Who invented lycra

While working as a researcher developing polymers, Shivers created Lycra, the stretchy synthetic fiber known generically as spandex. Today, Lycra exists throughout the garment industry, from sportswear and undergarments to high fashion, and has found applications in other areas including healthcare, home furnishings, and the automotive industry. In , Shivers joined DuPont, where his work included perfecting Orlon, and then Dacron polyester, before looking for a synthetic elastomer to replace the heavy rubber threads then necessary for foundation garments.

After using an intermediate substance to modify Dacron, Shivers achieved a stretchy fiber that thickened, bounced, withstood high temperatures, and could be spun into filaments. Lycra was also lightweight, smooth, and soft; stronger and more durable; and could withstand exposure to perspiration, lotions, and detergents. We've got some pacey, uplifting autumnal vibes you can dig while digging. Health misinformation runs rampant on social media.

We debunked 8 popular health myths to give you the real story. Need help living more mindfully? When our sleep patterns get out of whack, it can take a toll on the rest of our lives — here's how sleep and weight loss affect each other. Curious how working from home has changed the way we work? Microsoft's study suggests it isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Want to create your own self-care rituals? We found the best books and products to help light the way when getting started with rituals on your…. Like this: Like Loading This entry was posted in Fabric , Sewing Help , Writing for Magazines and tagged activewear fabric , elastane content , environmental impact elastane , environmental impact lycra , environmental impact of fashion , environmental impact spandex , how to wash elastane , how to wash lycra , how to wash spandex , laundry tips , lycra content , spandex vs lycra , sportswear fabric , Wendy Ward , what is elastane , what is lycra , what is spandex.

Bookmark the permalink. Wendy Ward January 16, at am Reply. All Sew Petite January 14, at pm Reply. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Enter your comment here Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:.

Email required Address never made public. Name required. Another fab day yesterday working with Fashion 1st years artanddesignshu thinking about longevity, favourite clothes and doing some nice slow hand stitching to let our minds wander Introducing another of my wellwornwellloved garments for my thepeopleswardrobe project - my trusty old dungarees.

I bought these from a vintage clothing shop I think it was Dirty Harry's in Brighton in the summer of Enjoyed a full-on day yesterday artanddesignshu teaching first year fashion students about fashion waste.

There's a new post on my blog. It's about this jacket I'm wearing, a workshop I delivered 2ndhandcultures online conference and an invitation you Search for:. Blog at WordPress. Follow Following. Wendy Ward Join other followers. Sign me up.