New LYCRA company will stay based in Delaware

Lycra, the polyether-polyurea copolymer used to make so many yoga pants, no longer belongs to DuPont — but the stretchy synthetic still has a home in Delaware.

DuPont sold its nylon business, including Lycra, to INVISTA, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, in 2004.

The fabric and brand now belong to the Chinese company Shandong Ruyi Investment Holding, which acquired it from INVISTA in January. Ruyi, as it’s known for short, has rebranded the textile as LYCRA (all caps), and — good news! — will keep its headquarters for The LYCRA Company in Northern Delaware.

Introducing The LYCRA Company! Shandong Ruyi Investment Holding has completed its purchase of INVISTA’s Apparel & Advanced Textiles Unit. Learn more here: https://t.co/EDtX398icP pic.twitter.com/Huf5pGEODg

— The LYCRA Company (@TheLYCRACompany) February 4, 2019

Delaware Business Now has reported that Ruyi plans an initial public offering of The LYCRA Co. soon.

The synthetic stretch fabric has become extremely popular in the last few years, as it’s now used in most jeans, undergarments, shapewear, swimwear, workout wear and those ubiquitous and comfy yoga pants. LYCRA has even entered the men’s suit market.

To keep an eye out for jobs at The LYCRA Co., see their new Careers page.