When choosing a fabric, there are several things to consider. These factors are the stretch factor of the fabric, the blending of the fabric, and its ecological impact.
Stretch Factor
One of the most important things to know when picking a spandex fiber is its stretch factor. This is how far the fabric can be stretched without pulling up or feeling uncomfortable. The best stretch is achieved for the uninitiated by combining polyester with 5% spandex. The combination has a pronounced stretch and returns to its original shape quickly. It is also easy to wash. To gauge the stretch of a garment, you can test out the stretch by holding a piece of the fabric between your fingers and stretching it. In addition to the stretch factor, consider the fabric’s recovery. Fabrics with a good recovery have a higher stretch factor, which means they can be resized with less effort. A good rule of thumb is that fabrics with an elastomeric component have a better recovery than those with no such component. You can get this stretch with several different fibers, but if you want to go all out, look for a fabric such as the spandex fabric in black with a high percentage of spandex. Also, consider adding a softener to the mix. You’ll find many fabrics on the market today boast a stretch factor. Most knits will stretch a little, even with no spandex content. However, pure spandex has several advantages over nylon. These include greater elasticity, higher tensile strength, and lower stretchability.
Blended Fabric
Spandex fabric is a great option if you’re looking for a summer dress, a swimsuit or a pair of socks. The soft fibers are lightweight, strong, and resistant to abrasion and tearing. They can also be easily dyed. However, it is important to understand the process behind creating spandex fabric. There are several different methods, each of which focuses on an additional component. The first method involves melt extrusion. In this process, tiny synthetic spandex filaments are wrapped around cotton fibers. Once the fibers are twisted together, they are exposed to pressurized air. These strands are then woven into a fabric. Another method is solution wet spinning. This method uses a special finishing agent that is similar to magnesium stearate. The finish is added for better sweat management. For the rest of the production process, a prepolymer is used. A prepolymer is a long-chain polyglycol mixed with a short diisocyanate monomer. Both ingredients must be in a ratio of one to two. Then, the finished fiber is loaded onto a spool. Spandex is then re-spun using another type of fabric to produce a blend. Some blends have excellent stretch in both directions.
Ecological Impact
The ecological impact of spandex is quite different from that of its natural counterpart. This is because spandex is a synthetic fabric. Natural fibers are made from plants and animals, whereas synthetic fibers are produced from petroleum. Synthetic fabrics emit more greenhouse gases per kilogram of material than their natural counterparts. The process used to make spandex largely relies on toxic chemicals. These chemicals can contaminate water supplies and can also have an adverse impact on soil and local communities. As with other synthetic fibers, the environmental impact of elastane and spandex is not negligible. However, there are currently efforts being made to reduce elastane’s impact. Although it is not completely environmentally friendly, spandex can be a good choice for people concerned about its environmental impact. Other sustainable textiles options include lyocell, derived from eucalyptus trees grown in PEFC-certified forests. Lyocell is more eco-friendly than other fabrics, such as modal and viscose. When considering the environmental impact of fiber, it is essential to look at the production process. A full life cycle assessment is required to evaluate all of the impacts of a fiber. It is vital to identify the best fiber for each application to achieve optimum environmental performance.
