From form-fitting workout clothes to breathable spandex swimwear, the elastic properties of polyester spandex fabric make it an indispensable ingredient in many activewear garments. This synthetic elastomeric fiber can stretch up to seven times its original size and snap back into place. Besides being incredibly flexible, this material has various other advantages that are especially useful in active wear.
Excellent Elasticity
When it comes to form-fitting activewear, elticity and comfort. Spandex is a type of synthetic fabric that blends the durability of polyester with the elasticity of elastic Fibers. It is also known for being lightweight and soft. In addition, it is easy to clean and resistant to wrinkles. Manufacturers developed this stretchy fabric in the 1950s after researching what women wanted in their textiles. Scientists found that women demanded more than cotton girdles and panties. They needed clothing that was comfortable to wear, durable, and affordable. While elastane does not have the best moisture-wicking properties and isn’t the most breathable, it is ideal for skin-tight clothes like track shorts, tight leggings, sports bras, boxer briefs, and socks. It can be combined with other fabrics to increase breathability and reduce door retention. Spandex is also heat-resistant and can be sewn with polyester thread. Use lukewarm water and avoid chlorine bleach to keep your spandex fabric looking and feeling its best.
Breathable
Spandex is a stretchy fabric that can expand up to eight times its size and offer unrestricted movement in all directions. It can also quickly return to its original shape, making it ideal for form-fitting workout clothes. In addition, it is a good choice for activewear because it wicks away moisture and promotes breathability. The synthetic elastane Fiber can be combined with cotton and polyester to create unique fabrics that combine the properties of both materials. This makes them soft, smooth and durable while also resistant to body oils, lotions, detergents, and sweat. In addition, they can be dyed and printed easily. Spandex is used in various clothing and accessories, including tights, swimwear, leggings, and athletic wear. In addition, it is often found in form-fitting undergarments, such as waistbands, support hoses, and bras. It is also frequently added to socks and boxer briefs. It is sometimes mixed with nylon, a more breathable fabric, to provide extra comfort and durability. However, nylon is less flexible and stretches less easily than spandex.
Durable
Spandex/elastane has revolutionized the fashion industry by making skin-tight clothing that is both flexible and comfortable. It is also relatively durable, lightweight, adaptable, and resistant to oils, lotions, sweat, detergents, and sewing damage. Although it can be worn independently, spandex is often blended with cotton, nylon, rayon or other natural and synthetic fibers to create garments. When you look at the label of your form-fitting workout clothing, spandex is likely one of the main ingredients. The high durability of spandex is particularly beneficial for athletic and sportswear as it helps maintain the garment’s shape and reduces the occurrence of unsightly creases. However, it is important to remember that spandex can release microplastics during washing and rinsing. These tiny particles are then released into the water supply and eventually end up in rivers, lakes and oceans, where they can cause damage to fish, mussels and other aquatic plants. This is why washing your spandex garments in laundry bags that capture these microplastics is essential.
Low Maintenance
Although spandex can be used alone to weave fabric, it’s typically blended with natural or manufactured fibres like cotton and polyester for added strength and durability. It’s also known for its exceptional stretchiness and recovery properties, making it ideal for tight-fitting garments like leggings and tights. Due to its synthetic nature, spandex doesn’t easily wrinkle or crease, making it easy to care for. You can often get away with not ironing spandex fabric at all! If you must iron it, use the lowest setting possible to avoid damaging it. Another benefit of using spandex is its resistance to fading. However, you should always wash your spandex fabrics with a mild detergent that does not contain chlorine bleach or fabric softener. It’s also important to use lukewarm water for washing and rinsing. This helps prevent the formation of bubbles and shrinking, which can affect the fabric’s quality.
Comfortable
Spandex is incredibly comfortable, making it ideal for workout clothing that moves with your body. This type of fabric also has moisture-wicking properties, which helps to keep you cool and dry during your workouts.
The material is often used in skin-tight clothes, such as track shorts and leggings. It can also be found in socks, boxer briefs and smaller amounts in looser garments. Its flexible and stretchy nature makes it perfect for yoga, weightlifting and other workouts that require a wide range of motion. Cotton spandex is a popular choice for workout clothing because it feels soft and comfortable. However, the material tends to be less breathable than other fabrics and can trap sweat, leading to irritation and door. To help combat these issues, some designers mix cotton with spandex to create a more breathable and comfortable fabric that still provides the stretchy fit of this synthetic fibber. Typically, this fabric is washed more frequently and should be treated carefully to prevent it from losing shape or becoming damaged by excessive heat exposure.
