Spandex: features, characteristics, tips for choosing and care

Spandex is the collective name for several varieties of polyurethane elastic threads. The second name for the material is elastane, although this is a more specific name. According to history, initially the raw materials obtained for the first time were supposed to be used as rubber for the military industry, but the fabric turned out to be very strong and had regenerative properties, and then spandex received a wider scope of application.

Spandex combines all types of synthetic polyurethane yarns. According to its description, the structure is a knitted product, very dense, elastic, with a specific shine. Despite its indicative strength, it is a very lightweight canvas. Natural raw materials have a white color, but the fibers are dyed quite well, therefore, on the world market, spandex is offered in a very wide variety of colors, more often in bright and saturated shades.

Spandex is often also called elastane or lycra. In fact, this definition is correct, but it is worth knowing that spandex is a more general concept.Both elastane and lycra belong to the group of polyurethane threads, but elastane is a knitted thread made using a special “wet” technology, and lycra is one of the varieties of elastane, but it is produced using a “dry” method. However, a person who is little familiar with textile products will not notice the difference in these varieties. In addition, Lycra is a trademark of an American company, and representatives of this company are often unhappy if any kind of spandex is called lycra.

Spandex cannot be called a separate concrete substance, it is a group of polyurethane materials. The fabric is based on nylon, acetate and other types of polymer elements. 85% of the composition is occupied by polyurethane, which practically does not make it possible to use the material in its pure form, therefore, usually spandex is used as a raw material for the manufacture of textiles and is included in the composition of natural fabrics or synthetics. Most often it is cotton, silk, polyamide, polyester. Any material containing elastane is filled with a beautiful shine, gets smooth and can stretch up to five times its size.

One of the unique properties of spandex is stain resistance. The threads do not absorb the dyes of household dirt, and therefore any stains can be easily cleaned without leaving any residue. However, when sewing a spandex product, problems can arise; only a professional can cope with this task. It is unacceptable to use pins for sewing - only pencil and chalk, and in the process of sewing, you should use a specialized needle for knitwear or stretch material. Another uncomfortable property for working with fabric is the ability to shrink up to 50%, in this regard, it is recommended to soak and dry it before sewing.

If you like a spandex dress in the store, keep in mind that this outfit is only suitable for short-term wear. For example, it can be worn for one evening. This is due to the fact that it is rather uncomfortable to be in such a dress for a long time, the sensations in it resemble "synthetic captivity", and the evening can be ruined. Therefore, spandex is often used for sewing highly specialized things and professional suits.

By purchasing material that is partially based on spandex, it is worth knowing about the advantages of the product, which is ensured by the inclusion of elastane in the composition:

• the fabric is very light, but at the same time wear-resistant;
• the material practically does not react to the influence of sweat;
• it is a very durable and elastic fabric;
• the product can withstand the effects of chemicals;
• it is a rather elastic fabric, which is not characterized by wrinkling;
• the material is well painted, and also has dirt-repellent qualities;
• spandex-based canvas practically does not absorb water;
• these are not too expensive products that are always available in the simplest stores.

This raw material also has characteristics that do not allow it to be used in its pure form in the manufacture of textiles.

• The canvas is absolutely impermeable to air. Wearing purely spandex garments makes the body sweat, tightens it tightly, and the skin feels cold and smooth.
• This fabric is prone to pulling even with the slightest snag.
• Prolonged use can provoke the formation of an allergic reaction.
• In the sun, the fibers fade and lose their characteristic radiance.
• Spandex loses its quality if it is near a heat source such as fire or heating appliances.

Due to their elastic properties, products containing spandex fibers are popular in the theater and circus.Such clothing fits the figure very well, makes movement free, good dyeing allows you to produce very bright colorful outfits with decorative design. It is possible to make the product under varnish, leather, metal. For the same qualities, spandex suits are popular with athletes. Elastane is especially often used in the production of clothing for gymnasts, figure skaters, swimmers, and cyclists. A combination of spandex and other fibers can yield the following products.

