Why Spandex is the Best Fabric for Active-wear

The past few years have seen a major shift when it comes to activewear. With more and more people getting into fitness activewear has become more than just a type of clothing. If someone had told us five years ago that our workout gear would become some of our favorite wardrobe pieces, we’d tell them they were dreaming. And yet the rise of activewear is impossible to deny. Ever since athleisure became a thing, activewear gained even more popularity. Even people who do not exercise on a regular basis have activewear items in their closet for everyday wear.

While good-old-fashioned cotton might seem like a great choice, it’s actually not ideal for activewear as it absorbs moisture, which means once you start sweating, the fabric will soak it up and become heavy and uncomfortable. Thankfully, there’s been a lot of innovation in fabric technology in recent years and spandex also known as lycra has become a top choice when it comes to activewear. It was originally invented in 1937 in Germany, but it wasn’t until later in the 1950s that it was actually put to use in fabrics to make stretchable clothing. Elastane is created using a long-chain polymer called polyurethane. The prepolymer that is created is then put to react with a diamine, which helps extend the polymer. The resulting product is made into a spinning solution, which is then spun into elastane fibers known as spandex or lycra.

Why Spandex is extensively used for activewear?

1. Stretchable – The quintessential workout fabric spandex is known for its ability to recover and stretch and when it comes to activewear, having a stretch in the fabric key. For the body to move effortlessly, the fabric has to stretchy as well as something that recovers instantly. A Spandex blend fabric is perfect for that and hence it has gained popularity over the years.
2. Breathability – Wearing a breathable fabric during working out or any sports activity is also essential. Spandex is breathable, wicks moisture, and dries quickly and that is exactly what you need while making activewear clothing.
3. Durability – Workout clothes are made to be durable. Workout activities can easily tear clothing if they are made up of poor quality fabrics. Rapid movements or contracting and expanding of muscles require a fabric that can stretch. Spandex is highly resistant to abrasion, seawater, body oils, detergents, etc and these are all qualities that make it not only durable but also very practical to use without the worry of stains or being damaged quickly.
4. Combination with other fabrics – Combining spandex fibers with other fibers, such as polyester, nylon or cotton, even in minimum amounts, such as 1% of the entire fabric composition can greatly improve the other material’s ability to stretch. Spandex can be easily blended with other fabrics to give it elasticity and movement to the fabric.
5. Comfortable – While performing any activity it is crucial to be comfortable. Choosing a fabric that will help the flow to air will not only keep you dry but also feeling fresh. Since spandex is breathable and stretchable it automatically becomes comfortable which is important.

Nowadays, spandex is used in multiple fabric blends to give it elasticity and stretch. But it still remains on the top when it comes to active-wear or sportswear. Its unique properties make it ideal for clothing that is comfortable, durable and doesn’t restrict movement.

Looking for Spandex for your fashion wear, intimate wear, denim wear, socks, medical wear?

Contact INVIYA®- First Indian Spandex Brand.

Content Credit – INVIYA®

Gym Wear Style Trends For Men

You know the one thing that is very attractive about a man working out? Many would say the sweat he puts into making gains and bulking up or slimming it out, but somewhere we subconsciously do take into account the one thing that makes his hard work appealing– his gym wear…

How many would be attracted to men in sloppy gym wear? Few, to say the least, and if a man does appear appealing in his sloppy mess, he’s probably put in a lot of hard work to achieve that devil may care look. Well, the good news is, you don’t have to put in that kind of hard work because we have tips for you that will help you achieve the perfect look, whether groomed or sloppy. Read on…

Basketball shorts: those shiny knee length poly spandex yarn made pants may be too plastic for your taste but you know they make you feel comfortable and confident because of their relaxed fit and sporty charm. These clubbed with a regular fit broad strapped tank make the best combination, aesthetically and functionally– push ups are easier and they make the ladies swoon.

Ankle length jogger sweats: don’t underestimate the visual appeal of a pair of sweatpants gathered at the ankles, exposing the ankles just a tad. It’s a treat for the eyes, a definite hit with the ladies. These babies, too, go well with a a regular fit broad strapped or drop armhole tanks. These go well with t-shirts too.

The Perfect Fit T-shirt: if you’re the type to pick t-shirts over tanks and muscle tees, then get it right. In popular opinion, t-shirts that are the right fit for your body work better than oversized or undersized t-shirts, regardless of their look (no, t-shirts that are worn out are a no no). Whether it’s a poly spandex yarn made active wear t-shirt or a plain cotton spandex knit, is of little consequence as long as you get the fit right. The best part? You can pair it with any type of bottoms!

The Jersey: This poly spandex yarn made mesh tee may make you look like a college student but who hasn’t wanted to date a jock? Trust this one to revive some old memories and get you appreciative glances while you’re doing pull ups. On the functional side of things, it lets you breathe easy and gives you just enough freedom of movement. They go perfectly with basketball shorts but you could pair them with joggers for a more sophisticated look.