Abstract: Commercial spandex can be prepared with greater efficiency, improved consistency and at lower costs from a high-solids content polyurethaneurea polymer solution. The polyurethaneurea is prepared using a combination of 4,4?-MDI and 2,4?-MDI, and an amount of chain extenders and chain terminators such that the polymer solution, prior to spinning, is highly soluble and has an appropriate pre-spun IV and primary amine content. Such spandex fibers, and the fabrics and garments comprising them, have good dyeability and colorfastness, as well as other desirable characteristics.

Abstract: Circular knit, elastic fabrics of at least one of single jersey, French terry, and fleece are disclosed that include a bare elastomeric material plated with spun and/or continuous filament hard yarns. The circular knit, elastic fabrics of at least one of single jersey, French terry, and fleece are manufactured by a method that does not require a dry heat setting step. The method requires drafting the bare elastomeric material no more than about 2.5× its original length when knitting to form the circular knit, elastic fabrics of at least one of single jersey, French terry, and fleece.

Abstract: Circular-knit, elastic, single-knit jersey fabric, of spun and/or continuous filament hard yarns with bare spandex plated in every course, has a cover factor in the range of 1.3 to 1.9, a basis weight from 140 to 240 g/m2, an elongation of 60% or more and low shrinkage. The circular knit, single-knit jersey fabric is produced by maintaining the draft of the spandex at or below 2× (100% elongation) and maintaining the finishing and drying temperature(s) below the spandex heat set temperature. The knit fabric meets the end-use specifications without heat setting.