What is the origin of spandex?

One of the top clothing innovations of the 20th century was invented at DuPont during the 1950s by chemist Joseph Shivers. While working as a researcher developing polymers, Shivers created Lycra, the stretchy synthetic fiber known generically as spandex.

When did spandex begin?

1959
But spandex had a life before disco. It was invented by two DuPont chemists. It made its debut in 1959, first used in bras and jockstraps, as well as in workout gear. But it quickly became known as a “wonder” fiber — it can stretch more than 100 percent and snap right back to shape.

Is spandex a plastic?

Spandex, also called lycra, is a synthetic fabric with a plastic base. Spandex is a polyurethane plastic, which is also used to make foam for furniture cushions and mattresses.

Can spandex be dyed?

Spandex is popular in sport apparel where support, comfort and fit are desired and is dyeable using Orcolan Neutral™ dyes, as well as printable using Orcolan Neutral™ dyes or OrcoSperse™ pigment dispersions.

When was spandex first used in clothing?

It was invented by two DuPont chemists. It made its debut in 1959, first used in bras and jockstraps, as well as in workout gear. But it quickly became known as a “wonder” fiber — it can stretch more than 100 percent and snap right back to shape.

What was spandex first used for?

Who invented stretch pants?

Following the invention of Lycra (aka spandex) by chemist Joseph Shivers in 1958 and the first Lycra leggings made in 1959, the fashion industry embraced the slim, stretchy pants in the ’60s, with designers like Mary Quant and Emilio Pucci even pairing them with the decade’s mod shift dresses.

Is spandex the same as latex?

Spandex is not the same as latex, and may be used by people who are allergic to latex. Introduced in 1958, Spandex threads are lightweight and durable, with greater elasticity than conventional elastic, and were first developed as a replacement for rubber. Spandex became popular for certain types…

Is spandex and elastane the same thing?

1.Spandex and Lycra is one and the same clothing material. Spandex is the more generic term to describe the cloth whereas Lycra is one of the most popular brand names of Spandex. 2.Many other companies market the spandex clothing but it is only the Invista Company who markets the Lycra brand.

Where did the Sphinx come from?

The sphinx is a major landmark of Egypt, a country with vast deserts. The concept of the sphinx originated here. The Greek version of the sphinx is a female monster with a feminine face, breasts, wings, and a tail.

Is there latex in spandex?

No. Spandex is a synthetic fiber which by itself does not contain latex. However, the finished products, garments do have latex added to them. If one has a latex allergy, spandex is not safe. Depends. Cotton, nylon and lycra spandex textile fibers alone do not contain latex. However, finished products may contain latex added to these textiles.