Spandex - What is the material?

Spandex (elastane) - synthetic tissue with a rubber basis, which is known for its elasticity. It is made of polyester-polyurethane polymer fibers. In addition to convenience and versatility, the fabric is beneficial to use in the manufacture of clothes. Spandex can stretch repeatedly, and then return to its original size and form, as well as paint into different colors.

1

The history of the emergence of elastic fiber

The name of the fiber from English "EXPANDS" is literally translated as "stretching". Spandex is also known as Elastane and is a Lycra brand. It was designed in the 1950s as an alternative to natural rubber. German Chemika Bayer created the first experimental formula for the material, but the opening of the first mass production formula is attributed to Joseph Shivers. It was developed in the DuPont laboratory and patented in 1958.

2

Advantages of spandex:

Polymer fiber has many advantages, so it is not surprising that it is very popular.

• Increases speed. Spandex shorts or costumes tightly fit the body of an athlete without creating any resistance when moving.
• Elasticity and recovery. Experts in the field of sports medicine argue that compression clothing not only supports muscles, but also contributes to their restoration in daily fitness and regular workouts. However, make sure you have chosen the desired size. It may seem that the elastic knitwear stretches very well, but it will be a mistake to assume that one size fits all.
• Comfort. Spandex itself is quite comfortable, because it gives the feeling of "second skin", as if there is nothing on the body. It is soft to the touch and comfortable in wearing. Fiber is resistant to sweating, sea water, as well as to most tanning lotions.
• Good visibility. The fabric is often stained in bright colors that immediately rush into the eyes, so many cyclists wear such elastic knitwear.
• Provocates weight loss. It was observed that fitness classes in spandex shorts contributes to weight loss. It is possible to observe that the athlete becomes slimmer and moves from the size of XL in L and there is a merit of compression clothing.
• Stylish sportswear, which, with numerous washers, does not lose color brightness.

3

Disadvantages of elastic fabric

Despite the numerous advantages of the spandex, we do not stand such clothes regularly.

• The daily wearing spandexifunction is fraught with allergic skin reactions. Moisture as if "falls into the trap", since the fiber does not have the ability to absorb sweat, and this contributes to the penetration of dyes directly into the skin. Spandex is a polymer tissue, similar to plastic, and for the manufacture of this material requires raw materials and toxic chemicals.
• Fiber can cause fungal and bacterial skin diseases. Another important side effect of the spandex is that the skin can become a fertile soil for the manifestation of fungal and bacterial infections. One of the common diseases caused by this synthetic material is ringing deprived. In addition, such bacterial infections are often found as folliculitis and impetigo, which cause blisters or ulcers in different parts of the body.
• Polymeric underwear does not breathe at all, which is fraught with the manifestation of fungal infections. This is especially true of swimsuits and male smelters.
• Fiber clothing objects have a very short shelf life. This is due to the fact that after a few styrics, they lose shape and have tightening. In addition, since the fabric can not be washed in hot water and dried under the sun - it makes the main care for it more laborious than behind cotton clothing.

4

Application of elastic fiber

Elastane is quite widely used in sewing production: from underwear to work clothing. It is often combined with cotton or viscose. But in a clean basis (100% spandex) is almost not used, because such a cloth resembles a rubber-like film. From the elastic fiber sew:

• Professional sports equipment, bright swimsuits, stockings and stage costumes and scenery, where the spectacular appearance is valued.
• A successful combination of spandex with velvet, atlas or jeans pleases the buyer with practical things. So, elegant evening dresses of the fanging cut out of the brilliant stretch of velvet, and the jeans-stretch are trendy pants and jackets.

5

Elastane clothing care

Proper care for fashionable things on an elastic basis is able to extend the use of the product.

• Never use chlorine bleach when washing, so as not to damage the coloring of the product;
• Do not erase underwear in water above 400 s;
• Choose a delicate mode when washed;
• Drying over the open source of fire can spoil the fabric (lead to surface hardened). Always remember that Spandex is afraid of cutting;
• Try to wash Spandex separately from other things;
• Dry / smooth products byverting on the wrong side.

Modern fashionable clothes from Elastane is always comfortable and stylish with any situation.