STRETCH DENIM

Stretch Denim fabric is made with a percentage of elastan fiber that is combined with the manufacturers Material (most of the time Cotton), giving it a body-fitting stretch quality. The first mill to produce this special denim in Europe was Legler, in the late '70s, though initially without great success. One of the earliest stretch jeans lines was produced in Hong Kong by Peter Golding, using Japanese Stretch Denim. In 1980 Levi's launched in the UK the first complete Womens Wear program of Stretch Jeans with the help of Lauffenmiihle's Elastenim. This initiative met with very good response in Great Britain and other brands soon followed suit. Marks & Spencer (UK) was the next to bring stretch denim to the consumer. And the following years in Europe saw a boom in the stretch phenomenon, notably with France's Buffalo and, around 1983/84, and Germany's Mustang. Now World Wide, most every Company that makes Jeans has a line of Stretch Denim, But as you will learn Not all Stretch Denim is created equal!

 

The History of Spandex

Spandex or elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity (stretchability). It is stronger and more durable than rubber. It was invented in 1959 by DuPont chemist Joseph Shivers. When first introduced it revolutionized many areas of the clothing industry.
Spandex and Lycra are the preferred names in North America and Australia , while elastane is most often used elsewhere, such as in Europe.  
Some well-known trademarks for spandex or elastane is INVISTA's brand name Lycra®. Other trademarks include Elaspan (also INVISTA's), Dorlastan (Bayer) and Linel (Fillattice).

 

To Stretch, or Not To Stretch

To Stretch

There's so much to love about Stretch Denim. First of all, it stretches! Then of course you get a fit that adjusts to Your body fabulously every time!  And last but not least it's the sleek, comfortable and oh, so stylish look that that has heads turning at every intersection that makes Stretch Jeans all the rave!

Not To Stretch

Now, this may seem like a frightening concept for those who adore the comfort of Stretch Jeans, however 100% Cotton Denim Jeans that where washed and used for years are the inspiration behind Stretch Denim Jeans. When you get a Well made 100% Cotton Jean you will truly get a Jean that will conform to your body, in time. Yes stretch jeans can do this feat in seconds but Stretch Jeans don’t’ have the life span of a Well made 100% Cotton Jean.

 

  So Spandex or Lycra?

The fact of the matter is Lycra is a trade marked name by the company INVISTA and Spandex is a trade marked name by the company DuPont. They are both an elastic material used in Stretch Denim, Some may say Lycra is better then Spandex, But that would be like saying Pepsi is better then Coke, it’s a hard call. That fact has yet to be proven. But what is the True Test, is the Stitch count of the Denim, the Denim weight and the Denim Quality being used with the Stretch Fabric. Premium Stretch Denim will always give you the best fit and feel by far! Although it would seem that Lycra is a stronger more elastic material of the two , this is self pro-claimed by INVISTA the maker of LYCRA. The fact of the matter is Trends Change, so it really doesn't matter if a Jean  Lasts 10 years, by then the styles will have changed and the Jean will most likely be out of style. 

                                    

  What Amount of Stretch do I Want?

This is a touchy subject also because it really is up to preference and Denim Quality!
The combinations below are assuming the Stretch is combined with a High Quality, Mid Weight or Premium Denim material.

1) 1% Stretch- A great dress up Jean Contouring your body very nicely, with  just enough stretch to make you look Fabulous and feel Comfortable at any elegant event!
2) 2-3% Stretch- Again a great dress up jean Contouring your body very nicely, at the same time even more comfortable allowing you the wear them anytime and anywhere.
3) 4% Stretch-Super Comfortable and Extremely Form fitting, for an all around Jean from playing to working to dining, all done in superb comfort.

(We do not recommend over 6% Stretch Unless it is coupled with a Rigid Denim and in that case the results will be the same as the 4% Stretch Review.)

 

 

Some Tips and Rules to Remember

1) Stretch Denim  jeans are made to form fit your body! Don’t buy them a little too big thinking they will shrink. The fact of the matter is you want to buy Stretch Denim jeans a little snug to allow them to form to your body. Just use the sit down rule! If you Can sit and  feel comfortable you’re good to go, but if you try to sit and it feels like your going to bust a seam try the next size up.

2) Jeans that are made with thin Stretch material can look very Sexy. But with thin materials the front pockets can look bulky—So if needed cut them out, to make a nice, smooth, uniform line. Get your self a “High Fashion” purse to hold all your goodies and at the same time one that will compliment your Jeans!

3) You must hang your Jeans! Do not Drape them over a hanger.  This applies to all Denim Jeans, but Especially Stretch Denim, when you fold your Jeans you can create wear marks that will fade the Denim! Not only that, you can create a permanent crease in the fabric. When you hang them ,use a quality hanger that has adjustable clips that are padded. Clip them about one inch in, on either side of the waist band making sure not to stretch the jean as you apply the hanger. They will be ready to wear when you want them and the life of your jeans will be extended considerably.                              

                                                 

4) Jeans with Stretch will fit more generously, but higher quality brands use stronger types of material and use a Higher stitch count so the Stretch will not give as great as the lower end 'shopping mall stretch' jeans.(That should be avoided by anyone in Jr high or older.)

5) Finding the right pair of jeans can do wonders for your silhouette. Choose styles designed with a sleeker hip, lower rise and slightly flared or skinny leg . A hint of stretch  (ie: 1%) will make sure the denim is contoured nicely and not unflattering or bulky.

6) What you wear with your jeans is just as important as the jeans themselves. For a Night out, pair your jeans with a fitted shirt, slim belt and elegant heel. You are sure to be noticed!

7) STRETCH DENIM  CARE

• Hand or machine wash in lukewarm water
• Do not use chlorine bleach on any fabric containing spandex. Use oxygen or sodium perborate type bleach
• Rinse thoroughly
• Drip dry. If machine dried, use low temperature
• Ironing, if required, should be done rapidly. Do not leave the iron too long in one position. Use low temperatures setting.
• (For specific instructions, refer to garment's sewn-in care label)
• For Premium Jeans or ones with with rhinestones or added details such as Embroidery find a good Dry Cleaner to protect your investment!

 

Some Good Quality Stretch Jeans we Suggest!

       

Paige Premium Denim, Lucky Brand, Joe's, Seven for All Mankind, Paper Denim & Cloth.

 

We have just touched the tip of the iceberg on the discussion of Stretch Denim. But we are always available to answer any of your questions at Av8-highfashion on Ebay. If this guide has helped you in any way please Vote below! Thank you very much!

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