Stretch denim has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and for good reason: it lives up to its namesake by featuring a stretchier, more elastic material. Whether it’s used in the construction of jeans, dresses, skirts, or any other garment, you really can’t go wrong with stretch denim. But what exactly makes it different from regular denim? This is a question that we’re going to answer in today’s blog post.
Material
As you may already know, regular denim is durable material that’s made of cotton twill. The unique construction in which twill fabric is interwoven together creates a superior level of strength that’s unmatched by other fabrics and materials. Subsequently, denim jeans have become the de-facto standard style of pants for millions of men and women.
Stretch denim differs in terms of construction by including a small amount of elastic material. In addition to the cotton twill, spandex or a similar elastic fabric is included in stretch denim. According to Wikipedia, stretch denim with just 3% spandex can increase its stretching capacity by as much as 15%. That’s a pretty substantial amount to say the least.
Origins of Stretch Denim
It’s believed that American textile chemist Joseph Shivers created the world’s first stretch denim material. Shivers was responsible for pioneering Spandex back in the late 1950s. Soon after, Spandex made its way into the fashion industry, with manufacturers including this highly elastic material into their garments and accessories.
Cost
In terms of cost, you can usually expect to pay more for stretch denim than standard denim. This is due to the fact that stretch denim is more time-consuming and resource-intensive to produce.
Durability
There are some downsides to stretch denim, however, including it susceptibility to damage. While standard denim is strong, durable and highly resistant to damage, the elastic material within stretch denim isn’t. If you plan on purchasing a pair of stretch denim jeans, be sure to read (and follow) the instructions listed on its care label. Some stretch denim may require air drying or dry cleaning instead, in which case it’s best to follow this advice.
If you haven’t worn a pair of stretch denim jeans before, I highly recommend trying them. Many people find them to be softer and more comfortable than standard jeans. Adding just a single pair to your wardrobe will give you more options when you are trying to find clothes to wear in the morning.
