Saturday, 11 November 2017

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, introduced the first stretch jeans, using a fabric from Japan. The form-fitting pants wowed his clients, the trend-setting rebels of Chelsea. Golding's jeans were shown in a variety of colors, but blue denim soon became the look that everyone wanted.

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.

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.

Visit the online stores to see the astounding variety of fabrics on sale. It's amazing that so many people must still sew, quilt, or make their own curtains. Crafters can find everything they need, from faux leather to rose-colored velvet. If you would prefer to buy ready-made, just pick up a catalog or visit a shop and enjoy the sleek silhouette of body-hugging clothes and luxuriously soft domestics.




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