Elastane is a remarkable material that has revolutionized the textile industry, offering an exceptional range of properties, including durability, stretch, and comfort. In terms of applications, elastane can be seen in everything from daily wear to athletic apparel.
However, you need to keep reading this blog to understand elastane. This guide explains what this fabric is, its properties, benefits, the reason for its popularity, and applications. Let’s dive into the details now.
Basic Definition of Elastane Fabric
Elastane material is also known as spandex or lycra. The word elastane comes from the verb expand. It is made of polyurethane. a long-chain polymer. It is a synthetic material known for its exceptional elasticity. Elastane is the commonly used word for this fabric across the world.
The term spandex is common in North America. However, elastane textiles are produced by the LYCRA company, which is why elastane and spandex are often referred to with their trademarked name, LYCRA.
Elastane vs. Spandex: The Key Difference
A very common debate is elastane vs. spandex. Another common thing about this discussion is that people often ask, is elastane the same as spandex?
Well, elastane and spandex are the same materials with just different names. They are used interchangeably. But if you are still digging into some differences, they lie in their branding and terminology.
Elastane is the generic term commonly used in Europe and several other parts of the globe. The term spandex has its popularity in North America. Lycra is the brand since it is the company that produces elastane fabric.
History of Elastane
Elastane came into existence during World War II when the rubber-based fabrics like latex were failing in terms of durability, lightweight, and strength. Moreover, rubber was of high significance in WW2 so it was prioritized to build various equipment. Also, rubber’s cost was experiencing consistent fluctuations.
J. C. Shivers, the Dupont scientist, became motivated to replace rubber with a better alternative. In 1959, the scientist presented the final version of his work and called the material Fiber K. Later, the Dupont company changed it to Lycra, which was the trade name of the fabric. In 1962, Dupont began its full-scale production, which goes on till today.
What Is Elastane Made Of?
Elastane is produced with synthetic polymers, mainly polyurethane, to give elastane its elasticity.
Production Process of Elastane
Producing elastane requires 3 phases and 6 steps. The process can be carried out in 4 different ways to create the fabric:
Polymer Reactions
Prepolymer production takes place through mixing macro-glycol with diisocyanate monomer. 1:2 is the recommended ratio of macro-glyco to diisocyanate.
The prepolymer reacts with the same amount of diamine during dry spinning, and this creates a chain extension reaction. This step results in a solution.
The solution is then diluted with a solvent to produce the spinning solution. The solvent is used to make the solution thinner to handle it easily. It becomes ready to be pumped into the fiber production cell.
Fiber Production
The spinning solution is cured and converted into fibers by pumping it into a cylindrical spinning cell.
The fibers exit the cell through a compressed air unit. This is the time to produce the necessary thickness by combining the right number of solid strands.
Final Processing
Magnesium stearate or poly(dimethyl-siloxane) is used to treat fibers. The fibers pass through rollers onto a spool. Depending on the thickness of the fabric, the windup speed of the complete process can be anywhere from 300 to 500 mi (482.7 to 804.5 km) per minute. Lastly, the spools are filled with fiber.
This is the final step when the final package is ready to be shipped to textile manufacturers and other customers.
What Is Elastane Fabric Used For?
Elastane is an excellent fabric for performance clothes. It feels soft, smooth and stretchy. However, elastane is usually blended with other materials; therefore, its texture depends on which fabric blend is taking place in front of you. Moreover, elastane can be used in a variety of clothing types and accessories.
It can be used in a wide range of clothing types and accessories.
Athletic apparel: Swimsuits, cycling suits, and activewear.
Bodysuits: Wetsuits, zentai suits, and leotards.
Clothing accessories: tights, socks, belts, and gloves.
Pants: ski pants, skinny jeans, shorts, and yoga leggings.
Properties of Elastane Fabric
Elastane has several properties that make this material very popular and widely used. Here is the list of its characteristics:
- Lightweight and supple.
- Soft and smooth.
- Prevents sagging and bagging in clothing.
- Scratch resistant.
- Strong and high durability.
- High retractive force compared to rubber.
- Resists deterioration caused by perspiration, body oils, lotions or detergents.
- Recoils to its original shape very easily.
- Spandex can easily be dyed.
Disadvantages of Elastane
- Non-biodegradable: Don’t decompose naturally over time.
- Depends on other fabrics: Requires other fabrics to blend and create functional materials.
- Limited breathability: Not as breathable as organic materials like cotton.
- Environmental impact: The chemical production process of elastane fabric results in massive energy consumption and plenty of waste.
- Care requirements: Requires special care. Elastane is washed and dried at certain temperatures to maintain its shape and elasticity.
- Allergen: Spandex can cause allergic reactions in some people. They can experience itching, swelling, and even breathing issues.
Where Can You Buy Elastane Fabric?
Elastane is an excellent material for athletes and fitness lovers since it offers remarkable functionalities and properties. However, it requires special care when it comes to making proper and perfect clothes out of elastane.
Mega Sports Apparel has the expertise in cut and sew, shaping, customization, and transforming elastane into beautiful and fully functional clothing products. Moreover, you can get the material at market-competitive costs if you choose the manufacturer wisely.
FAQ’s
Is elastane stretchy?
Elastane is very stretchy and capable of stretching up to 5 to 8 times its original size. In fact, it is popular because of its elasticity since it stretches and retains its shape.
Is elastane natural or synthetic?
Elastane is a synthetic material created using polyurethane, recognized for its durability and flexibility.
Is elastane toxic to humans?
No, elastane is safer to wear and generally non-toxic. However, it can be very problematic for people with sensitive skin. They may experience mild irritation or itching.
Is elastane a good fabric?
Yes, elastane is an excellent material. It is durable, comfortable, and stretchable, making it suitable for athleisure, leggings, activewear, and fitted clothing.
