How was spandex discovered?

How was spandex discovered?

DuPont made its first breakthrough in the early 1950s when chemist Joseph C. Shivers used an intermediate substance to modify Dacron polyester, producing a stretchy fiber that could withstand high temperatures.

When was spandex discovered?

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.

Who invented the first spandex?

Joseph Shivers
Spandex/Inventors

Joseph C. Shivers Jr. 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.

What is spandex made from?

synthetic fibre known generically as spandex is composed of at least 85 percent polyurethane by weight. Such fibres are generally used for their highly elastic properties. Trademarked fibres in this group are Lycra, Numa, Spandelle, and Vyrene.

Who invented stretch fabric?

DuPont
DuPont invented the stretch synthetic fabric that revolutionized fashion in the mid-twentieth century.

Who made spandex shorts?

scientist Joseph C. Shivers
DuPont scientist Joseph C. Shivers invented DuPont’s spandex fiber in 1959 after a decade of research. Originally designated Fiber K, DuPont subsequently chose the more mellifluous trade name Lycra to distinguish its brand of spandex fiber.

Who created volleyball spandex?

According to Chemical and Engineering News, DuPont scientist Joseph C. Shivers invented spandex in 1959. While it remains uncertain when exactly volleyball players began to integrate the fiber into their uniforms, it is known that by the 1970s cyclists had discarded their old uniforms for the innovative new material.

Is spandex good to wear?

Synthetic fabrics Man-made fabrics—like polyester, nylon, and spandex—and wool may cause skin irritation, known as dermatitis. Mason, R. While most natural fabrics and nylon are breathable, silk and many synthetics are not, and wearing them can lead to athlete’s foot or other irritation or fungi due to trapped moisture …

Is spandex safe to wear?

Spandex is made from several chemicals that are known sensitizers. TDI and MDI (Toluene-2,4-diisocyanate; Methylene bisphenyl-4,4-diiisocyanate) are precursors of the polyurethane used to make spandex. TDI, a toxic chemical, has proved carcinogenic and can cause severe dermatitis. MDI is also toxic.

When was Lycra first used in clothing?

1958
This isn’t a bleak prediction of the future; this is the world of fashion before the invention of LYCRA® fiber in 1958. Like all stories about life-changing inventions, the LYCRA® fiber story began with a problem to solve that led to a spark of inspiration.

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.

Why do girls wear short shorts?

“Short shorts are a way to show off the body and be provocative, and everyone has a choice on how to show off their body, no matter their size,” says Gabrielle Porcaro , senior fashion-and-market editor for Women’s Health magazine, which just ran a story on comfortable — and flattering — shorts.