MIL: Man In Lycra - Fabric Composite

3 main material we are familiar with. Nylon, Lycra and Polyester

Lycra is a brand, while spandex is the term for the material.
Nylon is the term, while polyamide is the scientific term for the compound.

Source
Basic info in Nylon and Polyester
http://www.sherdog.net/forums/f16/polyester-vs-nylon-fabric-info-guide-380887/
Feature of Fabrics
http://www.agonswim.com/fabrics/fabricInformationGuide.cfm
Brands of Fabric and description
http://www.swimmer.com.au/swimwear_fabrics.php
Lycra Features & Composite of the Tri Suit in Market
http://www.xtri.com/tri_tech_display.aspx?riIDReport=3017&CAT=9&xref=xx

I checked the entry level triathlon suit from both ORCA and 2XU. Seems like both are using 80% nylon and 20% spandex. Same as what my supplier had quoted me. Higher end models seems to have a 3:2 ratio of polyester/nylon(60%) to spandex(40%).

Common use of Polyester: Jerseys, Dry-Fit Tees, Compression Tights
Common use of Nylon: Rashguard and Tri Suit. More water sports.

Now i also know why my running jerseys/race tees tends to smell after i wore them for like 2 years. As downside of polyester is odor retention..

Lastly, i learn this from my supplier, that there is weight classification of nylon spandex fabric. The can range from 200-330g / m2(squared) The heavier the weight, means more dense the material is. Similar to the DPI for printer, the denser it is, the less breathable the material is.

Seems like the lighter class is used mainly for cycling tights by my supplier, mid class is used for tri suit while heavy class is used for ice skating.. I never knew ice skater wear lycra too! haha!


The chemistry is killing me
C Cube