Spandex: features, characteristics, tips on choosing and maintaining

Spandex is the combined name of several varieties of polyurethane elastic threads. The second name of the material is elastane, although it is a more specific name. According to history, the first raw material obtained was supposed to be used as a rubber for the military industry, but the fabric was very durable and had restorative properties, and then spandex got a wider scope.

Spandex combines all types of synthetic fibers from polyurethane. According to its description, the structure is a knitwear, very dense, elastic, with a specific radiance. Despite its demonstrative strength, it is a very light web. Natural raw materials have a white color, but the fibers are fairly well stained, because on the world market spandex is offered in a very wide color variety, often in bright and saturated colors.

Often, spandex is also called elastane or lycra. In fact, this definition is true, 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 the “dry” method. However, a person who is not 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 Lycra calls for any kind of spandex.

Spandex cannot be called a separate concrete substance, it is a group of polyurethane materials. The basis of the canvas are nylon, acetate and other types of polymer elements. 85% of the composition is occupied by polyurethane, which practically makes it impossible to use the material in its pure form, therefore, spandex is usually 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 fills with beautiful shinegets smooth and can stretch five times its size.

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

If the store liked the dress of spandex, then keep in mind that this outfit is suitable only for a short wearing. For example, it can be worn for one evening. This is explained by the fact that it is rather uncomfortable for a long time to be in such a dress, the sensations in it resemble a “synthetic captivity”, and the evening can be spoiled. Therefore, spandex is often used for tailoring narrowly oriented things and professional suits.

By purchasing material, the raw material for which was partially served by spandex, It is worth knowing about the merits of the product, which ensures the inclusion of elastane in the composition:

• the fabric is very light, but at the same time durable;
• the material practically does not react to the effects of sweat;
• it is very durable and elastic canvas;
• the product withstands the effects of chemicals;
• it is a rather elastic fabric, which is not characterized by crushing;
• the material is well painted and also has dirt-repellent qualities;
• the canvas on the basis of spandex practically does not absorb water;
• This is not too expensive products, which is always available in the most simple stores.

This raw material has characteristics that do not allow its use in its pure form in the manufacture of textiles.

• The cloth absolutely does not pass air. If you wear clothes exclusively from spandex, the body sweats, strongly tightens it, the skin feels cold and smooth texture.
• This fabric is prone to puffs, even with the slightest grip.
• Prolonged use may cause an allergic reaction.
• In the sun, the fibers burn out and lose their characteristic radiance.
• Spandex loses its qualities if it is located near a heat source - fire or heating devices.

Due to its elastic properties, products containing spandex fibers are popular in theatrical and circus fields. Such clothes fit the figure very well, make movements free, good dyeability allows to produce very bright colorful dresses with decorative decoration. Perhaps the product under the lacquer, leather, metal. For the same qualities, spandex suits are popular with athletes. Especially often elastane is used in the production of clothes for gymnasts, figure skaters, swimmers, cyclists. From the combination of spandex and other fibers, the following products can be obtained.

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

• If you add fiber spandex (only 2%) in nylon, it is possible to manufacture stockings and pantyhose with a gloss effect. The elastic properties of the spandex hold the linen on the hips, fit the forms tightly, do not gather into folds and are not stretched. Women know this product under the name of lycra.
• From the combination of polymer threads, cotton and wool, you can get high-quality thermal underwear.
• From elastane and polyurethane produce special underwear for weight loss.
• If you combine spandex, viscose and polyester, then the output will be a material called diving, which is used for the production of sports and tourist equipment.

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

Before you buy a piece of clothing, which is composed of polyurethane yarn, Pay attention to the following criteria.

• The material must have a homogeneous structure. The quality indicates the absence of pellets, puffs and other damage.
• Ensure good elasticity and stretchability of the selected fabric.
• The material, which contains spandex, is smooth and pleasant to touch.
• The color should tightly cover the entire surface, the presence of divorces indicates poor product quality.
• A product that contains polyurethane fibers cannot cost too much, so be guided by the price.
• Pay attention to the manufacturer. The highest quality products are considered to be the USA, Europe, Russia and Belarus. Do not pass by and Chinese textiles - the main share of production and consumption falls on the Middle Kingdom.

Due to its strength qualities, spandex is unpretentious in care, however, some rules are still worth knowing.

• When cleaning the product can not be used bleach and bleach, as these funds may adversely affect the color of the canvas. However, some manufacturers allow the use of chemistry in the care of spandex, but in any case, this is often not worth doing.
• Most textiles that have spandex in their composition are allowed to be washed at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees.
• It is better to use a hand wash. If machine wash is allowed, then it should be a mode without additional spin and drying.
• Try to avoid drying the material near open sources of fire. Too high temperatures can cause the fibers to melt or the surface will become too hard.
• The product does not need ironing.

Immediately it is necessary to stipulate that, noticing the fading of the luster on the fabric, it makes no sense to prevent this in any way. It is impossible to stop the process, over time the glow, which is characteristic of products from spandex, always dims. This is especially true, for example, a swimsuit. Most often this thing is only enough for a couple of seasons, as the paint quickly burns out under the influence of UV 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 drawings on clothes in artificial light. Currently, modern technologies have allowed to reduce this lack of spandex, and now it can withstand sunlight more steadfastly, but still it is worth protecting the product if you want it to last as long as possible.

Buyers could appreciate the products created with the use of spandex. Positive feedback receives, for example, knitwear cooler with the addition of lycra. According to buyers, this is an excellent alternative to cotton fabric - the product does not wrinkle, does not need ironing, and retains its original shape for a long time. Those who were able to try out the fabric of diving 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 clothes from spandex is chosen as a dress for Halloween or a costume for the New Year's masquerade.Men usually use spandex for sports activities, women are more likely to meet with him in the departments of underwear and tights. Among the drawbacks, there is a poor air permeability of diving and other types of fabric. Things created by combining viscose and elastane have a high degree of crushing.

For information on how to knit spandex yarn, see the next video.