Sunday, November 19, 2017

In Love With 4 Way Stretch Fabric

By Edward Olson


In the old days, jeans were stiff, especially when new, and tended to bag at the knee and in the seat after a hard day's work or play. Blouses were hard to keep tucked in, and underwear had to be laced up to fit correctly. However, 2 and 4 way stretch fabric changed all that. The basic stretchy synthetic was developed by DuPont in the late 1950s, and once the clothing trade picked up on the new invention, the rest is history.

In 1978, Peter Golding, a British designer with a shop in trendy Chelsea, introduced the first stretch jeans. He used a fabric from Japan and sold the shape-revealing pants in several bright colors. These form-fitting garments delighted the fashion-flouting and fashion-setting rock stars and teens of Chelsea.

Of course, many clothing manufacturers use cloth with 1% to 4% stretch. At first, the new materials were used mainly in women's underwear and swimming suits. Now you see it everywhere. All riding breeches are form-fitting today, and the stretchy cloth they're made of keeps its shape, allows the rider to lift a leg to the stirrup without constraint, and doesn't wrinkle or chafe. Tank tops, leggings, ballet clothes, skinny jeans, comfy pajamas - where would we be without them?

Many sports clothes are made of cloth that gives from side to side and from top to bottom. This is the '4 way' aspect. 2 way only gives in one direction. People who work out at the gym, do yoga, ride bikes, or run want clothes that move with them, won't bag at the knee or in the seat, and won't catch in a bike chain.

Stretchy fabrics are also sold by the yard. Many who wear ready-made clothes will be astounded at the variety of cloth on sale for sewing, house decor, and crafting. Don't think that cloth that gives with any strain put upon it need have a certain look; check online fabric stores for smooth and brushed cotton, sleek and shiny sateen, metallic or spangled cloth, prints for kid's pajamas or pretty sheets, and soft, luxurious velvet.

All the different brandname fabrics use the original elastane, developed in 1959. By 1980, many designers and major jean companies like Levi offered high-end clothing with body-hugging appeal and a new comfort level. Today this type of clothing has trickled down to the mass market. People of all ages walk out in leggings and 'skinny' jeans.

This combination fabric washes well in the machine and can even go in the dryer. However, if a garment represents a major investment, or you like it so much you want it to last forever, avoid hot water and high heat. It will last longest if you hand wash it in mild soap and hang it on the line to dry. Never subject a stretch fabric to chlorine bleach.

There seems to be no limit to what can be found in a stretch fabric. Even faux furs and leathers are sold by the yard or made into fashionable clothing. Shop online if you want cloth. If you want clothing, pick up any catalog, visit any department store, or tell any friend what you need to borrow. Stretch is everywhere.




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