Do your jeans feel uncomfortably stiff? While denim is strong and durable, it’s not particularly stretchy. Rather, denim by itself is somewhat stiff, which can make standard jeans uncomfortable when worn for long periods. Fortunately, stretch jeans are available as a solution.
Stretch jeans are still made of denim. All jeans are made of cotton-based denim — and stretch jeans are no exception. They are known as “stretch jeans,” however, because they are stretchier than standard jeans. Standard jeans are made entirely of denim, whereas stretch jeans are made of both denim and an elastic material.
Not all stretch jeans are the same. You can find them in different colors. Along with blue, alternative colors in which stretch jeans are made include black, white, red, green and even yellow. You can also find them in different compositions, including 1% and 3%. Most stretch jeans can be classified as either 1% or 3%, depending on how they are constructed. When buying stretch jeans, you’ll need to decide whether 1% to 3% is right for you. What’s the difference between 1% and 3% stretch jeans exactly?
Overview of 1% Stretch Jeans
1% stretch jeans are characterized by a composition consisting of 99% denim and 1% elastic material. They look like ordinary, standard jeans. While standard jeans are made entirely of denim, though, 1% stretch jeans have a small amount of an elastic material mixed into them.
1% stretch jeans are specifically made of 1% elastic material, hence their name. A typical pair of 1% stretch jeans will contain 1% lycra, polyester or a similar elastic material. It’s a small amount that pales in comparison to the actual denim. Nonetheless, 1% is more than enough elastic material to change the physical properties of jeans.
Overview of 3% Stretch Jeans
As you may have guessed, 3% stretch jeans are characterized by a composition consisting of 97% denim and 3% elastic material. All stretch jeans contain an elastic material. Some of them contain lycra, whereas others contain polyester. 3% stretch jeans are simply made of 97% denim and 3% elastic material.
Like with 1% stretch jeans, 3% stretch jeans look like ordinary and standard jeans. Most people, in fact, can’t tell the difference between them. The photo below depicts a pair of 3% stretch jeans. Available for sale here at MakeYourOwnJeans, the 3% Stretch Custom Jeans With Fit Guarantee have the same style and appearance as an ordinary pair of jeans. While ordinary jeans are made entirely of denim, these alternative jeans are made of 97% and 3% lycra. Lycra is an elastic material that, like polyester, is stretchy.
If you discover a pair of jeans that are labeled “3% stretch,” it’s safe to assume they contain 3% elastic material. You can further read the label to determine what type of elastic material they contain. Most stretch jeans, including 3% stretch jeans, contain either lycra or polyester. These are the two most common elastic materials used in the construction of stretch jeans. 3% stretch jeans simply contain 3% elastic material.
Benefits of 1% Stretch Jeans
Choosing 1% stretch jeans offers a variety of benefits. You’ll probably discover that they are soft and comfortable. Denim by itself is soft. Even if you choose standard jeans comprised entirely of denim, you can expect them to be soft. This is because denim is just cotton with a warp-faced weaving pattern. Nonetheless, 1% stretch jeans are usually softer than their standard counterparts.
When compared to 3% stretch jeans, 1% stretch jeans are better protected from shrinkage. Elastic materials are more susceptible to heat-related shrinkage than plain denim. You can still wash and dry stretch jeans that contain an elastic material. If you expose them to too much heat, however, you may inadvertently cause them to stretch. Fortunately, 1% stretch jeans only contain one-third of the amount of elastic material as 3% stretch jeans. And with less elastic material in their construction, 1% stretch jeans are better protected from shrinkage.
Another benefit of choosing 1% stretch jeans is strength. They are stronger than 3% stretch jeans, which can result in a longer lifespan. 1% stretch jeans, of course, contain more denim and less elastic material than 3% stretch jeans. Denim is stronger than elastic materials. If you’re worried that your jeans will rip or otherwise sustain damage, you may want to choose 1% stretch jeans for this reason. They are stronger than 3% stretch jeans, so they are less likely to rip and sustain damage.
Benefits of 3% Stretch Jeans
By choosing 3% stretch jeans, you’ll experience an unparalleled level of softness and comfort. Elastic materials are softer than both plain cotton and denim. 3% stretch jeans contain three times the amount of elastic material as 1% stretch jeans. The end result is a softer texture that makes them more comfortable to wear.
3% stretch jeans offer a more slimming appearance than 1% stetch jeans. They won’t necessarily constrict your body. Nonetheless 3% stretch jeans will contour to your body to create a slimming appearance. This is just one more benefit of choosing 3% stretch jeans.
3% stretch jeans are more forgiving in the waist than their 1% counterparts. If you accidentally choose a pair of 3% stretch jeans that are too big in the waist, you may still be able to wear them. This is because 3% stretch jeans are elastic. They’ll stretch while contouring to the shape of your body. As a result, you can often wear them if they are too big in the waist.
Which Type of Stretch Jeans Is Right for You?
You really can’t go wrong with either 1% or 3% stretch jeans. They both feature a construction consisting of both denim and an elastic material. 1% stretch jeans simply have 1% elastic material in their construction, whereas 3% stretch jeans have 3% elastic material in their construction. Aside from the minor nuance, they are pretty much the same. 1% stretch jeans and 3% stretch jeans are regular jeans that contain a small amount of either lycra or polyester.
With that said, both types of stretch jeans offer their own benefits. 1% stretch jeans are soft, resistant to shrinkage, durable and long-lasting. 3% stretch jeans, conversely, are ultra-soft offer a more slimming appearance and are more forgiving in the waist. By taking these factors into consideration, you can decide which type of stretch jeans is right for you.
