What is spandex made out of？
Spandex is a popular elastic fiber known for its exceptional stretchability. Fabrics like 95 modal 5 spandex and 10 spandex 90 polyester utilize spandex for added flexibility and comfort. But what exactly is spandex made from?
The Composition of Spandex
Spandex is primarily made from a synthetic polymer called polyurethane. This material is created through a chemical reaction between a diisocyanate and a polyol. The result is a stretchy fiber that can expand up to five times its original length.
Key Characteristics
Spandex is known for several distinctive features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elasticity | Can stretch significantly without losing shape. |
| Durability | Resistant to wear and tear, making it long-lasting. |
| Comfort | Provides a snug fit and allows freedom of movement. |
| Moisture-Wicking | Helps keep the body dry during physical activities. |
How Spandex is Used?
It is a regular practice that Spandex is added to the other substances so that the latter can improve their functioning. For instance, in the 95 modal 5 spandex blend, the softness is brought by modal while the stretch is added by spandex. With these features, the combination is versatile enough to be used in various applications, viz.:
- Activewear: Needless to say, spandex makes the wearing of yoga pants and exercise clothing feel like a hotcake.
- Casual Wear: Especially for T-shirts and dresses, the addition of spandex encapsulates comfortability.
- Underwear: The fibre’s elastic property enables it to conform perfectly to closely-fitting garments.
Benefits of Blending Spandex
Mixing spandex with other materials significantly raises the quality of fabrics. For example, the 10 spandex 90 polyester mix is not only the best of both worlds but also the most referable, owning to its both strength and elasticity, and thus, it is best for sportswear and casual clothing. This combo results in:
- The blend feels against the skin in a positive way: This aspect is responsible for a good product feel.
- While being active, clothes made out of this blend maintain their shape and fit: Make clothes out of this blend and you will for sure look decent.
Conclusion
Spandex in layman’s terms is a man-made fiber that is strictly based on polyurethane material, and it is popular for its elasticity and long life. The fact that spandex can be successfully mixed with other fabrics like modal or polyester leads to the improvement of the product by adding comfort and extra features. This feature has made spandex a regular in clothes today, particularly in sportswear and casual dress.
