FLEECE FABRIC

Elastane:
a man-made fibre containing at least 85% polyurethane which is
capable of high stretch followed by rapid and substantial recovery
to its unstretched length.
Elastane, elastomeric:
a fibre, often made of polyurethane, possessing inherent stretch
properties
Elastolefin:
a fibre composed of at least 95% (by mass) of macromolecules
partially cross-linkedmade up of ethylene and at least one other
olefin.
When it is stretched to one and a half times its original length and
released, the fibre recovers rapidly and substantially to its initial
length.

Elastomer:
A polymer which has high extensibility together with
rapid and substantially complete elastic recovery.
Elastomeric yarn:
A yarn formed from an elastomer.
Elastomeric yarns:
Yarns whose structure gives them good stretch and
recovery properties.
The Elastomeric yarns based on polyurethane are
called elastane, or spandex in the USA and parts of
Asia. The terms elastane and spandex do not,
however, include stretch polyamide fibre

Spandex is a man-made elastic fiber.

It is derived from crude oil and is described in
chemical terms as segmented polyurethane.
It stretches under tension and recovers its original
length when tension is relaxed.
It can be stretched four to seven times its original
length.
It is combined with other hard yarns to produce
elastane stretch fabrics.
Lycra is a brand name.
Spandex is the generic name used in the US and
Canada for elastane.
Elastane is the name used in the rest of the world.

 LYCRA is a man-made elastic fibre invented and

produced only by DuPont .
It is INVISTA's trademark for a synthetic fabric
material with elastic properties of the sort known
generically as "spandex".
Lycra is commonly used in athletic or active clothing.
Lycra as a clothing material is fetishized by some
people, perhaps on the basis that the garment forms a
"second skin" that acts as a fetishistic surrogate for the
wearer's own skin.
This is known as lycra fetishism.
Lycra is normally one of the fabrics in leggings.

Properties of Lycra Yarn:

Heat :
Sticks at 350-390F. Melts above 500F.
Bleaches &Solvents :
Good resistance to oxidizing agents. Poor resistance to
bleaches.
Acids & Alkalis : Good
Abrasion :
Good in diluted (weak), but degrades in strong acids &
bases.
Mildew, Aging &Sunlight :
Excellent aging and mildew resistance.
Good resistance to sunlight.

How to Lycra yarn is used?

Lycra is never used alone; it is always combined with
another fiber (or fibers), natural or man-made.
Fabrics enhanced with lycra retain the appearance of the
majority fibre.
The type of fabric and its end use determine the amount
and type of Lycra required to ensure optimum
performance and aesthetics.
As little as 2 percent Lycra is enough to improve a
fabrics movement, drape and shape retention, while
fabrics for high-performance garments such as
swimwear and active sportswear may contain as much as
20-30 percent Lycra.
Weaving or knitting techniques, together with fabric type
and end use, determine whether Lycra is used in a bare
or covered yarn form.

Application/Uses of Lycra Yarn:

Widely used for weaving items like Apparels
Socks & stockings
Seamless garments
Gloves
Sweaters
Swimwear
Narrow fabrics
Smocking
Medical bandages
Head bandages
Wrist bands

KNITTED STRETCH FABRICS

1-Way Stretch (Circular Knits)
Circular knits containing spandex have maximum stretch
in the width direction and limited stretch in the length
direction. Cotton Spandex jersey is a common stretch
circular knit.
2-Way Stretch (Warp Knit Raschel)
Raschel warp knits containing spandex have maximum
elasticity in the length direction (warp) and limited
stretch in the width (weft or fill). Raschels, Satins,
power-nets and laces are all common raschel fabrics.
4-Way stretch (Warp knit Tricot)
Tricot warp knits stretch in all directions. They are
eminently suitable for swimwear, costumes, body wear
and active wear.

To improve the elastic recovery performance of the

knitted fabric, it is now co-knit small amount of
elastomeric yarn like spandex or Lycra with hard yarn.
Elastomeric fabric is the special types of knitted fabrics
mostly use in fashion and decorative purpose.
A touch of elastomeric yarn adds comfort and freedom of
movement and improving the fit, shape retention, drape
and wrinkle resistance of the apparel.

The primary use for spandex fibers is in fabric.

They are useful for a number of reasons.
First, they can be stretched repeatedly, and will return almost
exactly back to original size and shape.
Second, they are lightweight, soft, and smooth.
A touch of Lycra adds comfort and freedom of movement and
improving the fit, shape retention, drape and wrinkle resistance
of the apparel.
They are resilient and resistant to abrasion.
They are compatible with other materials, and can be spun with
other types of fibers to produce unique fabrics, which have
characteristics of both fibers.
Additionally, they are easily dyed and dry quickly.
It is resistant to bacteria, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and chlorine.
Static cling and pilling are eliminated in garments with Lycra