Denim is a wardrobe staple that started as workwear for farmers, miners, and cowboys. It soon grew worn by all types of people from different backgrounds.
Today, jeans are a staple in every closet. From high-fashion brands, jeans symbolize style and versatility.
Comfort
When it comes to denim, comfort is the new luxury. The wholesome image the jeans have enjoyed for decades is starting to come under threat from a younger generation that prefers athleisure styles like leggings and track pants. In addition, consumers are increasingly concerned with the fashion industry’s environmental impact and are opting for brands that use responsible fabrics and manufacturing methods.
Luckily, the fashion industry is starting to respond. In recent years, designers have reimagined the classic jeans, creating soft and supple garments that feel as good as they look. Effortless silhouettes such as skinny jeans, high-waisted flares, and straight-leg trousers are all becoming more popular thanks to the increased use of stretch denim fabric that creates a more flexible fit.
The reimagined jean is a versatile fashion item, suitable for formal and casual outfits.
Style
When paired with the right shoes, accessories, and tops, stretch fabrics can give jeans their most alluring aesthetic. Whether rocking double denim with a classic T and ripped ankle books for NYC street style or layering a button-down shirt over a pair of distressed jeans for a Western feel, a wide range of silhouettes can be achieved by mixing and matching stretch fabrics.
Stretch fabrics have long been prominent in fashion history, beginning as utilitarian undergarments for miners in the 1850s.
Research into a synthetic material to replace rubber accelerated in 1938 with the start of World War II. Manufacturers anticipated redirecting natural resources during wartime and sought a fabric that could mimic rubber’s elasticity without swelling in hot weather. After years of research, a chemist developed “Fiber K,” the first manufactured fiber that could be used to manufacture elasticized clothing.
The invention created an entire industry, with manufacturers quickly developing new woven fabrics with mechanical stretch. Woven fabrics with built-in stretch are crafted with specific yarns, weaves, and finishes to achieve the desired elasticity. Stretch-woven fabrics are easy to work with but must be handled carefully to avoid overstretching and distortion.
A significant shift in consumer mindset has also led to a new generation of luxury and premium denim. Designers have adapted their fabrics and manufacturing practices to meet the needs of consumers who want to look great while putting a premium on comfort and sustainability.
This generation of consumers puts a premium on quality, fit, and details in jeans while looking for sustainable fabrics, ethical manufacturing, and a high-quality finish. Incorporating stretch fabrics allows designers to create jeans that offer all these elements while staying true to their design aesthetic.
Versatility
For a long time, casual comfort was the main driver of denim fashion. However, in recent years, the wholesome image of jeans has come under scrutiny due to the industry’s high water consumption and pollution from cotton cultivation, sandblasting, and dyeing processes. It has led to a more mindful consumer mindset, who prefers brands that source sustainable fabrics and manufacture their jeans responsibly. Additionally, the popularity of athleisure attire like leggings and track pants has taken away some of the denim’s market share. Manufacturers are developing new stretch fabrics with enhanced performance, style, and comfort to counter this trend.
Previously, women’s shapewear used rubber for elasticity, but this was hot, heavy, and constricting and lost its “memory” over time. The development of stretch fiber allowed manufacturers to use nylon, which is much lighter and more comfortable. It was a significant innovation at the time, as war broke out in Europe, and supply lines for natural resources like silk were cut off or diverted to use in parachutes and tires for the military.
Many woven fabrics offer stretch today, but the quality varies widely and depends mainly on the type of yarns used. In addition to a smooth feel, these fabrics have excellent elastic recovery and do not become transparent when stretched.
These features have made it possible for designers to create garments with various styles and looks that can be worn across all occasions. For example, a pair of raw denim jeans with a button-down shirt and sneakers can give off a rock’ n’ roll vibe. In contrast, wearing black denim with blazers and ankle boots can look more polished or corporate.
Sustainability
Regarding the future of denim, we’re seeing a fundamental change in mindset and values. Consumers emphasize sustainable fabrics, ethical production, and the story behind their purchase. The industry has welcomed this new ethos, with brands and small denim upcycling companies revolutionizing the culture and production of jeans to create a more responsible end of life.
Elastane (more commonly known as spandex) has long been the dominant stretch fabric in the industry, but it is not without its drawbacks. Due to the non-biodegradable nature of synthetic fibers, elastane can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. It also has the potential to shed microplastics during washing that can harm marine life and enter the food chain. Moreover, it is often blended with other textiles, making recycling difficult.
A new sustainable alternative to elastane is on the market called ROICA V550, made from natural fibers like cotton and wood pulp cellulose. It can be woven into garments with the same properties as traditional polyester and used in place of virgin spandex. As a result, it is the only circular life high-elastic stretch fabric currently available for the fashion industry.
With this innovative development, sustainability has never been more integral to the design of stretch fabrics. As a result, we are seeing a new generation of sustainable jeans that are stylish and functional while meeting the demand for comfort and versatility.
These new fabrics are a great example of how innovation in fabric and manufacturing can change how consumers look at their clothing. They are redefining the meaning of premium and luxury jeans and providing a more sustainable option for conscious consumerism.
