Lycra vs Spandex
In our wardrobe, there are some garments that stretch and provide a lot of comfort while wearing them. Certain fabrics have an inbuilt stretch due to the inclusion of a material called spandex. Another term, Lycra, is often used synonymously with spandex. This article aims to clarify the differences between the two terms, Lycra and Spandex.
Lycra
Lycra is a specific fiber manufactured by Dupont, a multinational company and leader in producing various types of paints and chemicals. Lycra is an elastic fiber that is blended with other fibers to create stretchable garments. The name Lycra has become so popular that people often use this brand name to refer to stretchable materials or fabrics.
Spandex
Spandex is the generic name for stretchable materials that retain their shape when released. This property makes it very useful in manufacturing undergarments and lower garments that need to be worn without a belt or hook. Spandex is not a natural substance like latex but possesses excellent elasticity. This polymer was invented in 1959 and named spandex as an anagram made up of the same letters that form the word “expands”. The invention of spandex revolutionized undergarment manufacturing, as it could be used to fit the waist of the person wearing it due to its elasticity. In North America, people know this fabric as Lycra, while in Europe, the term elastane is used to refer to the fiber called spandex.
Key Takeaways
- Lycra is the trade name for spandex manufactured by Dupont Company, while spandex is the generic name of the material.
- Spandex is a fiber or polymer invented in 1959 with exceptional elasticity and is blended with other fibers to create stretchable garments.
- In North America, the fabric is known as Lycra, while in Europe, it is called elastane.
