What is Lycra?

Lycra fibers are known to possess extraordinary properties like unique stretch and recovery property, light in weight, comfortable, shape retention, durable, freedom of movement, abrasion resistant, easy to dye, soft & smooth, resistant to bacterial attack, ultraviolet rays, no static pilling problems and many more.

Lycra is never used alone and used along with other fibers like cotton, silk, etc. to enhance the quality of the fabric. It is generally used in tight body hugging garments like swimsuits, wetsuits, active wear, bras, legging, socks, underwear, sportswear, disco jeans, slacks, dance belts, etc.

Lycra is used most commonly in women’s dress rather than men’s dress. Lycra fibers can be produced in 4 different ways which are melt extrusion, reaction spinning, solution dry spinning and solution wet spinning. The Preferred manner of laundering for Lycra fabrics is Machine Washing and Tumble Drying. However do not use chlorine bleach on such fabrics.
Today Lycra is having so much market presence that fabric like undergarments, swimsuits, sports wear cannot be found without it.