Editing Skin-tight garment (section)

===Sportswear===
[[File:Cycling kit full body_alt_3_(cropped).jpg|thumb|[[spandex|Elastic material]] used in the fabrics of a summer [[cycling kit|cycling attire]] comprising a [[cycling jersey|jersey]], [[bib shorts]] and [[cycling gloves|gloves]].]]

The development and use of stretch fabrics simplified the construction of clothing. First used in swimsuits and women's bras, fashion designers began using them as early as the mid-1980s. They entered the mainstream market in the early 1990s, and are now widely used in [[Sportswear (activewear)|sports clothing]].

In various athletic and performance contexts, skin-tight garments, also known as skin suits, offer a range of benefits, including injury protection and prevention of scrapes, while also providing enhanced muscle support and reduced muscle vibration. These garments also help to minimize wind and friction drag, making them ideal for activities such as swimming,<ref>{{cite journal |author1=van de Ven |author2=de Best |author3=de Groot |author4=Toussaint, H. M.; Truijens, M.; Elzinga, M. J.; A.; H.; Snabel, B.; G. |last5=De Best |first5=H |last6=Snabel |first6=B |last7=De Groot |first7=G |date=January 2002 |title=Effect of a Fast-skin 'body' suit on drag during front crawl swimming |url=https://research.vu.nl/en/publications/d705de0e-a17e-403e-aaad-55c29e45640c |journal=Sports Biomechanics |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=1&ndash;10 |doi=10.1080/14763140208522783 |pmid=14658132 |s2cid=219698283}}</ref> cycling, skating,<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Kuper, Gerard H. |author2=Sterken, Elmer |year=2008 |title=Do skin suits affect the average skating speed? |journal=Sports Technology |volume=1 |issue=4–5 |pages=189&ndash;195 |doi=10.1002/jst.24}}</ref> skiing, and running. Moreover, they offer protection from cuts, stings, and abrasions, as well as safeguarding against the harmful effects of UV radiation from the sun.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Compression wear and shapewear: skin-tight apparel for enhanced performance and well-being |url=https://www.knittingindustry.com/compression-wear-and-shapewear-skintight-apparel-for-enhanced-performance-and-wellbeing/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=www.knittingindustry.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=www.technicaltextile.net |title=Compression Garments, Skin Tight Clothing, Fine Denier Yarns, High Quality Yarns, Fibre2fashion |url=https://www.technicaltextile.net/articles/compression-garments-4012 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=www.technicaltextile.net |language=EN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-12 |title=What is UV-resistant fabric, its advantages, and applications? |url=https://www.begoodtex.com/function/ifr-anti-uv-fabric/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=www.begoodtex.com |language=en-US}}</ref> This type of clothing is a key component of many athletic ensembles, providing a comprehensive solution for athletes seeking to optimize their performance and safety.