SYNTHETIC FABRICS
Since ancient times men and women have worn garments that stretched simply because they were knitted. Jersey was invented in 1882 and Lastex made from rubber fibres was used for stockings and underwear in the 1930s. After WWII, a wide array of synthetic fibres were fabricated into dresses, underwear and gym tops. The fifties saw revolutionary changes in sports clothes, much of it due to the invention and use of nylon. By the mid sixties stretch garments were in demand for their high levels of comfort.
Today's technical fabrics include Gortex, which prevents water penetration from the outside, and allows perspiration to escape. Nylon is soft, mildew resistant, and dries quickly. Polyester is the workhorse of the workout fabrics, it is essentially plastic cloth, being durable, wrinkle-resistant, lightweight, breathable, and non-absorbent. Spandex, also known as Lycra, puts the stretch in workout wear. The synthetic fabric can expand to nearly 600 percent of its size, offers an unrestricted range of motion, and then snaps back in place. Spandex is also breathable, wicks moisture, and dries quickly. It is a staple in form fitting exercise clothes.
Today's technical fabrics include Gortex, which prevents water penetration from the outside, and allows perspiration to escape. Nylon is soft, mildew resistant, and dries quickly. Polyester is the workhorse of the workout fabrics, it is essentially plastic cloth, being durable, wrinkle-resistant, lightweight, breathable, and non-absorbent. Spandex, also known as Lycra, puts the stretch in workout wear. The synthetic fabric can expand to nearly 600 percent of its size, offers an unrestricted range of motion, and then snaps back in place. Spandex is also breathable, wicks moisture, and dries quickly. It is a staple in form fitting exercise clothes.
