Who was Joseph Shivers?
Joseph C. Shivers was an American chemist who worked at DuPont laboratories in the 1950s. His great contribution to the world of fashion was not a garment, but a material: elastane , better known by its trade name, Spandex or Lycra .
This synthetic fabric revolutionized the textile industry thanks to its elasticity, durability, and resilience . Before Spandex, tight-fitting garments were stiff, uncomfortable, and easily lost their shape. With the arrival of the new material, everything changed.
And what do underwear have to do with it?
Until then, underwear was mostly made of cotton or wool, with very little stretch. They were functional, yes, but not necessarily comfortable or flattering. The emergence of Spandex made it possible to design much tighter, more flexible, and ergonomic underwear , capable of adapting to the body and moving with it.
Thanks to Shivers' invention, stretch boxers, modern briefs, and athletic briefs were born, all of which are now part of every man's wardrobe. It was a quiet but fundamental revolution: for the first time, underwear combined comfort, aesthetics, and performance .
Beyond fashion: impact on sports and everyday life
Joseph Shivers' legacy didn't just transform underwear. Elastane is now a key element in sportswear, swimwear, cycling clothing, and any garment that needs to fit the body without restricting movement.
Thanks to him, underwear ceased to be just a functional garment and became an element of design, comfort, and technology.
At Dakonda we are committed to innovation
At Dakonda.com , we believe that fashion is also history and innovation. That's why we work with brands that focus on cutting-edge fabrics, functional designs, and uncompromising comfort. Because we know that a good pair of underwear can make a difference in your daily life, and it all started with a curious mind and a laboratory.
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