What is spandex fabric? Characteristics and applications in life

Spandex fabric is a popular fabric, widely used in the garment industry and daily life. This fabric is popular because of its many outstanding advantages such as durability, good elasticity and reasonable price. Let's explore the details of this fabric with Blog Shondo through the article below!

1. Key Points

Useful information you will get after reading this article:

• Detailed explanation of this fabric, from its origin, weaving method to its special name sêc xay.
• Information about the outstanding advantages of spandex fabric (durable, beautiful, elastic,...) as well as limitations (relatively absorbent) to make the right choice.
• Classifying spandex fabric based on weight helps readers distinguish and choose the right fabric for their needs.
• Diverse applications of spandex fabric in life such as: Clothes, uniforms, shoes to tablecloths.
• Providing detailed information and instructions to help readers identify quality spandex fabric and avoid buying fake or poor quality goods.

2. What is spandex fabric?

Jersey fabric, also known as interlock fabric, is a fabric woven from 100% synthetic fibers derived from petroleum. The special feature of this fabric lies in the Jersey interlock weaving structure, using 2 interwoven needles, creating raised lines and recessed grooves running along the fabric surface.

Thanks to that, the two sides of the fabric are completely identical, bringing aesthetic beauty and high application in the manufacturing industry. And also because it is woven in the Jersey interlock style, this fabric has the commercial name of Jersey.

[caption id="attachment_4434" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Spandex fabric[/caption]

3. Outstanding features of spandex fabric

Spandex fabric possesses many outstanding features, is popular in the textile industry and has diverse applications in life.

3.1. Advantages

• Low shrinkage: Spandex fabric has low shrinkage, only 3 - 4%, thanks to which products made from this fabric retain their original shape after many washes.
• Good color fastness: The printed colors on the fabric are bright, durable, suitable for printing patterns, logos, motifs,...
• Wrinkle-resistant, stretchy material: Wrinkle-resistant, stretchy fabric, creating maximum comfort for the wearer.
• Soft surface: The fabric surface is smooth and soft, providing a pleasant feeling when in contact with the skin.
• Antibacterial, odor resistant: Spandex fabric has very good antibacterial and odor resistant properties, minimizing the growth of bacteria that cause unpleasant odors.
• High durability: The fabric has a durable structure, is less likely to pill or stretch after long-term use.
• Breathable: The fabric has the ability to radiate heat through the surface, creating a cool, comfortable feeling even in hot weather.
• Diverse colors: Sequin fabric has a diverse and eye-catching color palette, meeting the aesthetic needs and choices of consumers.
• Reasonable price: Spandex fabric is relatively cheaper than some other common fabrics.

[caption id="attachment_4435" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Stretchy, wrinkle-resistant spandex fabric[/caption]

3.2. Disadvantages

Besides the outstanding advantages, spandex fabric has the limitation of relatively low absorbency, somewhat difficult to absorb moisture and sweat, more suitable for cold climates.

[caption id="attachment_4436" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The moisture-wicking properties of spandex fabric help shoes dry quickly without smelling.

4. Classification of spandex fabric

In the current market, spandex fabric is divided into two main types based on fabric weight (g/m2): 75 spandex fabric and 150 spandex fabric.

• 75 g/m2 spandex fabric: This type of fabric has a weight of 75 g/m2, small fibers, tightly woven, creating a thin and light fabric. 75 g/m2 spandex fabric is often used to sew shirts, curtains, tablecloths,...
• 150 g/m2 spandex fabric: With a weight of 150 g/m2, 150 g/m2 spandex fabric is much thicker than type 75. The fabric fibers are large, suitable for sewing pants or garments that require high thickness.

[caption id="attachment_4437" align="aligncenter" width="800"] 75 gauge spandex fabric[/caption]

5. Diverse applications of spandex fabric

5.1. Sportswear

Spandex fabric is an ideal material for sewing sportswear because of its coolness, sweat absorption, good elasticity, bringing maximum comfort to the wearer when exercising. Some popular sportswear made from Spandex fabric include sports T-shirts, jogger pants, leggings,...

[caption id="attachment_4438" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Sportswear made of spandex fabric[/caption]

5.2. School uniforms

With its soft, airy, sweat-absorbent and wrinkle-resistant properties, spandex fabric is a popular choice for sewing school uniforms. This material will bring comfort and ease to students' learning and playing activities. In addition, reasonable price is also an advantage that makes this fabric popular.

[caption id="attachment_4439" align="aligncenter" width="800"] School uniform made of spandex fabric[/caption]

5.3. Footwear

Spandex fabric is also a popular material in the footwear industry. The soft, smooth, anti-wrinkle, elastic, diverse in color and high durability of Spandex fabric is very suitable for making shoe straps, bringing a soft and comfortable feeling to the user.

In particular, understanding the low water absorption characteristics of spandex fabric, Shondo has applied this fabric to make shoe strap linings, helping the product to be breathable and not cause foot odor when in contact with water. This is the special feature that makes Shondo products different from other shoe brands on the market.

[caption id="attachment_4440" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Women's sandals F8M brown [/caption]

5.4. Tablecloth

Tablecloths made from spandex fabric are popular because of their low price and high durability. The wrinkle-resistant and easy-to-wash characteristics of this fabric are also a plus, helping users save time and effort in maintaining and cleaning the product.

[caption id="attachment_4441" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Tablecloths made from spandex fabric are popular because of their low price and high durability[/caption]

6. How to identify quality spandex fabric

To identify quality spandex fabric, you can rely on some of the following identifying characteristics:

Observe and feel:

• Fabric surface: Although the main ingredient is polyester fiber, spandex fabric has a rougher surface than cold spandex or silk fabric. When you touch it, you will feel a slight roughness, not slippery, light and porous fabric. This roughness makes the fabric difficult to get dirty and has good antibacterial properties.
• Elasticity: Gently pull the fabric both horizontally and vertically, you will see that spandex fabric does not have much elasticity.

Experiment:

• Test with fire (be careful when doing this): Burn a small sample of fabric. If it is spandex, the fire will burn slowly, forming dark brown lumps of plastic with a pungent smell similar to burning nylon.
• Test the absorbency: Drop a few drops of water on the surface of the fabric, you will see that the spandex fabric absorbs less water. Gently squeeze the fabric, you will see that the fabric does not wrinkle.

Note: Be careful when testing with fire to avoid burns. You can refer to the image or video to illustrate how to identify to ensure safety.

[caption id="attachment_4442" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Sequin fabric has a rougher surface than cool spandex or silk fabric[/caption]

Sequin fabric is the optimal choice for those who are looking for a durable, elastic, breathable and reasonably priced fabric. With diverse applications in the garment industry, footwear manufacturing and daily life, Sequin fabric promises to continue to be a popular material in the future. Contact Shondo now to own quality products made from high-quality materials such as Sequin fabric!