Spandex question

[Fabienne]

Is there a method for "stretching" a piece of material make of nylon and spandex (8%, I think)? I mean stretching so it remains larger than it initially was. The idea would be for that piece of clothing not too feel as tight.

 

[mrchapel]

Not sure if this is possible. By nature, spandex, and similar fabrics such as lycra, are designed to conform to the wearer. But the level of conformity is entirely dependent on the basic size of the garment. The nylon within it plus the spandex makes me think it's not possible to stretch it, or only as much as the 8% spandex allows. What kind of garment is it? Is it too small or too large?

 

[Fabienne]

That's what I feared. It's a Guess bathing suit I found on sale yesterday, last one. It feels a little tight at the hips, it's a very small small. I may have to return it, then. It's a shame, it fits nicely and flatteringly otherwise.

 

[Tomasso]

I've had spandex cycling shorts that have stretched out over a period of use. It may be possible to increase the size by placing the garment on a larger form for an extended period of time.

 

[Dakota rube]

Thank you, Fabienne, for the wonderful mental image I'll carry at least through the rest of the day.

 

[nmoraitis]

I have a golf shirt that is a composite of cotton and spandex. I found that streching out the material with my hands and holding it in that position for a couple of minutes really helped.

 

[mrchapel]

On second thought, do you have access to vice grips or a similar device that you can hook it to securely and then pull the living daylights out of it to see if it'll stretch itself out? Be careful though; wouldn't want to rip it, though nylon is a very strong fabric.

 

[lawyerdad]

Or you could just ask your husband to wear it around the house for a day or two.

 

[drizzt3117]

Originally Posted by mrchapel

On second thought, do you have access to vice grips or a similar device that you can hook it to securely and then pull the living daylights out of it to see if it'll stretch itself out? Be careful though; wouldn't want to rip it, though nylon is a very strong fabric.

vice grips sound dangerous to a bathing suit... you could probably have some success just using your hands to stretch it out, it would probably be safer.

 

[Fabienne]

This could be likened to fighting a rubber band: it's actually 15% spandex!
I stretched it for several hours over a bathroom towel rack, and it doesn't seem to have done a whole lot. Does material containing spandex tend to expand some when wet?

 

[stach]

If it's tight at the leg holes you're out of luck due to the seaming stitches. If it's tight at the butt try wearing it overnight or around the house for a few days. Spandex eventually stretches out.

 

[Fabienne]

Originally Posted by stach

If it's tight at the leg holes you're out of luck due to the seaming stitches. If it's tight at the butt try wearing it overnight or around the house for a few days. Spandex eventually stretches out.

It's a hipster cut with bows on the sides (you cannot undo the bows). It is a the site of the bows that it feels it is digging in a little too much. Seams, then?

 

[stach]

Yes, are you the sewing type? I bet if you open up the seams right inside the legs there you might find a little extra fabric to let out.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by Fabienne

Does material containing spandex tend to expand some when wet?

Yes, spandex does expand when wet but I'm not sure how 15% would respond.

 

[drizzt3117]

I imagine it will stretch after some time. I believe most non-tie suits will stretch at least especially after being worn in the water, but i'm not sure how much effort it will take.