Growing innovations have touched every aspect of life, the textile industry being no exception. Lycra spandex yarn, a revolutionary textile component, has been gaining global popularity, for its durability and comfort. Moreover, from sportswear to fashion, medical applications, and everyday essentials, this kind of yarn plays a pivotal role in the modern fabric industry.

This blog specifies the understanding of the comprehensive approach of Lycra yarn and its application. 

What is Lycra Spandex Yarn? 

Lycra is the brand name for spandex yarn, which was developed by DuPont in 1958. Lycra spandex yarn is a polyurethane-based synthetic fiber gaining popularity due to its exceptional elasticity and high quality. You can stretch it up to 8 to 10 times; however, it will resume its original shape without losing the fit. This makes the fiber widely desirable for manufacturing jeans and stretched shirts. 

Types and Key Characteristics of Lycra Spandex Yarn

Lycra yarn comes in three different variants which are as follows: 

• Bare Yarn 

The bare yarn contains 100% spandex and is generally not used directly or alone in the fabric. Mostly blended with other complex fibers, bare yarn is generally used to manufacture knitwear. 

• Covered Yarn (CY)

The uniformity and consistency of covered yarn make this type of fiber stand different and boast evenness, making it a high-quality fabric. Moreover, this fiber stands the test of time and is largely used to make form-fitting or bodycon dresses. 

• Core-Spun Yarn 

Core-spun yarn is the backbone of softer and stretchier jeans and shirts and is often mixed with nylon or polyester to achieve the desired fit. 

Now, let us delve into the robust characteristics of Lycra spandex yarn that make it stand out from the rest: 

• Intense Elasticity 

Among the other yarns having elasticity, Lycra spandex yarn wins the spot for its ability to stretch and recover without compromising on the original shape. This property ensures garments made from this kind of yarn are flexible and body-conforming. 

• Durability 

Lycra spandex yarns are mostly resistant to perspiration, lotions, body oils, and detergents, which ensures they last longer than any other natural elastic fibers. 

• Lightweight Texture 

The superior quality of the yarn adds minimal weight to the fabrics and ensures ultimate comfort in lightweight and activewear clothing. 

• Breathability 

The Lycra yarn when blended with polyester or cotton, ensures better air circulation or sweat absorbent ability. 

• Softness 

Compared to other synthetic fibers, Lycra yarns hold the properties of smoothness and softness, contributing to the optimum comfort of the fabric. 

Applications of Lycra Spandex Yarn 

Generally, Lycra yarns are not wholly used alone, but mixed with other fibers like nylon, polyester, or cotton to increase their elasticity and recovery. Thus, this type of yarn is used across multiple industries including: 

1. Clothing Industry 

• Activewear & Sportswear

The Lycra yarn is largely used in the manufacturing of activewear or sports garments, like leggings, yoga pants, or swimwear due to its intense flexibility and ability to absorb moisture.

• Fashion Garments 

This applicability of this yarn is largely implemented in flexible or stretched garments like bodycon dresses, stretch jeans, and fitted-stretchable tops or blouses. 

• Innerwear & Swimwear

The ability to resist chlorine and salt water in different swimming pools, and maintain the fit, make spandex yarn ideal for manufacturing swimwear and innerwear. 

2. Healthcare Textiles

The usage of Lycra yarn is largely applied to manufacture healthcare textiles like compression socks, bandages, and orthopedic braces for utmost flexibility and support. 

3. Industrial Usage 

In addition, this yarn is also used to make stretchable fabrics which require resilience and elasticity. 

4. Domestic Textiles

Sometimes, Lycra yarn is also used to manufacture fitted bed sheets, cushion covers, and padding liners. 

The Ultimate Care Tips of Lycra Spandex Yarn 

To ensure that Lycrea-based textiles or fabrics do not lose their elasticity and durability, here are effective tips to be followed: 

• Use cold water for washing to prevent heat degradation 
• It is better to avoid bleaches as it weakens the fabric
• As high heat can damage the elasticity of the fabric, choose the air-drying technique 
• While washing, it is better to avoid using fabric softener as it may reduce the stretchability of the fabric. 

Benefits of Lycra Spandex Yarn 

Let’s discuss the top advantages of using Lycra spandex yarn, making it a top choice among weavers and garment manufacturers: 

• Offering Enhanced Comfort 

The primary benefits of wearing garments made with Lycra offers a body-hugging and second-skin-like effect, seamlessly adjusting to body movements. 

• Resistance to Wrinkles & Better Fit 

Any type of clothes made with this yarn maintain their original shape even after moving and are resistant to creasing. Moreover, the fabric made from this yarn molds to the shape of the body which reduces the need for ironing, offering a flattering appearance. 

• Ensuring Optimum Fabric Strength 

The longevity of the fabric ensures the strength of the material, even when stretched repeatedly. 

• Moisture Management 

Whenever spandex yarn is blended with other technical fibers like cotton or nylon, Lycra aids in quick absorbing properties, keeping moisture resistant during any activity. 

Choosing the Right Supplier of Lycra Spandex Yarn 

For every business dealing with manufacturing or retailing of clothing business, selecting a reliable Lycra spandex yarn is quintessential to guarantee the quality of the fabric. Here are the factors to look for while selecting a dealer: 

• The dealer must have the reputation of offering consistent quality and ensure standardisation. 
• Check for OEKO-TEX and other safety certifications 
• Compare dealers and understand their ability to deliver wholesale orders with customised needs.
• Look for suppliers who are engaged with transparent sourcing and sustainable practices. 

Final Thoughts

As the demand for modern stretched clothing is increasing, Lycra spandex yarn is a revolutionary marvel that ensures comfort, style, and performance. With its durability and adaptability properties, the incorporation of this yarn has become indispensable in both functional and fashion wear. 

Thus, whether you are a clothing designer or retailer, choosing a reliable yarn manufacturer like Sitaram Spinners Pvt. Ltd. is essential. Being one of the top textile manufacturing companies in India, we engage in producing top-notch quality yarn, emphasising performance, and sustainability. Thus, the application of Lycra yarn in modern clothing offers a competitive advantage, enabling a new dimension of fashion wear.