Applications in Fashion & Industry Spandex/Elastane Uses

1. FOR THE SPANDEX

Leggings, sports bras, cycling shorts, wetsuit (for increasing mobility).

EVERYDAY CLOTHING: Jeans, T-shirts, socks (for increasing comfort and stretch).

UNDERWEAR AND SHAPEWEAR: for compression and fit.

MEDICAL USES: Compression stockings, bandages.

2. FOR THE LYCRA® WITH EXTRA SPECIFIC USES

HIGH-PERFORMANCE SPORTSWEAR: Nike, adidas and Under Armour all use LYCRA® for better muscle support.

SWIMWEAR: for resistance to chlorine and saltwater.

LUXURY FASHION: high-end shapewear (e.g. Spanx) and body-con dresses.

Care & Maintenance

There are some ideas for care and maintenance below:

WASHING: Use cold water (hot water destroys elasticity).

DRYING: Air dry or tumble dry on low heat (high temperatures damage fibers).

BLEACHING: Avoid using chlorine bleach (will weaken spandex).

STORAGE: Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent UV degradation.

Environmental Impact & Alternatives

In order to suit our environment requirement, there are also some new ideas that are working nowadays as shown below.

NON-BIODEGRADABLE: Spandex/elastane is petroleum-based and does not break down easily.

RECYCLING CHALLENGES: Difficult to separate from blended fabrics.

ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES:

1) Recycled spandex (from post-industrial waste).

2) Bio-based spandex (under development).

3) Natural spandex (rubber cord, but less durable).