Introduction to new fiber – Lycra
LYCRA is the trade name of a man-made elastic spandex fiber exclusively invented and produced by DuPont. It is a polyester spandex produced by dry spinning. Its fiber is composed of flexible segments and rigid segments. It is this molecular structure that gives Lycra excellent extensibility and elastic recovery properties. Lycra can be stretched to 4-7 times its original length, with a recovery rate of 100%. Compared with rubber, its elasticity is longer and more durable, and it is 1/3 lighter in weight. It cannot be used alone and can be interwoven with any other man-made or natural fibers. It does not change the appearance of the fabric and is an invisible fiber that greatly improves the performance of the fabric. At present, Lycra has been widely used in various fields of textile product production, and its application in the clothing industry is also very broad; from light and thin underwear to heavy outerwear, from sportswear to fashion suits, etc.
Characteristics and applications of Lycra
(1) Fiber and its applications
Lycra is in the form of matt white, translucent or transparent filament, and its fineness is 11 dtex-1880 dtex. Lycra yarn of various finenesses is mainly used in: transparent stockings; circular knitwear (underwear, sportswear); leggings; narrow belts; warp knitted fabrics for women’s underwear and swimwear; medical items (fleece cutting pieces, bandages, etc.); footwear, etc.
（２）、Yarn form
Lycra mainly appears in fabrics in the form of core-spun yarn/wrapped yarn/covered yarn and bare yarn.
Core-spun yarn/wrapped yarn/covered yarn has the appearance and feel of covered fibers (such as cotton, wool, silk, etc.), and at the same time has excellent elasticity. This type of yarn is widely used in various types of fabrics.
Lycra bare silk has good dyeing properties and wearability. Lycra naked silk is often used in knitted underwear, socks, bandages, sportswear, etc. Lycra will stretch and become thinner when stretched. When used in products such as transparent stockings, it will make the clothing more attractive.
（３）、Application in fabrics
Lycra has outstanding stretchability. For knitwear, its multi-directional extension is determined by the fabric itself, and Lycra only brings elasticity that stretches and recovers. Woven fabrics are only stretchable in the direction in which Lycra is woven, such as warp knitting (straight direction) or weft knitting (crosswise direction).
1. In woven fabrics
When Lycra is used in warp yarns, the fabric will be extensible in the longitudinal direction; when used in weft yarns, the fabric will have transverse elasticity; if Lycra is used in both warp and weft yarns, the fabric will have bidirectional elasticity.
2. In knitted fabrics
In weft knitted fabrics, Lycra bare yarn is used for lightweight flat knitted fabrics; Lycra covered yarn is used for socks, cuffs of knitted pullovers, etc.; core-spun yarn is often used for lightweight flat knitted fabrics such as knitted pullovers and underwear. Material; wrapping yarn is often used in rib machines.
The use of Lycra in warp knitted fabrics mainly increases the extensibility of the fabric, making the garments have excellent applicability and comfort.
3. In narrow strip fabrics
Narrow fabrics are widely used in underwear and belts. Lycra provides high-performance stretch in swathed fabrics for durability and comfort. It can be used to produce thin and delicate decorative bands for modern ultra-light women’s underwear, improving and maintaining their shape and shape.
(4) Advantages of Lycra in clothing
1. Extremely elastic and not easily deformed
Lycra can enhance the elasticity of fabrics and can be used in combination with a variety of different fibers, whether natural or man-made fibers, without changing the appearance and texture of the fabric. For example, wool + Lycra fabric not only has good elasticity, but also has better fit, shape retention, drapeability and wearability after washing; cotton + Lycra not only has the comfort and breathability advantages of cotton fiber, but also takes into account the advantages of cotton fiber. It has the characteristics of good elasticity and non-deformation, making the fabric more close-fitting, fit, soft and comfortable. Lycra adds unique advantages to clothing: comfortable fit, freedom of movement and long-term shape retention.
2. Lycra can be used on any fabric
Lycra can be used on cotton knitted fabrics, double-sided wool fabrics, silk poplin, nylon fabrics and different cotton fabrics.
3. The comfort of Lycra
In recent years, people who love fashion have felt depressed by the busyness and competition of the city. They do not want to be restrained by the clothes that accompany them every day. They need to be consistent with comfort while maintaining appropriate dressing. Lycra clothing has the characteristics of comfortable fit and free movement, which meets the clothing needs of people in contemporary society.
4. The influence of Lycra on style
Close-fitting clothing does not feel tight; clothing has a degree of opening and closing, fits well without being restrictive, and has better drape; children’s clothing is full of vitality and can jump freely after wearing it.
5. The design features of Lycra
No matter the design is loose or narrow, it is equally comfortable and natural; there are no wrinkles, it is not too loose, and it fits perfectly, fully embodying simple beauty; you can enjoy it close to your body at all times.
Processing and maintenance performance of products containing Lycra
Lycra has good processability and maintenance properties. Lycra can withstand the treatment of most commonly used chemical reagents, and Lycra-containing fabrics can be dyed, printed and finished according to most processes of other fiber processing produced together. Lycra products are easy to maintain. If there are no special instructions, you can use the washing method required by most fiber components in the fabric. LycraClean with regular laundry soap and detergent, but avoid chlorine bleach and strong alkalis.
Analysis of the popularity of Lycra
Looking back on the history of clothing development, it is not difficult to find that the rise of elastic fiber and the popularity of Lycra are not only the product of technological development but also a good interpretation of the spirit of the times and civilization. Lycra brings flexibility, comfort and fit to products that cater to the simple and lively design style of modern clothing and the modern lifestyle that pursues comfort, convenience, and leisure sports. Clothing, like human knowledge and education, reflects people’s hearts and minds. The application of Lycra fabric in clothing not only integrates the unique cultural connotation of modern life and modern clothing, but also creates a very revolutionary popular concept.
Source: “China Textile Network”
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