Stretch fabric is a multipurpose material that is becoming widely used in the apparel industry. It is a popular material for a variety of clothing types, including activewear and casual wear, due to its capacity to stretch and revert to its original shape.
Stretch fabric is distinct because of its special construction, which frequently includes elastic fibers like elastane or spandex. The fabric’s flexibility, which enables it to adapt to the body and provide comfort without losing its shape, comes from these fibers.
Stretch fabrics come in a variety of forms, each with unique qualities and applications. By being aware of these varieties, you can select the ideal fabric for your sewing projects and make sure the clothes you make fit and feel fantastic.
Description
What is this elastic material called "stretch fabric" that drapes and fits the body flawlessly? A set of fabrics is united by the prefix stretch. When spandex, lyra, or elastane are added to the basic composition of natural, synthetic, or artificial threads, elastic properties are produced. The elastic component’s percentage ranges from 1 to 30%.
The structure of spandex fiber is distinct. It consists of flexible polyurethane fragments joined together into a single chain by stiff bonds that control the elasticity and prevent the particles from separating. Lycra is not found in pure form; rather, it is only present as an extra ingredient that adds elasticity and lengthens the product’s lifespan.
Elastane fibers are made to be both shiny and matte, transparent and translucent, allowing them to either completely blend into the material or add gloss when needed.
The definition of "stretch" in English is to extend.
The amount of spandex used and the thread it was added to—a piece, a weft, or both at once—determine the degree of stretch. As a result, you will receive a bi-stretch that can stretch in any direction or a mono-stretch that can only stretch in one direction. They look the same from the outside. Applying force makes it easy to determine the type.
Types of mono-stretch fabrics
Any material that instantly receives the prefix "stretch" can have its properties altered by even a tiny amount of lycra. The primary categories of fabrics that stretch only one way are:
- Stretch jeans are a dense material of medium hardness, resistant to mechanical stress. Used for comfortable everyday wear: trousers, dresses, shirts and jackets. Denim pants made from this material fit perfectly on the figure.
- Jersey is an elegant fabric made popular by Coco Chanel. Used for sewing dresses, suits and underwear. The composition can be synthetic and mixed. The fabric is highly elastic in the transverse direction, while stretching little in length. Looks beautiful with folds and draperies. The material has also found application in the production of bathrobes, sleepwear and children"s clothing.
- Thanks to elastane, stretch linen becomes more comfortable and hardly wrinkles anymore.
- Poplin – ribbed cotton fabric for bed linen and summer clothing. Soft and dense material with high hygienic properties.
- Stretch velvet is a rich fabric with a good fit. Designed for evening and theater wear.
- Barbie – suiting fabric for business clothes and school uniforms. It is soft, durable and form-fitting due to its light stretch. Provides air exchange, does not wrinkle and lasts a long time.
- Stretch silk, which successfully combines strength and elasticity with gloss and chic. Applicable to party dresses, bedding and underwear.
- Tiar is a costume fabric, strict and versatile. Has a smooth surface with a small, diagonal rib. 2% elastane for a perfect fit. Used for dresses, jackets and suits.
- Stretch wool softly hugs the figure, warms and does not wrinkle when sitting for a long time.
- Gabardine is a durable material made of wool or cotton with the addition of synthetics. It is distinguished by the diagonal weaving of the warp and weft threads. It holds its shape well, is light and thin.
- Bengaline is an airy and beautiful material similar to silk. It is made of mixed, natural or synthetic. Lycra content 2-5%. It does not wrinkle, retains its shape and is soft to the touch. The peculiarity is that the material stretches well in the longitudinal, and not in the transverse direction.
Stretch fabric is a multipurpose material that can be stretched and reformed into its original shape. Because of its elasticity, it’s perfect for clothing like casual wear and activewear that needs to be comfortable and flexible. Stretch fabrics come in a variety of forms, with varying degrees of support and stretch, such as spandex and elastane blends. Stretch fabric is a popular option for clothing that needs to move with the body because of its main benefit: it can fit snugly while allowing for easy movement.
Types of bi-stretch
Bi-elastic materials are aesthetically pleasing and cozy. The most widely used materials consist of:
- Biflex, which is translated as "stretchable in two directions". The dimensions of the canvas can be increased three times. It is durable and has a persistent color in saturated tones. Individual species have decorative effects, flickering and holographic. Thermal conductivity and ability to absorb moisture allows the use of fabric for hot days and comfortably conduct training. It is used for swimsuits, sportswear, stage and dance costumes, as well as for needlework, dolls are made from it.
