18/08/2025
breakage/damage in denim causes and solutions
"The Invention"
Lycra yarn, also known as spandex or elastane, was invented in 1958 by DuPont chemist Joseph Shivers. Lycra is a synthetic fiber which is elastic in nature. It is also known as spandex or elastane and made from Polyether-polyurea copolymer. 'LYCRA' is the commercial name of the spandex yarn made by The Lycra Company, USA.
"Why Lycra yarn used for!
Lycra yarn is used for its exceptional stretch and recovery properties, allowing garments to conform to the body and maintain their shape. It's a versatile naterial that adds comfort, durability, and wrinkle resistance to various types of clothing, including sportswear, swimwear, and everyday wear. Lycra's ability to stretch up to five times its original length and return to its original shape makes it ideal for clothing that requires flexibility and a comfortable fit. Lycra can stretch up to 5-8 times more of its original length.
"Causes of Lycra Breakage"
A depth study says that the Lycra breakage/Lycra damage on denim apparel can happens from 3 different stages as below.
"The fabric stage"
Poor-quality Lycra yarn usage Improper process of Weaving & Finishing Heat settings and pre-shrink processes (Solutions- Good quality Lycra yarn is must, a perfect weaving process, proper finishing and pre-shrink brocess protect Lycra damage/breakage.)
"Garment manufacturing stage"
Blunt cutting blades/knives
Overstretching the cutting panels/fabrics during sewing
Needle sometimes damages/cut Lycra yarn for sharpness.
"During bartacking"
Incorrect sewing/stitching threat selection
Quick or speedy sewing sometimes cause Lycra damage for over stress on fabric
Storing garment at sunny place where garment gets direct sunlight.
(Solutions- Sharp cutting knives usage and machine handling during cutting, cutting panels handling smoothly, ball point needle usage, correct number of stitching thread usage, stitched garments storing is dry and cool places can prevent denim garment from ycra damage/breakage).
"Washing stage"
Hot bath or hot water cause Lycra damage/
breakage
No Lycra protector usage During dry process Applying more bleach Harsh wash cycle Fabric softener causes Lycra damage
⁃ During drying hot temperature melts Lycra yarn [Solutions- Cold water is required for Spandex/Lycra instead hot water, Lycra protector now a day became a strong solution to protect Lycra damage, during dry process need to use patterns smoothly avoiding overstretching the garment, strong chemicals like bleaching/acid must follow usage limit/instruction, softener usage within a limitation and lower drying temperature also prevent denim garment from Lycra lamage/breakage.]