July 21, 2023

Stretch Denim Fabric: The Perfect Companion for Casual and Dressy Occasions

A good pair of jeans can take you from your morning commute through the workday to a dinner date or wind-down.

Modern denim fabrics are designed with a small percentage of elastane or lycra to support the subtle stretch. These fabrics look great on casual days and formal nights with the right accessories.

Comfort
Denim is a durable fabric made of cotton twill that's tightly woven together. This is especially true if they are made with stretch denim fabric. This unique construction creates a strength unmatched by other fabrics and materials. As a result, it's often used to make jeans, which have become the de-facto standard style of pants for millions worldwide.

In addition to being incredibly durable, stretch denim fabric is also comfortable. This is primarily because it has a small amount of elastic material, typically spandex, included in its composition. This added flexible element helps to give the fabric its stretch. As a result, it's much more comfortable than traditional denim.

This is especially true if you're wearing jeans that are a bit loose, which most stretch jeans tend to be. However, this is fine for those who wear slim-fit jeans or other garments that have more of a body curve. In these cases, stretch denim fabric is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the comfort of a pair of jeans without sacrificing their classic look.

When choosing your stretch denim, look for a manufacturer prioritizes free trade and sustainability. This way, you can be confident that the cotton used to make your jeans was produced responsibly. In addition, you'll be able to avoid the negative environmental impact of some overseas manufacturing processes, where human workers are treated like slaves to maximize profits for significant brands.

Durability
Denim is a dense and durable fabric that strengthens from weave and fiber. Strong cotton yarns are woven into a diagonal twill pattern with more warp threads than weft threads. The vertical warp threads are typically dyed blue, while the horizontal weft threads are left white to create the classic denim color and texture.

Whether or not the denim is stretchy depends on the percentage of elastane fiber, often called spandex, it contains. A small amount of elastane makes this fabric very comfortable and allows it to be shaped to your body's shape. This allows the material to move with you throughout your day and night without losing its shape or creating discomfort.

Stretch denim will also retain its shape longer than regular non-stretch denim. This is because it keeps its shape as quickly as pure cotton does. It's an excellent choice for those who live an active lifestyle and need their jeans to support them through their activities.

This fabric style can make shirts, dresses, and skirts. It is a thicker-weight fabric that can be more difficult to work with, especially if you're a beginner. You may want to use a stronger sewing machine needle to help you deal with the thicker material, and consider using a wooden clapper to press and flatten it as you're working on your project.

Style
Denim is a durable, rugged fabric made with solid cotton threads that are woven into a twill pattern. These weave patterns create the distinctive diagonal ribbing that gives denim its signature look and strength. Denim can also be dyed or treated to produce a variety of finishes. Some of these include fading, stone washing, and acid washing.

Depending on the fiber content, denim may be stretchy or non-stretch. When deciding which type of denim to purchase for a new project, check the fabric label to see if it is made with spandex or another stretchy material. Often, these fabrics are more prone to shrinking than those without stretch. If the fabric does have time, it's important to pre-wash the denim before making a garment to avoid any shrinkage or color bleeding issues.

Stretch denim is body-hugging and flexible, which makes it perfect for skinny jeans. It's also an excellent choice for pants and dresses. Those with an active lifestyle will appreciate stretch jeans' comfort throughout the day. These jeans can easily take you from your morning commute through a long workday to evening get-togethers and dinners.

While many prefer 100% cotton jeans, some prefer stretch jeans' classic look and feel. These people argue that 100% cotton jeans look and feel a certain way, move in a particular way, and break in overtime to develop a unique style.

Value
When choosing your denim fabric, it's essential to check the fiber content and whether or not it has a stretch component. This means the fabric is highly pliable and can be stretched slightly without losing shape. The added benefit is that the material will dry much faster than average – perfect for those busy times! It's worth remembering that despite this flexibility, it is still a woven fabric and must be treated carefully. Pressing and ironing your denim before sewing is a must, and using a wooden clapper will help to flatten thick areas.

Lightweight and medium-weight denim are excellent for shirts, skirts, and dresses. Heavy denim, 10oz and above, is stiffer and harder to sew, but it is a hard-wearing material and can be used for jeans and more structured garments like dungarees or pinafores.

For jeans, skirts, and dresses, please browse our range of classic denim fabrics (with and without stretch). We also have a selection of softer denim-look materials suitable for shirts and tops, including chambray, poplin, Tencel blend, and linen blend. All our denim fabrics and shirting are available by the yard and come with sustainable certificates so you can shop responsibly!

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