- Diving or “second leather” consists of synthetic fibers of polyester and liraku, as well as viscose and sometimes cotton. Has high strength and shiny surface. It is found in two versions; Microdulation for T-shirts and summer dresses and diving steel, which is successfully used for sports knitwear and pulling underwear. Clothing from this fabric gives harmony to the silhouette and hides several extra pounds.
- Kulirka and ribana are highly elastic knitted fabric made from natural cotton fibers with the addition of 5% lycra. The fabrics have high hygroscopic and breathable properties, are hypoallergenic and safe. In addition, they are durable and tear-resistant. Mainly used in sewing children"s clothing and things for newborns.
- Footer fabric is a cotton knitwear with a fleece, cozy and unpretentious. A small percentage of lycra increases strength and elasticity. Used for children"s clothing, home and sportswear.
- Oil is a soft, flowing and durable material made of viscose, polyester and lycra. It gracefully fits the figure and is pleasant for the skin. It can be plain and printed, matte or with a slight shine.
Advantages in clothing
Stretch fabrics are appealing because they can regain their original size and shape. When clothing is on a person, it fits the contours of their body and, when removed, it follows those lines as well. This characteristic enables you to make shapewear and products that fit snugly.
What is a clothing stream fabric?
- Elasticity and extensibility;
- Formality and incomplete;
- Strength and wear resistance;
- Lack of burnout and destruction under the influence of external factors;
- Thanks to the lime, the clothes are less polluted, and the spots are easily washed;
- Air and thermal conductivity;
- Hygroscopicity.
Textiles with synthetic components have natural fiber characteristics. It is noteworthy that the properties of synthetics intensify and preserve the operational qualities of cotton and wool when a maximum of one-third of their composition is added to spandex.
Viscous matter has the drawback of having a propensity to shrink significantly, so washing and handling should be done carefully.
In the medical industry, spandex is needed to make knitwear, compression linen, bandages, and elastic bandages.
Application
Particularly valued for use in apparel are stretch fabrics. The elastic material also looks fantastic in home textiles and furniture upholstery.
- All types of women"s clothing: dresses, skirts, blouses, jackets;
- Skinny and tight trousers, jeans and leggings;
- Outfits for special occasions;
- Sportswear, suits and tights;
- Men"s shirts and jackets;
- Outfits for theatre and circus performers;
- Underwear;
- Swimsuits for children and adults;
- Socks and knee-highs;
- Women"s stockings and tights.
Materials containing spandex are used to create capes, covers, decorative pillowcases, and bedspreads. You can easily form the material into the desired shape because of its pliability.
Care
What you ought to understand about maintaining stretch products:
- Avoid intense mechanical action during washing. Exclude spinning at high speeds, twisting and rubbing of contaminated areas.
- A sharp change in temperature during washing and rinsing leads to shrinkage.
- Wash by hand or in a delicate mode.
- Limit water heating to 30°.
- Do not use aggressive chemicals and bleaches;
- Leave wet items to drain naturally.
- Dry horizontally or on hangers away from sunlight and heat sources;
- Stretch items do not require ironing. If necessary, set the heating regulator to the "synthetics" or "silk" position, and move the iron over the surface without stretching movements.
Crucial! Elastic items cannot be steam cleaned. The result is shrinkage.
| Type of Stretch Fabric | Description and Advantages |
| Elastane (Spandex) | Highly elastic, returns to original shape after stretching, used in sportswear and tight-fitting clothes. |
| Knitted Fabric | Naturally stretchy due to its looped structure, comfortable, and widely used in everyday wear. |
| Stretch Cotton | Soft and breathable with added elasticity, ideal for comfortable yet form-fitting garments. |
| Stretch Denim | Denim with added elastane, combines the classic look of denim with flexibility for easier movement. |
| Stretch Velvet | Luxurious fabric with a slight stretch, often used in evening wear, offering both comfort and style. |
Stretch fabric’s comfort and versatility have completely changed the textile industry. Stretch fabrics provide solutions that meet a variety of needs, whether you’re looking for material that holds its shape or apparel that moves with you.
Stretch fabrics come in a wide range of compositions, from cotton blends to spandex and elastane, so both customers and designers can find the ideal fit for their projects. Whether it’s for more structured clothing, sportswear, or casual wear, each type has special advantages.
Selecting stretch fabric is embracing a material that improves functionality as well as style. A popular option because of its durability and ability to mold to the shape of the body. Stretch fabrics are excellent for sewing for both practicality and style.
