What is the history and origin of spandex?

Initially developed as a substitute for natural rubber, spandex’s copolymer polyurethane was first introduced in 1937 by IG Farben in Germany. Although the fabric itself was first developed by United States-based popular synthetic fiber manufacturing company DuPont Corporation after world war II. In 1959, the company introduced the highly elastic fabric with the trade name Lycra but the consumer associated the fabric with spandex.

Spandex is often blended with other fabric and finds its application in sportswear, casual clothing, undergarment, medical and home textiles.