Denim stretch material is one of the many types of denim fabric on the market. Denim stretch is a denim fabric that is made by combining elastic components (elastane fiber) and cotton to get a denim fabric that can provide a stretch quality that fits the body.
There are not too many elastic fibers or elastic blends used in this stretch denim fabric. Maybe only about 3%, or within 1-4% of the total denim fabric. Well, because it has elasticity, stretch denim is certainly not as stiff as compared to ordinary denim.
Currently, stretch denim is widely used in models of tight denim pants. But even though they are tight when worn, stretch denim is still comfortable because of its elastic power that can follow the curves of the body when moving. In fact, it is often worn by artists or models because it can make them look sexier.
The denim itself comes from France, a city called Nimes in France, and is woven using a traditional denim loom called shuttle looms.
A Brief History of Stretch Denim Materials
Peter Golding Fcsd is known as the first jeans designer in the 1970s. Opened his clothing store at ACE on London’s King’s Road Chelsea in 1974, and made the world’s first stretch denim jeans in 1978.
He was the first fashion designer to be invited to join what is now known as the Chartered Society of Designers, and in 2004 was invited by the Queen to Buckingham Palace in recognition of her contribution to British design.
How to Care For Stretch Denim?
Stretch jeans need extra attention in their care. This is because stretch jeans contain elastane or spandex which makes the material easily damaged. Follow the care label when washing to make stretch jeans last longer. Meanwhile, non-stretch jeans have thicker and stronger materials so they are easier to maintain.
Caring for Denim Stretch Material is actually the same as other denim materials and is not much different, such as:
- When washing clothes made from Denim Stretch, do not use detergents that contain bleach because this can cause the color of your denim fabric to fade
- It’s better to separate denim from other clothes
- When washing the Denim Stretch material, it is best to turn it upside down so that the outside is not damaged
- It’s better to wash it manually because washing using a washing machine will cause the Denim Stretch Material to stretch
- Avoid brushing too hard because this will cause the color to fade and the knitting to be damaged
- When drying Denim Stretch Material, you should not leave your jeans exposed to direct sunlight, because this will cause the color of your clothes to become dull and shrink.
Currently, stretch denim is not only available in blue and black. Now there are many stretch denim brands that issue denim products in various colors such as red, green, pink, orange, yellow, and purple.
Pros And Cons Of Stretch Jeans
Of course, these stretchy jeans have advantages and disadvantages. Before you plan to buy these jeans or make them at a custom jeans vendor, it’s a good idea if you pay attention to the following:
Pros
1. Stretch jeans are more flexible and comfortable to wear when moving
Stretch jeans are more comfortable to wear because the material is quite flexible. In contrast to non-stretch jeans, which tend to be stiff, your movements are limited.
We recommend that you choose non-stretch jeans with loose models such as boyfriend jeans or mom jeans so that you can move more freely.
2. Stretch jeans show more curves
One of the best things about stretch denim is how they form in its owner’s body right away. No need to “break them in”. They fit like a glove from the first wear.
3. Stretch jeans tend to be cooler when worn
Because the material is lighter and not stiff, stretch jeans tend to be cooler when worn. However, this model of jeans is not very suitable for you to wear in winter
Cons
1. Stretch Jeans Less durable
If you choose jeans that are more durable, then non-stretch jeans are the answer. Non-stretch jeans have good resistance because the material is strong and thick. These pants can be worn for years and are not stretchy.
In contrast to stretch jeans which will stretch by themselves according to use. Therefore, consider the percentage of stretch material in stretch jeans before buying.
2. Might become loose after multiple wears and washes.
Conclusion
Stretch jeans are made of denim and are a mix of cotton and stretch fabric. Levis calls their stretch fabric “Elastane” but other jeans makers may use “Spandex”. Usually, the mix is 99% cotton to 1% stretch. Bump up the stretch percentage and the jeans can become very stretchy. Many of the slim and skinny fit jeans have a 99%/1% blend denim …the super skinnies usually bump up to 98%/2%. A 97%/3% can make a pair of “spray-on” jeans exceptionally comfortable despite what their “tight” fit would make you think.
And that’s the reason for the stretch denim …to make the current crop of lean, slim, and skinny-fit jeans more comfortable. The denim will “give” in response to body movements a lot more than 100% cotton. The stretch aspect allows the denim to comfortably hug the legs (and other areas) without making you feel like you’re wearing a straight jacket.
Read Also: TERMS IN THE WORLD OF DENIM (THAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW)
