Originally Posted by
Camilo
I think - at least in my case - that the reason to use a mesh bag with bib shorts isn't that they're delicate, it's to prevent the straps from getting all wrapped up with the other laundry or the agitator. I use a bag for my bibs all the time for that reason.
Lycra (and other polyurethane elastic materials) won’t be damaged by being stretched due to be tangled in other laundry. Lycra can stretch 5 to 8 times it’s normal length without damage. Most washing machines today are tumble type rather than agitator type but even an agitator machine probably can’t stretch the material that far. The nylon of the garment will probably be the limiting factor in stretch anyway.
I do agree wholeheartedly that cycling clothes are not delicate and don't require any special care except maybe don't dry any synthetic at high heat because it simply doesn't need it. But especially shorts. I think heat of a dryer, even at low, will reduce the life span of stretch. Or at least don't let them bake in the dryer any longer than necessary. They dry over night hanging from the door knob in our laundry room plus just use another pair if they don't.
People make the mistake of thinking that polyurethane elastomers are “rubber”. It isn’t. It’s an entirely different material that isn’t delicate nor damaged by heat. The fabric itself is heated to somewhere around 200°C (about 400°F) during manufacturing to set the material. Even a commercial dryer set to high would have difficulty reaching that kind of temperature.
Additionally, heat can cause the polyurethane elastomers to regain stretch. Heat causes the elastomer chain to
As to care, this is what Dupont says
CARE:
Since LYCRA® is usually the minority component in a given fabric, let the other fibers guide your care instructions. If other fibers or the trim or binding of a garment require hand washing, dry cleaning, or low-temperature washing and drying, their needs will determine the care instructions. Lycra will easily withstand repeated cleanings of all these types. When in doubt, wash or dry clean according to the primary fiber in the blend.
Bicycle shorts usually has a high content of nylon (about 70%), some polyester (around 15%) and lycra (around 15%). None of those fabrics are particularly unstable in heat. Nylon has a melt point of over 250°C (>500°F). Polyester has a similar melt point. Lycra (generically known as “elastase”) melts around 240°C. None of those temperatures can be reached by a home dryer and very few commercial dryers are going to get even half way to those temperatures. They top out at about 180°F.
Finally, socks and ordinary underwear (not fancy stuff that really isn’t meant to be worn for long) typically have lycra in them to provide stretch. The days of rubber cuffs on socks and waist bands are long gone. Do you hang dry your socks and underwear to increase the lifespan of the stretch?