Lycra, also known as spandex or elastane, is a synthetic fiber famous for its exceptional elasticity. Actually Lycra is a brand name of the polyurethane or spandex fiber. This man-made elastic fiber invented and produced only by DuPont. Lycra yarn in certain proportion is used with other yarns to make the fabric more stretchable and elastic as well as to impart better form fitting properties. Lycra is widely used in activewear, swimwear, leggings, shapewear, and sportswear because of its durability, shape retention, moisture-wicking ability, and resistance to UV rays and chlorine. Some people are particularly attracted to Lycra clothing since it fits tightly and creates a “second skin” effect, which can lead to a form of Lycra fetishism. Lycra is normally one of the fabrics in leggings.
LYCRA can be stretched four to seven times its initial length, yet springs back to its original length once tension is released. While Lycra appears to be a single continuous thread, it is in reality a bundle of tiny filaments.
Properties of Lycra Yarn:
Lycra has unique properties that make it highly valuable in textile industry. Common properties of lycra are point out below:
High Elasticity: Can stretch 5 to 8 times its original size.
Lightweight and Soft: Lycra yarn feels smooth, soft, and lightweight, enhancing comfort in fabrics.
High Strength: Stronger and more durable compared to natural rubber.
Heat: Sticks at 350-390F. Melts above 500F.
Bleaches and Solvents: Good resistance to oxidizing agents. Poor resistance to bleach.
Acids and Alkalis: Good in diluted (weak), but degrades in strong acids and bases.
Shape Retention: Lycra prevents sagging and maintains the garment’s fit even after repeated stretching and washing.
Abrasion Resistance: Good resistance to wear and tear.
Blend Friendly: Commonly mixed with cotton, polyester, or nylon to improve stretch.
Mildew, Aging and Sunlight: Excellent aging and mildew resistance. Good resistance to sunlight.
Attributes of Lycra:
Made from premium quality materials
Long life and strong structure
Unique weave pattern
Ideally suited for industrial as well as household applications
How to Lycra Yarn is Used in Knitting?
Lycra yarn is used in the textile industry primarily to add stretch, comfort, and durability to fabrics. It is not usually used alone; it is always combined with other fibers like cotton, polyester, and nylon to improve the flexibility and fit of garments. Fabrics enhanced with lycra retain the appearance of the majority fiber.
Lycra is much more costly than other fibers. Hence, garments made of 100% lycra is not very popular. Instead, a certain percentage (say 5 to 10%) of lycra is used with other fiber in order to make stretchable fabric/garment. Presence of lycra will not only provide better form fitting characteristic but also enhances the comfort during use. On account of peculiar extensibility and surface characteristics, special yarn feeder is needed for feeding lycra yarn in the knitting machine. Lycra yarns are available in two forms – naked filament (generally not skin friendly) and filament wrapped with other skin friendly fibers. The second category is more popular. Such yarns can be used to any intimate wears including socks for both male and female. However, the craze of the women for lycra is much higher than men. In near future more and more lycra is going to be used in knitting.
The type of fabric and its end use determine the amount and type of Lycra required ensuring optimum performance and aesthetics. As little as 2% Lycra is enough to improve a fabric’s movement, drape and shape retention, while fabrics for high-performance garments such as swimwear and active sportswear may contain as much as 20-30% Lycra. Weaving or knitting techniques, together with fabric type and end use, determine whether Lycra is used in a bare or covered yarn form.
Application / Uses of Lycra Yarn:
Lycra yarn is widely used in the textile industry due to its outstanding stretchability, durability, and comfort.
Its applications include:
Sportswear and Activewear: Lycra is a key fiber in garments such as yoga pants, gym wear, running suits, cycling gear, and swimwear.
Undergarments and Lingerie: Used in bras, panties, shapewear, and elastic bands for comfort and shape retention.
Socks and Hosiery: Lycra increases the stretchiness of socks, making them easier to wear and better fitting.
Fashion and Denim: Lycra helps create body-hugging silhouettes, wrinkle resistance, and long-lasting garments. In denim, it allows jeans to stretch comfortably without losing their shape.
Leggings and Tights: Offers a “second skin” effect with smoothness and stretch.
Medical Textiles: Applied in compression garments, bandages, and support hosiery.
Accessories: Included in gloves, headbands, and other stretchable fashion or functional items.
Conclusion
Lycra is a revolutionary fiber in modern textiles due to its high stretchability, recovery, and comfort. It is widely used in sportswear, fashion, undergarments, and medical applications. In knitting, Lycra yarn plays a vital role in producing fabrics with excellent elasticity and shape retention. For textile engineering students, understanding Lycra and its applications is essential because it is one of the most important fibers in today’s textile and garment industry.
Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
