POLYESTER + LYCRA MICROWEAVE FABRIC

 

Stretch materials are a recent development in boardshort technology. Polyester microfibers (inelastic) are blended with spandex, (elastic) the blending of the two materials offers the material the beneficial traits of each. Polyester is strong and dries quickly, while spandex/lycra has an amazing capacity for elongation (500%) and for a limited period of time it recovers well to its original size. The addition of an elastic material (to polyester or nylon) contributes to an often desired common characteristic of it being a very lightweight material that is also very soft and smooth. Twill is an optimum weave for boardshort materials because the mechanics of the twill weave's numerous perpendicular interfacings act as long joints that therefore have an inherently wide range of motion that results in the material having the best possible flexibility while maintaining good drapability. Can be damaged by heat and elastic materials (lycra / Spandex) are especially prone to fading with chlorine. For further information on this material's history in the use of boardshorts click here.