When we think of Spandex, our minds often travel back to the 1980’s. Tight
legging spandex shorts were coupled with oversized sweatshirts and tube socks in bright
colors. Most of us have tried to erase the whole decade from our memories. Although the
use of spandex never stopped, it’s popularity decreased due to unfashionable stigma
attached to the fabric by the early 1990’s. The spandex of the new millennium has
experienced a revolution, shedding the negative confines of the twentieth century. The
positive reputation of its origination has returned, and spandex is now more versatile
than ever before!
Spandex was the first manufactured elastic fiber, and was introduced by DuPont
under the trade name "Lycra" in 1958. Spandex gained interest quickly due to its
superiority to the strength and durability of rubber. Spandex also has a better resistance
to dry heat and oil, in comparison to rubber, which helped to skyrocket its popularity
when it was first introduced. Rubber was being utilized at the time, but Spandex took dye
better, could be used uncovered, and was several times stronger than its predecessor.
These attributes helped usher in a new era of comfort in the fashion industry, and
virtually eliminated the use of any other elastomeric fabrics.
Spandex has become one of the most popular blending fabrics. Blending spandex
with other fabrics creates a more stable, durable garment. Adding spandex to a fabric also
provides a higher level of comfort, a longer shelf life, and a better resistance to
perspiration and body oils. This is why spandex has become so widely used in the
"Workout Wear" and "Swim Wear" industries. The level of comfort and
wicking ability found in Spandex are unparalleled, and do not exist in such high amounts
with any other fabric.
Spandex is being used in a continually widening array of clothing articles,
including wovens and knits, and synthetics and natural fibers. Many of the fabrics use a
3% to 30% spandex content, depending on the type or genre of the garment. The use of
spandex is becoming increasingly popular within the plus-sized industry. Using spandex
creates a less confined feel, and allows a garment to glide over the silhouette for a more
flattering look. Older consumers interests have also been piqued by spandex due the
comfort stretch, and common use in cotton knits. These types of demographic and physical
changes have given spandex a new name- one that is synonymous with comfort and
flexibility.
The plus-sized industry utilizes spandex to give size appropriate customers a
less constrictive fit. Blending cotton and spandex is one of the most popular combinations
in use, and is especially predominant in this segment of the fashion industry. Spandex is
often blended with suiting and dress fabrics, such as wool, silk, and rayon, to create a
lighter, more flexible fabric that travels easily. When a 2-5% spandex content is utilized
in the making of these suits, blouses, jackets, and slacks, they can be worn all day, and
still feel comfortable. Spandex makes a marked difference, even in the smallest amounts.
As a plus-sized woman, I have a great respect for the difference spandex makes.
I have also gained a great respect for people who have sharpened the level of knowledge
they have in regards to the benefits of spandex blends for plus-sized women. It is very
refreshing to enter a fabric store that educates its consultants about the benefits of
these fabric blends on a fuller figure. Providing this useful information to seamstresses,
designers, and clients creates a more comfortable customer: plus-sized women need comfort
as much as we need support. Utilizing fabrics that are spandex blends provide these, and
many other, necessary attributes.
Spandex has more shape retention than any other fashion fabric; it can stretch
up to 600 times its length, and bounce back to its original structure. Shape retention
also allows garments to provide superior support without stretching. This quality is
especially important in foundations such as girdles, bras, underwear, and support hose; I
receive the level of support I want, with the freedom of movement and ease that I need. No
other fabric blend is as firm, gentle, or comfortable, as a fabric blend that includes
spandex.
The advent of technology has given a plus to the use of spandex in the
plus-sized industry. The inventors of spandex have improved upon it once again; DuPont has
developed a seamless LycraŽ. This means that when you wear a garment with a higher
LycraŽ spandex content, you’re wearing a garment that virtually contains no bulk!
This makes for a smoother silhouette, and gives a curvier shape a more fluid
line. Seamless spandex not only supports a fuller figure, it also provides the illusion of
a more toned frame. The use of this seamless LycraŽ has become one of the most popular
additions to the plus-sized facet of the fashion industry.
Spandex is an outstanding blending fabric due to its excellent resiliency,
dimensional stability, and elastic recovery. It enhances the features of every fabric
it’s blended with to create a stronger, more versatile piece of clothing. Spandex
brings out the best in other fabrics by complimenting their strongest qualities. Garments
have a greater freedom and flexibility, and we have clothes that support us and allow us
more freedom. There are so many reasons to love spandex, but I choose to because it just
makes everything better. Blended spandex fabrics feel better, fit better, and make us all
look better. There's plenty to love about that!
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sara J. Kadolph, Anna L. Langford, Textiles, (et al) (8th ed.
Prentice-Hall, Inc. Simon & Schuster/ A Viacom Company), Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458,
pages 127-130.
Mary Humphries, Fabric Glossary, (1996, Prentice-Hall, Inc. Simon &
Schuster/ A Viacom Company), Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458, pages 227-229.
Billie J. Collier, Phyllis G. Tortora, Understanding Textiles, (2001,
Prentice-Hall, Inc.) Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458, pages 212-217.
Facts Regarding Lycra from www.dupont.com.
