A collar binding knitted with a small blend of elastane/spandex, ensuring exceptional stretch-recovery and shape retention.
A Lycra Ribbed Neck is a premium garment collar binding knitted with a blend of cotton and a small percentage (typically 3% to 5%) of Lycra (elastane/spandex) synthetic fibers. The collar of a t-shirt is subjected to the highest physical stress on a garment, as it must stretch wide to pass over the wearer's head and snap back instantly to hug the neck. Cheaper shirts use 100% cotton ribs, which lack elastic memory; after a few wear-and-wash cycles, the cotton yarns stretch out permanently, forming a wavy, sagging collar known in the fashion industry as the 'bacon neck' effect. Mixing Lycra into the rib knit gives the collar exceptional elastic recovery. This ensures the neckline retains its tight, clean, premium shape over hundreds of wears, which is a major hallmark of retail-ready streetwear apparel.