What is Lycra? Lycra yarn and its properties.

LYCRA® is a man-made elastic fibre invented and produced only by DuPont® which is also known as estomer or spandex.It’s remarkable properties of stretch and recovery enhance all fabrics and garments in which it is used, adding easy comfort and freedom of movement and improving fit and shape retention. Swimwear and lingerie owe their figure-flattering fit to LYCRA®. All types of hosiery are softer, smoother-fitting and more durable thanks to LYCRA®. In short, a little bit of LYCRA® makes all types of apparel fit better, feel better and look better. Tech-Talk
LYCRA® belongs to the generic elastane classification of man-made fibres(known as spandex in the US and Canada) and is described in technical terms as a segmented polyurethane it is composed of “soft”, or flexible, segments bonded together with “hard”, or rigid, segments. This gives the fibre it’s built-in, lasting elasticity.LYCRA can be stretched four to seven times its initial length, yet springs back to it’s original length once tension is released.While LYCRA® appears to be a single continuous thread, it is in reality a bundle of tiny filaments.

Spandex Fiber Characteristics

• Can be stretched repeatedly and still recover to very near its original length and shape
• Generally, can be stretched more than 500% without breaking
• Stronger, more durable and higher retractive force than rubber
• Lightweight, soft, smooth, supple
• In garments, provides a combination of comfort and fit, prevents bagging and sagging
• Heat-settable — facilitates transforming puckered fabrics into flat fabrics, or flat fabrics into permanent rounded shapes
• Dyeable
• Resistant to deterioration by body oils, perspiration, lotions or detergents
• Abrasion resistant
• When fabrics containing spandex are sewn, the needle causes little or no damage from “needle cutting” compared to the older types of elastic materials
• Available in fiber diameters ranging from 10 denier to 2500 denier
• Available in clear and opaque lusters

How LYCRA® is used
LYCRA® is never used alone; it is always combined with another fiber (or fibers), natural or man-made. Fabrics enhanced with LYCRA® retain the appearance of the majority fibre.

The type of fabric and it’s end use determine the amount and type of LYCRA® required to ensure optimum performance and aesthetics. As little as 2 percent LYCRA® is enough to improve a fabric’s movement, drape and shape retention, while fabrics for high-performance garments such as swimwear and active sportwear may contain as much as 20-30 percent LYCRA®. Weaving or knitting techniques, togheter with fabric type and end use, determine whether LYCRA® is used in a bare or covered yarn form.

Single and double covered LYCRA®










Core-twisted LYCRA®









The material used in the making of the Cotton-Lycra line of Snob underwear consist of:

-90% Cotton
-10% Spandex(Lycra®)

Cotton-Lycra Care

• Hand or machine wash in lukewarm water 
• Do not use chlorine bleach on any fabric containing spandex. Use oxygen or sodium perborate type bleach 
• Rise thoroughly 
• Drip dry. If machine dried, use low temperature 
• Ironing, if required, should be done rapidly. Do not leave the iron too long in one position. Use low temperatures setting. (For specific instructions, refer to garment's sewn-in care label)

Some Major Spandex Fiber Uses

• Garments where comfort and fit are desired: hosiery, swimsuits, aerobic/exercise wear, ski pants, golf jackets, disposable diaper, waist bands, bra straps and bra side panels
• Compression garments: surgical hose, support hose, bicycle pants, foundation garments