Home > Spandex

Spandex is the preferred name in North America, while elastane is most often used elsewhere. A well-known trademark for spandex or elastane is INVISTA 's brand name Lycra; another trademark (also INVISTA's) is Elaspan.

1 Spandex fiber characteristics

• can be stretched over 500% without breaking
• able to be stretched repetitively and still recover original length
• lightweight
• abrasion resistant
• poor strength, but stronger and more durable than rubber
• soft, smooth, and supple
• resistant to body oils, perspiration, lotions, and detergents
• no static or pilling problems

2 Major spandex fiber uses

• Apparel and clothing articles where stretch is desired, generally for comfort and fit, such as:
  • athletic, aerobic, and exercise apparel
  • swimsuits/bathing suits
  • brassiere straps and bra side panels
  • ski pants
  • slacks
  • hosiery
  • socks
  • belts
• Compression garments such as:
  • surgical hose
  • support hose
  • bicycleBicycle" may also refer to Bicycle Playing Cards. A bicycle or bike is a pedal-driven land vehicle with two wheels arranged in line. First introduced in 19th century Europe, it evolved quickly into its current design. With over one billion in the world to pants
  • foundation garments
• Shaped garments such as bra cups

3 Production

The U.S. Federal Trade CommissionThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an Independent Agency of the United States Government, established in 1914. The FTC enforces federal antitrust and consumer protection laws by investigating complaints against individual companies initiated by consume definition for spandex fiber is "A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a long chain syntheticThe term synthetic can mean more than one thing. Generally, synthetic means man-made. In philosophy, see Synthetic proposition In chemistry, see Chemical synthesis In linguistics, see Synthetic language. polymerA polymer is a long, repeating chain of atoms, formed through the linkage of many molecules called monomers. The monomers can be identical, or in complex polymers such as proteins the monomers have one or more substituted chemical groups, this gives them comprised of at least 85 percent of a segmented polyurethaneA polyurethane is any polymer consisting of a chain of organic units joined by urethane links. It can be made in a variety of textures and hardnesses by varying the particular monomers used and adding other substances. It is used in adhesives, elastomers,."

First U.S. commercial spandex fiber production: 1959, DuPont Company.

Current U.S. spandex fiber producers: INVISTA ; Bayer Corporation