. Lycra and spandex is used in garments due to its bacteria resistant nature, blocks ultraviolet rays, and holds up well to chlorine. There is minimal pilling and static cling with this fiber. Lycra has also been used in the manufacturing of diapers, bike seats, and bed sheets. Types of garments that are made using lycra and spandex are socks, lingerie, exercise clothing, swimwear, and leggings.

The movie industry uses lycra for superhero costumes such as the Superman, Batman, and Captain America movies. Due to its tight fitting fiber and its ability to hold bright solid colors, it was the choice fiber when creating these costumes. With the emergence of rock and heavy metal bands in the 1970s and 1980s, lycra bodysuits and spandex gained popularity with the rise in popularity of spandex leggings.

The elasticity of the material did not constrict the movement of the performers on stage. This allowed for the elaborate antics that the metal and rock bands were famous for.