Stretch fibers were and are revolutionary, enhancing the comfort and fit of apparel in ways that are unmatched. In the last few years, stretch properties have crept into a variety of applications where stretch was previously never found, from jeans to dress shirts. Today, spandex comes in a variety of flavors for different end-use applications.
 
Multiple Stretches
Besides the familiar stretch and release of spandex, Asahi Kasei Spandex makes specialty spandexes for different functional applications. Roica HS (Heartful Support) has very linear stretch properties. Instead of building up a powerful stretch, the fiber gives a constant, continuous stretch at the same amount of pressure. This balanced stretch is used for medical stockings and medical devices because it allows precise control of vascular pressure, according to Ben Bruner, technical service manager for Asahi Kasei Spandex America.

If you want your stretch with odor control, Roica CD (Clean Fit) has antibacterial properties built into the fiber. Applications include hiking socks, ski socks, and other apparel with a special need for controlling odors.

Roica BZ (Breathing Breeze) is more hydrophilic than regular spandex, and can provide moisture transport for high-performance sportswear. If swimming is your sport, Roica SP (Swim Pro) is a chlorine resistant spandex for competition swimwear that lives in the pool all day.

Taking the Heat
Heat is often the enemy of spandex, but the polymer used in Roica HP  (High Power) is very heat resistant. According to Bruner, HP is used for applications that require power stretch-such as corsets, support garments, and back braces. Hyosung's Creora H-350 has high heat resistance so that it can be blended and dyed with polyester, even with polyester microfibers that require higher temperature dyeing. H-350 can be dyed at 130C with good washfastness and color retention, while retaining its stretch and recovery power.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Roica BX heat-sets at lower temperatures than most spandex. Bruner says that this spandex is commonly used to board and heat-set stockings and other sheer hosiery to keep them from shrinking. Heat-setting makes the Roica SF (Smart Fix) spandex sticky and adhesive. Asahi takes advantage of that property in hosiery, to keep the hose from running, and in seamless garments, to seal edges and keep them from unraveling.
 
Eco-Stretch
Spandex is not usually the first fiber people think of in terms of eco-friendliness. But Hyosung's Creora Eco H-550 spandex could fit the bill. Eco H-550 is a low heat-settable spandex, allowing a reduction in heatsetting by 15C-20C from typical spandex. That means 9%-11% increased energy savings, which means a better environmental profile, and cost savings.

In addition, Eco H-550 offers chlorine resistance, the ability to re-dye or overdye, a soft hand, and good dimensional stability with reduced wash shrinkage and fabric edge curling.

Whiter Whites and Darker Darks
Whether the fabric is dyed very light or very dark, you want the spandex to match, so that it doesn't grin through when the fabric stretches. RadiciSpandex's black spandex, RadElast S-RB, prevents grin-through on dark fabrics. RadElast S-17B has a brightener that enhances the appearance of white fabrics, while resisting UV rays and chlorine as well. Popular end-uses for these spandexes include swimwear and activewear, where chlorine resistance, UV resistance, and battling the appearance of grin-through make a big difference.