Enjoy Fabulous 4 Way Stretch Fabric

By Edward Olson


Clothes that really fit, that really move with you, that neither chafe nor constrain, are a pleasure to wear. The reason that we can enjoy such garments is stretch fabric. The first stretchy thread was invented by DuPont in the late 1950s. Today 2 way and 4 way stretch fabric is sold by the yard and incorporated with natural fibers in much of the clothing made for the retail trade.

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.

The stretchy fabric was amazingly comfortable, kept its shape no matter how active the wearer, and let shapely ladies show their curves. A 1% ( just a touch of stretchy thread in the cloth) was comfortable, not terribly form-fitting, and retained a crisp look throughout the day. The 4% blends were totally body-hugging and gave in two directions for supreme comfort and flexibility. Riding breeches, once flared to allow a rider to lift a leg to the stirrup, became so form fitting that traditional riders were offended. Swimming suits became sexy, and bras became more comfortable and supportive.

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.

The fabrics wash well. However, they break down if you use hot wash water or the high-heat setting on the dryer. If your new fabric or garment is a big-ticket item, you might want to hand-wash and line-dry. Never, never use 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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