The LYCRA Company is a proud ingredient brand with a decades-long history of dreaming big. The company is powered by a team of experts across fields — scientists, thinkers, market leaders — all motivated by a shared passion: to make life more comfortable. In its 65+ years on the market, Fiber® fiber has transformed the garment industry, helping to fuel the rise of activewear and athleisure and making everything from swimwear to denim to intimates more comfortable. The LYCRA Company revolutionized comfort in 1958, and still doing it today.
Recently team Denim Focus had a conversation with Ebru Ozaydin, Global Product Category Director, Denim, Wovens and Ready-to-Wear at The LYCRA Company & Thiruvengadam Rajagopal, Commercial Director, South Asia at The LYCRA Company. The key discussion points are mentioned below for our readers-
Photo from left to right: Ebru Ozaydin, Global Product Category Director, Denim, Wovens and Ready-to-Wear at The LYCRA Company & Thiruvengadam Rajagopal, Commercial Director, South Asia at The LYCRA Company.Denim Focus: Could you please share with us the current scenario of the global textile industry?
Ebru Ozaydin: The global textile industry is in a reset—or better said, a recalibration—phase. We are seeing a clear pivot from volume to value, with growth coming from premium, performance-driven, and sustainable products. Innovation in stretch and circularity will be critical for the next wave of competitiveness. Brands are consolidating their supplier base, prioritizing compliance, traceability, and durability, and shifting assortments toward comfort, versatility, and multi-tasking products. Nearshoring and reshoring for speed, tighter inventory management, and new regulations such as the ESPR and Digital Product Passport are redefining what “good” looks like in our industry: fewer SKUs, better quality, and measurable impact.
Denim Focus: How does The LYCRA Company support Bangladesh Textile Industry for RMG value addition?
Thiruvengadam Rajagopal: The LYCRA Company’s strategic approach to supporting the Bangladeshi RMG sector includes continuous technical innovation focused on improving efficiency and upgrading products to meet the expectations of brands and consumers.
LYCRA® Anti-Slip fiber is designed to help prevent seam slippage in denim and wovens, improving garment quality and yield. This product helps maintain garment appearance wash after wash and wear after wear.
Although it is used in yarn and fabrics, seam slippage is reported after the garment is made, so this solution can help reduce product returns by improving quality and consistency. The LYCRA Company helps support the evolution of Bangladesh’s textile industry from a low-cost supplier to a creator of value-added, high-performance, and sustainable apparel for the global stage.
Denim Focus: Bangladeshi Textile millers are facing price challenges; day by day, raw material costs are higher, but buyers give lower prices. How can The LYCRA Company can support that?
Thiruvengadam Rajagopal: In the face of these pricing pressures, adopting LYCRA® fiber solutions can enhance cost efficiency over the long term. While the initial investment in premium spandex may be higher, LYCRA® fiber contributes to reducing waste, minimizing defects, and lowering the rate of returns, which saves money in the long run. Garments made with LYCRA® fiber also maintain their fit and appearance over time, allowing manufacturers and brands to stand out in a crowded market by delivering consistently high-quality apparel.
Moreover, innovations like LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber and LYCRA FitSense® denim technology help partner mills offer differentiated products to their buyers to help them build stronger brand reputations. The LYCRA Company empowers Bangladeshi textile businesses to move beyond mere price competition and build value for customers worldwide.
Denim Focus: How do you see the Bangladesh market for LYCRA® fiber?
Thiruvengadam Rajagopal: The Bangladesh market presents strong growth potential for LYCRA® brand products, driven by a shift toward value-added manufacturing and a growing focus on quality, performance, and sustainability.
As local mills look to differentiate, demand is rising for advanced fibers, including:
- Bio-derived LYCRA® EcoMade fiber – made with 70% renewable content, it delivers the same performance as original LYCRA® fiber.
- LYCRA XTRA LIFE® fiber – adds long-lasting comfort, fit, shape, and performance to stretch denim. With its continued investment in R&D and innovation, The LYCRA Company is well-positioned to support Bangladesh’s evolving textile sector and be a key partner in its future growth.
Denim Focus: What is your future plan for Bangladesh?
Thiruvengadam Rajagopal: Looking ahead, our future plan for Bangladesh revolves around deepening our collaborations with local mills, garment manufacturers, and brands to foster a robust ecosystem of innovation. We aim to introduce cutting-edge fiber, fabric and garment technologies tailored to meet the unique needs of the consumer, supporting the value chain’s evolution from traditional manufacturing to value-added apparel solutions.
The LYCRA Company recently launched LYCRA FitSense® denim technology, which is a customized fit solution offering targeted power zones. This revolutionary garment technology provides support where it’s needed (tummy, legs, bum, and waist), and ease everywhere else. The invisible compression does not impact the authentic denim look and feel of the garment.
By offering revolutionary products, The LYCRA Company seeks not only to enhance the competitive edge of Bangladeshi textile businesses on the world stage, but also to contribute meaningfully to the industry’s long-term growth and reputation for excellence.
