Stretch fabric is a cloth which has the ability to stretch. It is made partially of elastic fibers such as lycra, elastane, spandex (different names of the same synthetic fiber). There are also knit fabrics which stretch due to the production method – looping.
Stretch fabric simplifies sewing, as it is a figure-flattering material. Lycra (elastane or spandex) increases the wear resistance of the product, at the same time it doesn’t neutralize the advantages of other materials. For example, stretch cotton cloth preserves all the positive properties of cotton fabric: breathability, water-absorbing function, hypoallergenicity. Stretch fabrics are perfect for women clothes, sportswear, stage outfits, underwear and home textiles.
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Lycra vs Spandex vs Elastane
Lycra, spandex and elastane are different names of the same synthetic fiber, made of polymer- polyurethane rubber. Lycra is a brand name registered by the Dupont Company. This name of the elastic material is popular in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Ireland and Israel.
Spandex is an anagram of the word «expands». This name of the fiber is common for Asia, North and South America. It features exceptional elasticity, has a great crease recovery and returns to its original length after stretching (recovery rate is up to 95%).
Elastane is a prevailing name in European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Holland.
1-way, 2-way and 4-way Stretch Fabrics
The two main types are 2-way and 4-way stretch fabrics. 2-way stretch fabrics have warp stretch or weft stretch (some call them 1-way stretch fabrics). They are enough comfortable to wear but are not suitable for such garments as sports or activewear. Another feature of 2-way stretch cloth is that it doesn’t return to original shape.
The term one-way stretch can also refer to knits and their percentage of stretch. It is a very low level, which means that such fabrics stretch very little (0% — 25%).
4-way stretch fabrics can extend in both directions – crosswise and longwise, which creates better elasticity and makes them perfect for sportswear. Stretch jersey fabrics also have warp and weft stretch, because they are knitted, not woven.
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Types
Let’s see what the most popular stretch fabrics on the market are and find out their characteristics and uses.
Soft and opaque, with a 4-way stretch. Viscose material has more stretch than cotton jerseys
Soft, with an excellent drape, 2-way stretch and smooth finish. Cotton allows the skin to breathe.
Usually, cotton jersey knit fabrics do not contain elastic fibers and their ability to stretch refers to the method of production – looping