What are spandex fibers?
Spandex fiber, or elastane fibers, better known under their trade names, Lycra and Dorlastan, represent a further high point in the development of man-made fibers.
Invented in 1937 in Germany, elastane has properties not found in nature, the most important being an extraordinary elasticity.
Compared to rubber, elastane has both greater tear resistance and durability and a tension capacity two or three times greater, at a third of the weight.
Elastane is used in all areas where a high degree of permanent elasticity is required, as, for example, in tights, sportswear, swimwear, corsetry, and woven and knitted fabrics.
When stretched, it always reverts to its original form.
Elastane, thus, is a prerequisite for fashionable or functional apparel that is intended to cling to the body while, at the same time, remaining comfortable.
Elastane
It combines its beneficial properties with both natural and man-made fibers.
There are two principal methods used in processing elastane.
One is to wrap the elastane fiber in a nonelastic thread—either natural or man-made.
The resulting yarn has the appearance and feel of the outer fiber used.
The second method involves using pure elastane threads, which are worked or woven into fabrics made from other fibers.
The added elasticity makes such fabrics more comfortable to wear. Blends with elastane depend on the type of fabric and its end-use.
On care labels, elastane is often designated as “EL.”
Properties
High performance and easy care.
Elastane fibers can be stretched from four to seven times their length, reverting to their original length when the tension is relaxed. Elastane has the highest stretch tension of all textile raw materials.
Two percent elastane is enough to make trousers, for instance, retain their shape. For body-shaped silhouettes and high stretch capacity, i.e., in swimwear, corsetry, or sportswear, 15–40% elastane is used.
Elastane fibers guarantee a high degree of comfort combined with great freedom of movement.
In woven and knitted fabrics, elastane increases shape retention and accelerates crease recovery.
Elastane is not sensitive to transpiration, make-up, cosmetics, sun cream, or seawater. For example, swimwear with elastane should be rinsed out after bathing.
Elastane is easy to care for.
Spandex Yarn
Spandex is a man-made fiber that is produced as a filament yarn, meaning the fiber is continuous and with a very large percentage of elongation & recovery, so it is known for very good elasticity. It is used for weaving stretchable fabrics, and another common production practice is knitting either bare or covered spandex yarn to form the garment, with one yarn appearing on the front and the other on the back of the fabric.
Covered spandex is also utilized for various manufacturing processes, such as narrow elastics, socks, denim, etc. The covering of the yarn involves wrapping it in the main yarn so that spandex becomes the yarn’s core material.
Four processes are used for the covering of spandex yarn:
Single covered: Nylon or any other fiber used is wrapped in a spiral around the spandex.
Double covered: Spandex yarn is wrapped in two layers of nylon or any other fabric used. One rotates clockwise and the other anticlockwise. It is used in yarn intended for the production of high-quality sheer tights.
Air covered: Spandex is intermingled with nylon or polyester yarns through a jet of air.
Core-spun: During the yarn manufacturing process, the spandex is covered with a coating of fibers.
Section:
Circular mono and multifilament.
Count:
From 8 to 1,880 dtex.
Brightness:
Shiny, semi-transparent, transparent, opaque.
Color:
Black, raw white, and nylon dyeable.
