What You Need to Know About Spandex
From Superman’s onesie to workouts with Jane Fonda to Elvis’ 1970s jumpsuits—we can thank one fiber for these iconic fashion moments and many, many more: spandex!
In 1982, Jane Fonda workouts were a household name, complete with head-to-toe spandex leotards & legwarmers
Photo: Getty Images
"Spandex" is an anagram for expands. This month as we focus on the Relaxed style personality—which has a high priority for comfort—and as many of us find ourselves still lounging in stretchy home-office wardrobes, it’s only appropriate to pay homage to the synthetic fiber that revolutionized the ability to give us comfort and durability in our clothing.
What Is Spandex?
Spandex or elastane is a synthetic fiber knows for its exceptional elasticity and can stretch more than 100 percent and snap right back into shape [1]. Created by DuPont chemist Joseph Shivers, LYCRA brand was the first introduction of the spandex fiber as clothing. The revolutionary material made its fashion debut in the undergarment sector in bras and jockstraps. From there it quickly became known as a wonder fiber because of its ability to stretch more than five times its length and snap right back into place.
Spandex is traditionally mixed with cotton or polyester to create stretch in the fabrics we wear almost every day, including fitness gear, swimwear, denim, and more.
Spandex Through the Decades
1959: The spandex fiber was invented by DuPont chemist Joseph Shivers and was branded under the trade name LYCRA
1960s: Became widely used in beachwear
1968: Members of the French ski team were the first high-profile athletes to wear LYCRA uniforms, beginning the spandex trend in sportswear
1970s: Spandex gained fashion popularity in the disco era
1980s: An interest in spandex fitness apparel was at a high and the look moved to the streets in the form of biker shorts
1990s: The concept of shapewear was introduced, with spandex as the key element [2]
2010s: With comfort becoming more of a priority, spandex fibers are used in nearly 80% of menswear and womenswear garments purchased yearly [3]
So next time you reach for those leggings or joggers, you can thank Joseph Shivers for bringing extra comfort to your everyday life!
References:
[1] Spandex, Wikipedia
[2] “Lycra Through the Years,” WWD
[3] “Spandex Stretches to meet US Waistlines,” NPR; December 11, 2011