Elastane - what is this fabric?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Elastane is a synthetic fiber, namely segmented polyurethane. Very often you can find the names "spandex" and "lycra". In its pure form, the material is practically not used.

Elastane is a material that is almost never used in its pure form. It is used in the manufacture of various products with an admixture of other fabrics of artificial or natural origin. This allows you to improve the appearance of products, extend the service life.

About the history of the material. Elastane - what kind of material?

The history of elastane began in the middle of the twentieth century. The homeland of the material is the USA, a small state of Delaware. Elastane is a material that was developed by the American scientist Joseph Shivers. Initially, the fabric was the basis for the production of women's corsets. Only since the sixties has it been used in the production of various sportswear. Since the seventies of the twentieth century, the material has been used to make everyday clothes.

Currently, there are many registered manufacturers of elastane. Separately, it is worth highlightingmost popular and largest:

• lycra and elaspan - materials from the American company Invista;
• Japanese-made dorlastan;
• linel (made in Italy).

Today, the material is in high demand among clothing manufacturers due to its excellent properties and high wear resistance.

Production Features

Elastane is a material with flexible segments. They are interconnected by rigid ligaments. This explains the good stretchability of the material.

This fabric is artificial. That is why you can get a canvas for clothes only in a laboratory. There are several ways to produce elastane:

• chemical formation;
• formation from mortar (dry or wet);
• polymer melt injection.

After the threads have hardened, they are gathered into bundles, washed and then dried. And only after all the above manipulations are completed, the threads are rolled into coils.

Material Values

The demand for elastane is due to many undeniable advantages:

1. Elasticity. The material stretches perfectly, it can increase in length by more than eight times. If necessary, the fabric returns to its original shape in the blink of an eye.
2. The strength and wear resistance of elastane determines the popularity of using the material as an additional component of products. The fabric more than doubles the lifespan.
3. Maximum density is 1.3g/cc. That is why the fabric has a stretch effect that allows products to hug the figure, emphasizing all the curves.
4. The lightness of the material is also an indisputable advantage.
5. Elastane is pleasant to the touch. Does not cause irritation or discomfort.
6. Fine structure allows you to add it to any other materials.
7. One of the main advantages of the material is the ability to pass air. This allows the body to breathe.
8. Easy maintenance. Things with the addition of lycra do not need ironing.
9. Pollution from elastane is washed off quite easily. Stains are washed even in cold water. To completely get rid of dirt, just rub the stain.

Due to the described advantages, elastane is widely used in the production of clothing and other wardrobe items.

Flaws

Like any material, elastane has its drawbacks. Of the weaknesses of the material, it is worth highlighting:

• not resistant to chlorinated water;
• intolerance to direct sunlight.

Even a short exposure to the sun can cause the material to fade. In addition, despite its pleasant appearance and softness, elastane, due to artificial origin, can cause an allergic reaction.

Scope of application

The material is quite popular in the production of clothing. Elastane is added to natural and artificial fabrics when sewing various kinds of wardrobe items. Most often, the fabric is added to cotton, silk and knitwear. In addition, polyester and elastane are often used for the manufacture of materials at the same time. Less often, the latter is added as an ingredient to flax.

Its share to the main raw material can be from five to thirty percent. The higher the percentage, the greater the density of the material.

Elastane is very popular in the production of a large number of garments and accessories. It is used to make casual clothes: skirts, turtlenecks, T-shirts, shorts, and is also added as a component in the production of jeans. Lycra is used to make festive wardrobe items, clothing for carnivals and masquerades, as well as for circus and dance costumes.

Elastane is used in the production of workwear and tracksuits. For the manufacture of hosiery, lycra is also often used. This component gives shine to women's tights and stockings, and securely fixes them on the woman's leg. Products without lycra look unpresentable and constantly "descend" down.

Care

In the reviews, many say that elastane is a fairly unpretentious fabric. As a rule, each product has special tags that indicate the conditions for the care and operation of the garment. If you follow the recommendations, a thing with the addition of elastane will last for more than one year.

Hand wash at room temperature preferred. Washing inwashing machine is possible only with gentle mode. Care must be taken when drying. It is strongly not recommended to twist the product strongly. This can ruin its appearance. When washing, it is best to refuse the use of conditioners and bleaches. Colored items should be washed separately from plain and light colored items.

Elastane products should be dried in a horizontal position to avoid loss of shape. Ironing should be done on a delicate setting. It is best to refuse to store things on a coat hanger. This may contribute to the irreversible deformation of the product.

Conclusion

Not many people wonder what kind of fabric elastane is, and what is the reason for its popularity. This material is used as an additional component to other fabrics. Caring for artificial material does not require much effort. It is enough to follow simple rules.

Lycra items are very popular among consumers, have excellent reviews. Elastane retains color even after multiple washes.