Volleyball spandex is as much a part of the sport as the ball. Worn by beginning juniors to Olympians and top rated pros. Its form fitting abilities and versatility makes the players look like superheros. Particularly in the fast action game that often uses the words attack, spike, joust and dig.
Exactly where did this miracle fabric come from? Two places actually. First spandex was invented in 1959 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont's laboratories in the US. Second, spandex is combined with other materials to produce the final garment more flexible. Typically spandex is as little as 10% of the final garment. When first introduced, it revolutionized much of the apparel marketplace. The chemical make up makes shorts, shirts, jerseys and uniforms last longer as it won't break down as rapidly from exposure to sweat, body oils and sunscreen.
Spandex is really a play on the word expands and is most commonly used in North America. Other parts of the world call it, and its slight variations, names such as elastine, polyurethane, lycra and a variety of other names. The elasticity of spandex allows for it to increase up to seven times its length and return to its original shape while being stronger and more durable than rubber. The combining with other materials for example cotton and polyester makes it soft and comfortable.
All of this makes it a fantastic choice for volleyball. The game requires a player to make essential aggressive moves such as jumping, spiking, digging, serving and blocking. A versatile garment lets the player concentrate on making a spectacular play while not worrying about their uniform binding, pinching, bunching or restricting their movements. By returning back to its original shape it ensures embarrassing mishaps don't occur or players always readjusting their uniforms. By being soft, supple and slightly slippery a player can move across the floor easier as they make a spectacular play. Spandex is also used in other sports including cycling and wrestling.
Within the volleyball world a few of the most favored brands are Mizuo and Asics. Mizuno is the official sponsor of the U.S. Olympic volleyball team. They are the brands of choice by Olympians and top pros as they wick moisture and sweat away keeping players dry and comfy.
These brands and others can be found at vbvolleyball.com. The latest styles, colors and funky patterns are available for purchase to you and your team. Customization is available for selected items to make you look like the volleyball spandex sporting rock star you are.
Exactly where did this miracle fabric come from? Two places actually. First spandex was invented in 1959 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont's laboratories in the US. Second, spandex is combined with other materials to produce the final garment more flexible. Typically spandex is as little as 10% of the final garment. When first introduced, it revolutionized much of the apparel marketplace. The chemical make up makes shorts, shirts, jerseys and uniforms last longer as it won't break down as rapidly from exposure to sweat, body oils and sunscreen.
Spandex is really a play on the word expands and is most commonly used in North America. Other parts of the world call it, and its slight variations, names such as elastine, polyurethane, lycra and a variety of other names. The elasticity of spandex allows for it to increase up to seven times its length and return to its original shape while being stronger and more durable than rubber. The combining with other materials for example cotton and polyester makes it soft and comfortable.
All of this makes it a fantastic choice for volleyball. The game requires a player to make essential aggressive moves such as jumping, spiking, digging, serving and blocking. A versatile garment lets the player concentrate on making a spectacular play while not worrying about their uniform binding, pinching, bunching or restricting their movements. By returning back to its original shape it ensures embarrassing mishaps don't occur or players always readjusting their uniforms. By being soft, supple and slightly slippery a player can move across the floor easier as they make a spectacular play. Spandex is also used in other sports including cycling and wrestling.
Within the volleyball world a few of the most favored brands are Mizuo and Asics. Mizuno is the official sponsor of the U.S. Olympic volleyball team. They are the brands of choice by Olympians and top pros as they wick moisture and sweat away keeping players dry and comfy.
These brands and others can be found at vbvolleyball.com. The latest styles, colors and funky patterns are available for purchase to you and your team. Customization is available for selected items to make you look like the volleyball spandex sporting rock star you are.