Lycra

Lycra is a synthetic fibre renowned for its extreme elasticity, is is also sometimes called Elastane or Spandex. Basically the difference in names is branding, chemically the products are very similar.

The fibre Lycra was invented in 1959 at the Dupont laboratory in Waynesboro, Virginia, USA by Chemist Joseph Shivers.

Lycra is used specifically in the following types of Clothing: Aerobic apparel, Athletic apparel, Bathing suits, Belts, Bras, Cycling Shorts, Dance Belts, Diapers, Disco Jeans, Exercise apparel, Gloves, Hosiery, Leggings, Netball Bodysuits, Skinny Jeans, Ski Pants, Slacks, Socks, Swimsuits, Tights, Underwear, Wetsuits, Wrestling Suits and Zentai. This list is not exhaustive and there are many other products made from Lycra.

Lycra is associated with many superheroes who are used to wearing skin tight clothing. A large number of superheroes pre-date Lycra but because of the way comic books were drawn it appears as if they were drawn wearing Lycra. Modern day superheroes such as The Invisibles and The Power Rangers have always worn Lycra. Older superheroes such as Superman, Spiderman and Batman/Robin have all worn Lycra as a part of their costumes.

Lycra was extensively used by glam metal bands in the 1970's and heavy metal band of the 1980's. Many metal bands liked the hard wearing nature, skin tightness and flexibility during live performances. Bands such as the following all used Lycra: Bon Jovi, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Twisted Sister, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne, Queen, Ratt, Saxon, Scorpions, Stryper, Van Halen and Whitesnake.

Lycra is extensively used in the sex industry. There is a popular Lycra Fetish category within adult entertainment. Similarly YouTube is full of girls in Lycra videos. Lycra bras, pants, boots and bodysuits are all used to promote sales of adult products and merchandise. The skin tight hugging nature of Lycra really appeals to the providers in this industry.