What is Spandex

Spandex is known as Polvurethane, abbreviated (PU). Also known as Lycra or stretch, it is an elastic fiber.

Invented by DuPont in 1953. It has a strong elasticity and can stretch up to 5-7 times and return to its original shape.

Generally, spandex is used in clothing that is blended with cotton or polyester to make up a small portion of the fabric, which mostly retains the look and feel of the other fibers.

Properties of Spandex

Spandex is lightweight, soft, and easily dyed, with a density of 1.0 to 1.3 grams per cubic centimeter.

Spandex is less stretchy than rubber but more durable, with a stretch of about 5-12 CN/tex.

The material is not very hygroscopic, absorbing only 1% of its own weight.

Spandex is not prone to pilling and does not accumulate static electricity.

Origin of Spandex

In the early 1930s, as a result of significant progress in the research and development of synthetic fibers, scientists began to explore synthetic materials that could replace natural fibers. In this context, spandex was discovered as a new synthetic elastic fiber. Early spandex manufacturing processes involved the study and modification of polyurethane, and researchers discovered that by polymerizing polyurethane it was possible to produce fibers with excellent elasticity. This discovery laid the foundation for the creation of spandex.

As technology and fiber manufacturing processes improved, the process was optimized and refined, and commercial production of spandex began to increase in the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, the production process included polymerization, spinning and stretching, and these processes resulted in spandex fibers with excellent elasticity and softness.

As spandex became commercially available, it quickly became one of the most important materials in the fashion industry and in sportswear. Its elasticity and adaptability make garments more flattering and comfortable and provide greater freedom of movement, resulting in a wide range of applications in swimwear, fitness apparel and sports equipment. In addition, spandex is also used in the production of tights, underwear and socks for apparel that requires a snug and comfortable fit.

With the change of time and the advancement of textile technology, the scope of application of spandex is expanding. Not only does it play an important role in the garment industry, but it is also used in the medical and industrial fields, for example, in medical elastic bandages and industrial elastic ropes, etc. Its excellent elasticity and durability make spandex one of the most important materials in the textile industry today. Its excellent elasticity and durability make spandex one of the most important materials in the textile industry today. Through continuous technological innovation and research and development, spandex continues to have a promising future in various fields of application.

Material Uses

Spandex has excellent elasticity and strength, wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying properties and is used in a wide range of different garments, especially intimate apparel.

Different spandex products have different proportions of spandex added to them. Commonly, spandex is added to fabrics at a rate of 5% to 20%.

Woven fabrics have 2% to 3% spandex added, while

T-shirt adds about 5%

Underwear fabrics add about 10-15% spandex

Swimwear fabrics add about 20%.

Washing and care instructions

Weekday care is recommended to wash spandex textile at 40°C or below water temperature spandex is not acid and alkali resistant, avoid using detergents containing acid and alkali ingredients.

After washing spandex products to avoid direct sunlight, ultraviolet rays will accelerate its aging after washing, you can give the spandex products on some softener, which can help to maintain its softness and elasticity, to improve wearing comfort.