Stretch denim jeans have become a popular alternative to traditional jeans. Also known simply as stretch jeans, they are made of a hybrid material consisting of regular denim as well as an elastic fabric. The presence of an elastic fabric makes them more elastic, thereby allowing you to stretch them. Whether you’re buying your first pair of stretch denim jeans or your 10th pair, though, you’ll need to choose the right type. Below are several tips on how to choose the perfect pair of stretch denim jeans.
Rivets
When shopping for stretch denim jeans, look for rivets. Rivets aren’t the same as buttons. Most types of jeans, including those made of stretch denim, have both rivets and buttons. Rivets are essentially snap-like fasteners that are used to reinforce seams. You’ll find them in areas of stretch denim jeans where two or more sections of the material join together.
If a pair of stretch denim jeans don’t have rivets, or if they have low-quality rivets, you may want to look elsewhere. High-quality rivets are necessary to protect against premature damage while subsequently prolonging the lifespan of the jeans.
Material
Pay attention to the material from which a pair of stretch denim jeans are made. As previously mentioned, stretch denim jeans are made of stretch denim. That’s essentially what distinguishes them from traditional jeans. All stretch denim jeans are made of regular denim that’s mixed with an elastic fabric. It’s important to note, though, that some stretch denim jeans feature a different elastic fabric than others.
Many stretch denim jeans are made of lycra. Lycra is a popular elastic fabric that works well in stretch denim jeans. It’s a synthetic fabric that’s able to stretch up to 600% of its original size without breaking or otherwise sustaining damage. When used in stretch denim jeans, it allows them to stretch. Lycra converts the otherwise stiff and rigid denim into an elastic hybrid material.
Along with lycra, some stretch denim jeans are made of polyester. Polyester is another synthetic fabric with similar elastic properties as its lycra counterpart. You can choose stretch denim jeans made of either lycra or polyester. Just remember to check the material so that you know exactly what you are purchasing.
Regular vs Light Stretch
Stretch denim jeans can be classified as either regular stretch or light stretch, depending on the amount of elastic fabric used in their construction. Regular stretch denim jeans contain a higher concentration of the elastic fabric than light stretch denim jeans. A typical pair of regular stretch jeans may contain around 1% to 2% of an elastic fabric. In comparison, a pair of light stretch jeans may contain just 0.5% of an elastic fabric.
Regular stretch denim jeans are more elastic than light stretch denim jeans. They contain a higher concentration of the elastic fabric used in their construction. With more of the elastic fabric, they are stretchier and, thus, more elastic. Nonetheless, some people prefer the subtler properties of light stretch denim jeans. Light stretch denim jeans are still elastic, but they offer a slightly stiffer and more durable texture than those made of regular denim.
Wash Type
Don’t overlook the wash type when shopping for stretch denim jeans. Wash type refers to the way in which the denim was washed (if any) during production. Most jeans are made of washed denim, meaning the denim is washed before it’s used in the construction of a pair of jeans. There are several different types of washes, though.
Some stretch denim jeans are made of medium-washed denim. Other stretch denim jeans are made of hard-washed denim. Medium-washed denim refers to denim that’s washed using medium heat, whereas hard-washed denim refers to denim that’s washed using high heat. Stretch jeans made of hard-washed denim are typically softer since the heat helps to break them in. On the other hand, stretch jeans made of medium-washed denim have a deeper and darker color.
Weight
Something else to consider when shopping for stretch denim jeans is the weight. Why is weight important exactly? Well, heavy stretch denim jeans are typically warmer and more durable than those with a lighter weight. They contain more material, which gives them greater insulation and durability properties. For the spring or summer months, though, many people prefer a lighter weight.
Lightweight stretch denim jeans are cooler than those made of heavy denim. They are still made of the same elastic fabric. The difference is that they contain less total material. As a result, lightweight stretch denim jeans are usually thinner and, therefore, cooler to wear during the spring and summer months.
Color
You can’t choose the perfect pair of stretch denim jeans without considering the color. Like with all jeans, stretch denim jeans are available in a variety of colors. You can find them in blue. Blue is the most popular color in which stretch denim jeans, as well as regular jeans, are made. There are light blue and dark blue stretch denim jeans. Light blue offers a more casual style, whereas dark blue — such as indigo — offers a more formal style.
Of course, blue isn’t the only color in which stretch denim jeans are made. You can find them in most other colors. Maybe you prefer black, or perhaps you want a brighter color like yellow or red. Regardless, you can buy stretch denim jeans in most any color.
Fit
Finally, make sure the stretch denim jeans fit before buying them. While stretch denim jeans are more forgiving than traditional jeans, they still need to fit. Otherwise, you won’t be able to comfortably wear them.
You can get the perfect fit by ordering your stretch denim jeans from MakeYourOwnJeans. We offer custom sizing on all our jeans, including those made of stretch denim. You’ll be able to specify your body measurements, which we’ll use to design your stretch denim jeans so that they fit perfectly.
