Lycra Leotards

Apr 23rd, 2009 by Cheap Leotards

Lycra is a brand name, not a type of fabric. The name of the fabric is in fact spandex, or sometimes known as elastane. However DuPont has manufactured this fabric using the brand name of Lycra and Lycra has now become an almost generic term.

Spandex, or Lycra as it is now more universally known, was invented in 1959 by a DuPont scientist. It was originally intended as a replacement for rubber in corsetry but its use has now become far more widespread in clothing, including in ladies lingerie in plus sizes as well as all other sizes.

It is unnecessary to go into the precise chemical reasons why Lycra is such a useful and versatile fabric. Suffice to say that the chemical properties of Lycra make it extremely strong whilst being extraordinarily elastic. It was a superb replacement for rubber, being in fact stronger than rubber whilst being so elastic that it can be stretched to more than 600% of its original length without breaking.

It can be stretched repeatedly and still return to it’s original length. It is extremely comfortable to wear, good looking and does not take up body oils or perspiration, thereby rendering it relatively resistant to body odor.

It is commonly combined with other fabrics to produce clothing fabrics which are durable yet elastic. It can be, for example, be present in denim to make stretch jeans. It is also present in many other clothing fabrics and is regularly worn by sports people such as cyclists, skiers and swimmers.