Lycra facts for kids
Lycra is a special kind of synthetic fabric. It's known for being super stretchy! You might also hear it called Spandex or elastane. The name "spandex" is a fun word puzzle: it's the letters of "expands" mixed up.
Lycra was first created in 1958 in the United States. A chemist named Joseph Shivers invented it. It's made by combining two other materials: polyester and polyurethane.
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Why We Use Lycra Fabric
Because Lycra is so stretchy and strong, it's often used to make clothing. It's commonly mixed with cotton to create items like tights, bras, and underwear.
Lycra is especially popular in sports clothes. You'll find it in wrestling singlets and other athletic gear. It's also great for swimsuits and wetsuits. This is because Lycra dries much faster than many other fabrics.
Understanding Lycra, Spandex, and Elastane
You might hear these three names used for the same fabric. They are all very similar! Here's a quick look at each term:
What is Lycra?
The name "Lycra" is a special brand name. It's owned by a company called DuPont. Lycra brand fabrics are known for being very good quality. However, they can sometimes cost more than other types of stretchy fabrics.
What is Elastane?
The word "elastane" is most often used in Europe. Each European language has its own slightly different version of this word. "Elastane" is the most correct scientific term for these stretchy fabrics.
What is Spandex?
"Spandex" is not a brand name owned by one company. It's the name DuPont first used when they were developing this fabric. As you know, "spandex" is "expands" spelled backward. This simple name became very popular. It's now the most common way to say "elastane" in the United States and other places.
Where Lycra Fabric is Made
Lycra is a special brand of fabric made by DuPont. DuPont has factories in over 90 countries around the world. This means Lycra fabric can be made in many different places.
In recent years, much of the world's stretchy fabric production has moved to China. DuPont has several factories there. Many other companies also make spandex in China.
Lycra Fabric and the Environment
Making Lycra fabric is not thought to be bad for the environment on its own. It's true that making these stretchy fabrics needs a lot of energy. It also uses some chemicals.
However, unlike some other fabrics like nylon, the main ingredients for Lycra don't come from oil. Instead, these ingredients are made in labs. DuPont is a leader in making stretchy fabrics in safe ways. Scientists have studied workers in Lycra factories. They found that workers in Sweden did not have a much higher risk of cancer. This suggests that these workplaces are quite safe.
Images for kids
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A road cyclist wearing spandex compression garments
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A hurdler in a spandex uniform
See also
In Spanish: Elastano para niños
