I want to know, I really want to know how Lycra suits are going to be allowed under the new suit regime. Is Lycra really a textile? I want to know, really want to know why this particular man-made polyurethane-based material is somehow approvable, whereas the polyurethan-based material in the latest tech suits is somehow not approvable.
From lycra.com (www.lycra.com/.../webpage.aspx
Product.
LYCRA fiber is a man-made elastane fiber.
From Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/.../Spandex):
Spandex—or elastane—is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. It is stronger and more durable than rubber, its major non-synthetic competitor. It is a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer that was invented in 1959 by DuPont chemist Joseph Shivers. When first introduced, it revolutionized many areas of the clothing industry.
"Spandex" is a generic name and not derived from the chemical name of the fiber, as are most manufactured fibers, but an anagram of the word expands. "Spandex" is the preferred name in North America; elsewhere it is referred to as "elastane".citation needed]
The most famous brand name associated with spandex is Lycra, a trademark of Invista (formerly part of DuPont). Such is the prominence of the Lycra brand that it has become a genericized trademark in many parts of the world, used to describe any kind of spandex. Invista discourages such use, protecting its trademark vigorously.
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I think the so-called "rubber" suits are still lycra, but with a coating applied. Sort of like the coating on raincoat fabric. Lycra suit fabric is a knit, which contributes to the stretchiness. Descriptions I've read of "paper" suit fabric suggest that the yarn used is the same, but it's woven on a loom instead of knitted, which would make it slightly less stretchy.
I think the so-called "rubber" suits are still lycra, but with a coating applied. Sort of like the coating on raincoat fabric. Lycra suit fabric is a knit, which contributes to the stretchiness. Descriptions I've read of "paper" suit fabric suggest that the yarn used is the same, but it's woven on a loom instead of knitted, which would make it slightly less stretchy.