How Lycra Fabric Is Made

How Lycra Fabric Is Made

When it comes to comfortable, stretchy clothes that move with you, few fabrics beat lycra.lycra fabric This trademarked brand of synthetic elastane is produced in over 90 countries around the world, and it’s widely used to create garments such as yoga pants, compression shorts, shapewear, and swimwear. In fact, almost all modern activewear includes a significant amount of this elastic fabric, and it’s also used in many everyday items like skirts, dresses, and socks.

Unlike natural fibers, which lose their stretch over time, lycra retains its elasticity for a long time.lycra fabric This feature makes it a popular choice for high-performance apparel, which often needs to fit close to the body, such as leggings and workout clothes. It’s also often combined with other textiles for a range of additional benefits, such as breathability and moisture-wicking.

The lycra production process starts with the creation of polyurethane, which is formed through a series of chemical reactions involving polyethers, diisocyanate monomers, and chain extenders.lycra fabric Once the polyurethane has been made, it’s diluted with a solvent and pushed through a spinneret to form long, elastic strands. These strands are then heat-treated and set to enhance their elasticity and strength. Next, the strands are blended with cotton, polyester, or nylon yarns to imbue them with a range of different properties. The yarns are then knitted together to create a final lycra fabric that’s ready for use.

In addition to its outstanding elasticity, lycra is lightweight and smooth on the skin.lycra fabric It’s easy to wash and maintain, and it’s resistant to wrinkles. This makes it a perfect choice for travel and low-maintenance apparel. Additionally, it can be blended with other natural fibers to improve the performance of clothing or provide different aesthetics. For example, a blend of cotton and lycra is ideal for loungewear, while a blended blend of silk and lycra is great for luxurious apparel.

One major downside of lycra is that it doesn’t biodegrade, and even when it’s disposed of responsibly, it can take thousands or millions of years for its elastane fibers to break down in waterways.lycra fabric This is problematic because it contributes to the growing trash islands in the world’s oceans. However, some brands are experimenting with new, sustainable fabrics that blend recycled or bio-based materials with lycra, so they offer extended garment life while reducing environmental impact.

Align Textile is an industry leader in sustainability, and their newest fabrics blend recycled and bio-based resources with lycra to reduce the environmental impact of your activewear while still offering a soft, stretchy feel. Their Cotton Lycra blend is a great example, as it pairs a soft cotton base with the support of lycra to reduce muscle fatigue and speed up post-exercise recovery. To learn more about Align Textile, their newest blends, and their commitment to the environment, contact them today.

Tags:4 way stretch fabric | bi stretch fabric