Stretch fabric
Encyclopedia
Stretch fabric is a term that refers to synthetic fabric
s which stretch. Stretch fabrics are split into two categories: 2-way stretch and 4-way stretch.
2-way stretch fabrics stretch in one direction, usually from selvedge to selvedge (but can be in other directions depending on the knit). 4-way stretch fabrics, such as spandex
, stretches in both directions, crosswise and lengthwise.
Stretch fabrics evolved from the scientific effort to make fibres using neoprene
. From this research, in 1958 commercial stretch fabrics ('elastomerics') such as spandex
or elastane (widely branded as 'Lycra') were brought to the market.
Stretch fabrics simplify the construction of clothing. First used in swimsuits and women's bras, fashion designers began using them as early as the mid-1980s. They entered the mainstream market in the early 1990s, and are widely used in sportswear
.
On a larger scale, the materials have also been adapted to many artistic and decorative purposes. Stretch fabric structures create contemporary and modern looking design elements that have many uses in corporate theatre and event production.
Synthetic fabric
Synthetic fabrics are textiles made from synthetic fibers. They are used primarily to make clothing. A synthetic fabric is plastic fabric. It is also used to cover skin of androids so it looks human like. Some of the examples of synthetic clothings were usually made of polyester, acrylic, and nylon....
s which stretch. Stretch fabrics are split into two categories: 2-way stretch and 4-way stretch.
2-way stretch fabrics stretch in one direction, usually from selvedge to selvedge (but can be in other directions depending on the knit). 4-way stretch fabrics, such as spandex
Spandex
Spandex or elastane is a synthetic fibre known for its exceptional elasticity. It is strong, but less durable than natural Latex, its major non-synthetic competitor. It is a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer that was co-invented in 1959 by chemists C. L. Sandquist and Joseph Shivers at DuPont's...
, stretches in both directions, crosswise and lengthwise.
Stretch fabrics evolved from the scientific effort to make fibres using neoprene
Neoprene
Neoprene or polychloroprene is a family of synthetic rubbers that are produced by polymerization of chloroprene. Neoprene in general has good chemical stability, and maintains flexibility over a wide temperature range...
. From this research, in 1958 commercial stretch fabrics ('elastomerics') such as spandex
Spandex
Spandex or elastane is a synthetic fibre known for its exceptional elasticity. It is strong, but less durable than natural Latex, its major non-synthetic competitor. It is a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer that was co-invented in 1959 by chemists C. L. Sandquist and Joseph Shivers at DuPont's...
or elastane (widely branded as 'Lycra') were brought to the market.
Stretch fabrics simplify the construction of clothing. First used in swimsuits and women's bras, fashion designers began using them as early as the mid-1980s. They entered the mainstream market in the early 1990s, and are widely used in sportswear
Sportswear
Sportswear or activewear is clothing, including footwear, worn for sport or physical exercise. Sport-specific clothing is worn for most sports and physical exercise, for practical, comfort or safety reasons....
.
On a larger scale, the materials have also been adapted to many artistic and decorative purposes. Stretch fabric structures create contemporary and modern looking design elements that have many uses in corporate theatre and event production.