[Torchwatch]

Lycra is a reg. trade name belonging to Dupont for their version of Spandex.
The manufacturing process for Spandex is to insert threads of Elastane into the weave either in one direction making 2 way stretch or in both directions, up and across the loom making 4 way stretch.

The elastane can be added to any fabric so there are nylon, polyester and cotton Lycras. If the base fabric is shiny wet look you will get shiny wet look Lycra. If the base fabric is matt, you will get matt Lycra.

The more Elastane you add to a fabric the more stretchy it will become, my new Aussibums are 20% Elastane, while my Aqux Guard bikini is 13% Elastane.

The base fabric can be dyed any colour before weaving and the woven fabric can be printed upon.

The thickness of the thread used on the loom dictates the thickness of the finished fabric and garment.

Elastane is fragile, leave it damp in your swim bag and it will break down, washing with hot water and synthetic detergents and it will break down, wring out hard after swimming and it will break down, sunbathe in bright sunlight and it will break down, swim in chlorinated water and it will break down. The sign that your Lycra has broken down is that the ass of your swim suit will hang down to your knees, not a good look. To avoid this look some designers build in a rear seam in their swim briefs and bikinis it limits sag as the suit gets older.

You may notice small broken threads in the fabric of an older swim suit, this is the elastane breaking down and fracturing.

The Enduarance suits use much less or no Elastane and are consequently non stretchy.

Any questions ?