• If you combine 5% elastane with denim, you get popular stretch jeans. They are characterized by the preservation of the original appearance for a long time and ease of wearing.
• The most popular combination is cotton and spandex. This combination allows for the production of beautiful T-shirts, tops, sportswear and yoga clothes. The products are not only bright and stylish, but also very comfortable, they stretch and do not hinder movement.

• If you add spandex fibers (only 2%) to nylon, you can make stockings and tights with a shiny effect. The elastic properties of spandex hold the garment on the hips, fit tightly to the shape, do not wrinkle or stretch. Women know this product under the name Lycra.
• From the combination of polymer threads, cotton and wool, you can get high-quality thermal underwear.
• Elastane and polyurethane are used to produce special underwear for weight loss.
• If you combine spandex, rayon and polyester, the result is a material called diving, which is used to make sports and outdoor equipment.

Sometimes spandex is included in the composition of products in some specific areas where a high-quality fit is required. For example, polyurethane threads can be used in the manufacture of work gloves; this raw material is often injected into the cuffs so that they are tightly held on the wrist.

Before you buy an item of clothing that contains polyurethane threads, pay attention to the following criteria.

• The material must have a homogeneous structure. The quality is indicated by the absence of pellets, puffs and other damage.
• Make sure the selected fabric has good elasticity and stretch.
• The material, which contains spandex, is smooth and pleasant to touch.
• The color should cover the entire surface tightly; streaks indicate poor product quality.
• A product that contains polyurethane fibers cannot be too cheap, so be guided by the price.
• Pay attention to the manufacturer. Products of the USA, Europe, Russia and Belarus are considered to be of the highest quality. Do not pass by the Chinese textiles - the bulk of production and consumption falls on the Celestial Empire.

Due to its strength properties, spandex is unpretentious in care, however, there are some rules to be aware of.

• When cleaning the product, do not use bleach and bleaches, as these agents can negatively affect the color of the canvas. However, some manufacturers allow the use of chemicals when caring for spandex, but in any case, this is often not worth doing.
• Most textiles containing spandex are allowed to be washed at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees.
• Better to use the hand wash method. If machine wash is allowed, then this should be a mode without additional spinning and drying.
• Try to avoid drying material near open sources of fire. Too high temperatures can cause the fibers to fuse or the surface becomes too hard.
• The product does not need ironing.

Immediately it is worth stipulating that, having noticed the fading of the shine on the fabric, it makes no sense to prevent this in any way. It is impossible to stop the process, over time, the shine that is characteristic of spandex products always dims. This is especially true, for example, a swimsuit. Most often, this thing is enough for only a couple of seasons, as the paint quickly fades out under the influence of ultraviolet rays. In this regard, it is not recommended to dry clothes on the balcony under an open source of light, and it is better to demonstrate decorative patterns on clothes under artificial lighting. Nowadays, modern technologies have reduced this disadvantage of spandex, and now it withstands sunlight more firmly, but it is still worth protecting the product if you want it to last as long as possible.

Customers were able to appreciate the products created with the use of spandex. Positive feedback is received, for example, for the cooler jersey with the addition of lycra. According to buyers, this is an excellent alternative to cotton fabric - the product does not wrinkle, does not need to be ironed, and retains its original shape for a long time. Those who have been able to try diving fabric on themselves note the excellent performance characteristics of such a suit: the material fits the figure well, does not hinder movement.

Buyers appreciate the affordable price, wide availability of the material and its color variety. Especially often, spandex clothing is chosen as a Halloween outfit or a New Year's masquerade costume. Men usually use spandex for sports activities, women are more likely to see it in the underwear and tights sections. The disadvantages are poor breathability of diving and other types of fabric. Items created by combining viscose and elastane have a high degree of crease.

For the properties of spandex, see the following video.