Tips For Styling Lycra Clothing
Posted on: 18 March 2019
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Lycra is a brand of synthetic fabric that is constructed of a combination of a polyurethane-based material and cotton. The fabric, sometimes also referred to as a Spandex, is known for being stretchy, form-fitting, and comfortable.
One of the benefits of Lycra stretch fabric is that it moves with you and wicks moisture away from your body, which is especially important when you're active. A lot of sportswear, such as running pants, bike shorts, dance clothing such as leotards and tights, and even tennis skirts, is made with stretchy Lycra to help aid physical performance.
Lycra isn't just for active wear, however. You can also find the fabric in a wide variety of lounge, casual, and even workwear pieces, as it's both figure-flattering and wrinkle-resistant. It's easy to dress Lycra clothing pieces either up or down, depending on the occasion and how you style them.
Not only is Lycra simple to wear, but it's also simple to care for and maintain. The most important thing to remember is not to wash or dry Lycra in high heat, which can damage the stretchy fibers. Wash the fabric in your washer on the machine's "delicate" setting using cool water and a mild detergent or by hand. Avoid using any harsh chemical stain removers, and allow the clothing to air-dry for best results.
Following are some tips for styling Lycra clothing to look your best no matter what you're wearing:
1. Leggings
There are few things more comfortable than a pair of stretchy leggings, but you risk looking sloppy in them if they're not properly styled. When wearing form-fitting pants, consider choosing a longer top, such as a loose tunic, that falls to at least to your mid-thighs.
Pick a tunic that is fitted on top and then slightly flares at the bottom to avoid a shapeless look. You can also top the Lycra leggings with a long cardigan sweater or a fitted sweater dress in cooler weather. Add a long necklace and a pair of ankle or knee-high boots to complete the look.
If you want to wear the leggings with sandals, you can fold the bottoms under a few inches to create a cropped, summer-ready appearance.
2. Dress
One way to bring Lycra fabric into your work or dressy weekend wear is with a fun dress. Go for one that is fitted on top and features either a flattering scoop- or V-neck or a wrap and tie waist style. Lycra dresses typically either have a form-fitting or flared bottom, depending on the look you're going for.
A dress that is fitted all the way through will look perfect on the dance floor, while a more flirty fit-and-flare style is versatile enough to work for both the office and cocktail hour.