Lycra

Lycra is a brand name for a type of synthetic fiber known as spandex or elastane. Lycra fabric material is renowned for its exceptional elasticity, making it a popular material in various types of clothing, especially in garments that require flexibility and stretch, such as sportswear, swimwear, and yoga clothing.

Lycra is a synthetic polymer primarily composed of polyurethane. It is produced through a series of chemical reactions involving polyethers, diisocyanates, and chain extenders. Once the polymer is formed, it undergoes a spinning process to create long, elastic fibers. These fibers are then stretched, heat-treated, and set to enhance their elasticity, strength, and stability. When knitting lycra fibers, they are often blended with yarns such as cotton, polyester, or nylon to imbue the fabric with a range of desirable properties. In the final stage, lycra fabric undergoes finishing processes tailored to specific needs, including dyeing, printing, anti-pilling, wrinkle resistance, and antibacterial treatments.

• Yoga Pants: The four-way stretch ofsoft lycra fabric allows yoga pants to provide maximum freedom of movement, supporting a wide range of motions without restriction. During intense activities, Lycra fabric yoga pants wick away sweat and ensure airflow, keeping the wearer comfortable.
• Yoga Bras: Lycra’s high elasticity and shape retention make it an ideal fabricfor yoga bras, offering excellent support and maintaining shape even after multiple washes. The sport Lycra fabric’s breathability ensures comfort during high-intensity exercise.
• Coats:Lycra fabrics enhance the slim fit of coats, with elasticity that adapts to the body’s contours while providing comfort and maintaining a stylish silhouette. Good performance of wrinkle resistance also make these coats convenient to wear in any place. When combined with materials like nylon polyamide, the stretchy lycra fabric adds waterproof properties, making the coats suitable for various outdoor activities.
• Slacks: Lycra fabricis also ideal for slacks, offering excellent wrinkle resistance for a smooth, polished appearance suitable for both office and casual settings. Lycra’s easy-care nature requires minimal ironing and maintenance, making it a practical choice for busy wearers.

Before lycra fabric was invented in the 1958, people wore loose-fitting clothes for physical activities. In the 1960s, lycra fabric was first introduced into swimwear, with lightweight bikinis replacing the bulky swimsuits of the past. In 1968, members of the French ski team were the first athletes to wear ski suits made from lycra fabric material. This trend quickly spread to other sports. In the 1970s, fueled by the disco craze and growing fitness awareness, lycra stretch fabric became popular for making leggings and bodysuits. By 1972, Olympic swimmers began to embrace the sleek, lightweight swimwear made from lycra fabric. By the 1980s, over half of women’s socks and underwear contained lycra stretch fabric. In the 1990s, the focus on enhancing athletic performance grew, leading to the development of advanced fibers. JIOVANCE’s sport lycra fabrics are designed to reduce muscle fatigue, improve blood circulation, and accelerate post-exercise recovery.