Elastane fabrics - A tool for stretch applications in sports

Elastane fibres show rubber like behavior and are highly stretchable. Basically these fibres contain polyurethane bonds. Elastic fabrics are an important route to achieve comfort by freedom of movement for body fitted with sports and outdoor wear. Elastic garments used in athletics and sports may improve the athlete's performance in cycling, swimming and so on. A great deal of research is reported on elastane structure, yarn formation and fabric production. Testing of elastane and its fabric has given new dimensions in terms of results. New attempts are being made to produce the yarn with blends and subsequent conversion into woven and knits, in order to improve garment elastic bahaviour and productivity. This paper reports the elastane fibre characteristics, elastane yarn production method, new attempts in yarn production, commercial ways of fabric manufacturing techniques, fabric properties, new testing methods to test the elastic products and its application.