Lycra is the brand under which Invista markets spandex in the US, the UK and many other countries (it is also known as elastane and various other names). Spandex fibre was first developed in 1958 as a replacement for natural rubber in corsetry, where its elastic qualities were desirable. Its name is an anagram for 'expands' and it certainly does that, stretching to 7 times its initial length.

Spandex fibres are never used on their own but blended with other fibres to give fabrics stretchy properties. As little as 2% can make a huge difference to the feel of a fabric, adding comfort, fit, shape retention, durability and freedom of movement.

Velcro has been holding things together for well over 50 years and today is found on everything from softshell jackets to climbing harnesses to tents. The design came about after Georges de Mestral noticed cockleburs sticking to his trousers and his dog during a walk. Velcro simulates this idea to create fabrics which stick together: one with thousands of tiny hooks and one with thousands of tiny loops.

The word has become a generic term for any fastening which works on the Velcro principle, whose patent expired in the 70's. Alternatives are often called 'hook and loop' or 'touch' fasteners, but some manufacturers choose to spend more to buy official Velcro branded products for their lines.