LUREX MATERIAL
Lurex tights by Fiore – available at the shop section
Hosiery decorated with metallic yarn, or Lurex, is a common sight these days, especially around the holiday time when people want to put on every sparkling garment they possibly can. But have you ever wondered, how did it come to be that metal became part of our garments? I looked up some information that may help to understand what it really is.
Lurex material was invented in the 1940s and it is simply a combination of several types of synthetic yarns woven together with aluminium. It is a thread like a thin strip of a shiny film of metal-like appearance. In some dictionaries it says that the word Lurex can refer to the shiny material that consists of such threads. Such yarn is added to the weave to create an effect of metallic shine. But it is never used on its own because of its roughness and lack of durability.
Lurex is a trade mark of such metallic yarn. It is produced in many countries and it is obtained from aluminium foil coated with a film or an emulsion to avoid oxidation. In order to obtain different colours, a pigment is added.
DISCO DECADES OF LUREX
Such clothing, containing Lurex, was unusually popular during the disco decades of 1970s and 1980s. The first one to demonstrate tops with addition of Lurex yarn was a designer Bill Gibb in 1970s. In 1980s this yarn was a top fashion hit and such synthetic shine is the characteristic became associated with that time.
Lurex pantyhose may have it all over, or just a side pattern somewhere that sparkles and creates a certain party spirit. If you decided to buy such pantyhose, it’s best to give some thought as to where you’ll wear it. Perhaps it’s best to save for a disco outing.
LUREX DECORATED PANTYHOSE
Perhaps it’s important to say that Lurex is not meant for not for indecisive and shy women or fans of minimalism in fashion. This is a material that draws attention to the wearer and highlights the figure.
Also, it is interesting to note that Lurex is not a word that is strictly associated with female wardrobe. Some Italian stylists offer a shiny sweater and classic cut pants as an evening outfit for men. We’ll keep you posted if Italian machos will follow stylists’ recommendations.
The fashion of shiny garments seems to come back every now and then, so such clothing may very well be tomorrow’s new trend again. It’s something that today we regularly see in evening dresses, scarves, hats, stockings, and so on. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Diane Von Furstenberg, Max Mara, Salvatore Ferragamo, Oscar de La Renta are just some of the designers who periodically demonstrate Lurex-decorated collections.
SUPER SHINY LUREX TIGHTS
Modeled by Thomas, a big hosiery fan from Austria. His ultra-shiny pantyhose is beautiful, but he admits that he needs to wear another sheer pair underneath because otherwise it’s just too itchy.
