Joseph Shivers is an American chemist best known for inventing the fabric known as Lycra, a stretchy material that revolutionized the clothing industry. He developed this synthetic fiber in the late 1950s while working for DuPont, a major chemical company. Lycra is widely used in activewear, swimwear, and undergarments due to its elasticity and comfort. Shivers' invention has had a significant impact on fashion and sportswear, allowing for more form-fitting and flexible designs. His work contributed to the rise of athleisure and has influenced how clothing is designed for both performance and everyday wear.