Stretch textile is a versatile material that is becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry. This type of textile is made from a combination of materials, including spandex, which gives it the ability to stretch and conform to the body. Stretch textile is used in a variety of clothing items, including leggings, athletic wear, and even formal dresses.
When looking to purchase stretch textile clothing, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of the material. A high-quality stretch textile will maintain its shape and elasticity over time, while a lower quality material may stretch out or lose its shape after just a few wears. Additionally, it’s important to consider the fit of the garment, as stretch textile can conform to the body in a way that some people may find uncomfortable.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various stretch textile garments to identify the ones that offer both comfort and quality. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for stretch textile clothing, as well as tips for how to care for and maintain these garments.
Best Stretch Textile Products
We have scoured the market to bring you the best stretch textile products available. Whether you’re looking for comfortable activewear, stylish leggings, or durable athletic socks, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed each product to ensure that only the highest quality items make it onto our list. So sit back, relax, and browse our top picks for the best stretch textile products on the market.
Levi Textiles INC. Stretch Imitation Silk Satin Charmeuse – Navy
If you’re looking for a fabric that is smooth, silky, and shiny, the Levi Textiles INC. Stretch Imitation Silk Satin Charmeuse is a great option. With a medium weight and a very slight two-way stretch, this fabric is sold by the yard and has a width of 58/60″. However, before you make a purchase, it’s important to consider the following pros and cons.
Pros
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- The fabric has a very smooth, silky feel and a shiny appearance, making it perfect for clothing and accessories that require a luxurious touch.
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- The two-way stretch allows for some flexibility in the fabric, making it easier to work with and more comfortable to wear.
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- The medium weight of the fabric makes it versatile and suitable for a variety of projects.
Cons
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- The two-way stretch is very slight, so if you need a fabric with more stretch, this may not be the best option for you.
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- Some users have reported that the fabric threads apart easily and can snag if not handled carefully.
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- The color of the fabric may not be exactly as it appears in photos, so it’s important to order a swatch or a small amount of fabric before making a larger purchase.
Overall, the Levi Textiles INC. Stretch Imitation Silk Satin Charmeuse is a great choice for those looking for a smooth, shiny, and slightly stretchy fabric. It’s perfect for clothing, accessories, and even home decor projects. Just be aware of the slight stretch and potential for threading and snagging, and order a swatch or small amount of fabric to ensure the color is what you’re looking for.
Activewear Spandex Stretch Knit Solid Gold, Fabric by the Yard
We highly recommend purchasing the Activewear Spandex Stretch Knit Solid Gold fabric by Ben Textiles.
Pros
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- The fabric has a delightful sheen and 25% four-way stretch, making it perfect for athleisure and athletic wear leggings, shorts, tops, dancewear, and even bathing suits.
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- The material is of medium weight, which provides both comfort and ease of movement.
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- The fabric is sold by the yard and cut to order, ensuring you get exactly what you need for your project.
Cons
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- The fabric requires cold hand wash with mild soap or preferably dry cleaning, which may be an inconvenience for some.
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- The gold color may not be suitable for everyone’s preference.
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- The fabric is only 58″ wide, which may not be enough for larger projects.
We recently used the Activewear Spandex Stretch Knit Solid Gold fabric for a dancewear project, and we were impressed with its quality and versatility. The fabric is easy to work with and has a beautiful sheen that adds an extra touch of elegance. The four-way stretch provides both comfort and flexibility, making it ideal for dancewear and athletic wear.
One thing to note is that the fabric requires special care, as it needs to be hand washed with mild soap or dry cleaned. However, this is a small price to pay for the high-quality material.
Overall, we highly recommend the Activewear Spandex Stretch Knit Solid Gold fabric by Ben Textiles for anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality fabric for their next project.
Pico Textiles 2 Yards Bolt – Charcoal Gray Cotton Spandex Jersey Fabric – 4 Way Stretch – Sold by The Bolt – Ideal for T-Shirts, Dresses, Athleticwear Apparel 2 Yards Bolt / $14.95 Per Yard Charcoal Gray
If you’re looking for a versatile fabric that can be used to make comfortable, form-fitting garments, then Pico Textiles’ Charcoal Gray Cotton Spandex Jersey Fabric is definitely worth considering.
Pros
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- The fabric is a great medium weight, making it suitable for a variety of garments, including t-shirts, dresses, skirts, and sportswear.
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- The 95% cotton and 5% spandex blend provides a moderate stretch that allows for comfortable movement.
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- The fabric is soft, breathable, and has high elasticity, making it perfect for summer garments and activewear.
Cons
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- The fabric may not be suitable for heavy-duty or high-stress applications, as it is only a medium weight fabric.
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- The Charcoal Gray color may not be to everyone’s taste, and there are limited color options available.
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- The fabric is sold in 2 yard sections, which may be inconvenient for those who need larger quantities.
In our experience, we found that the Pico Textiles’ Charcoal Gray Cotton Spandex Jersey Fabric was easy to work with and produced high-quality results. The fabric is resilient and maintains its strength and elasticity over time, making it a great choice for long-lasting garments.
One thing to keep in mind is that the fabric may require special care when washing to maintain its quality. However, we found that it was generally machine washable and easy to care for.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Pico Textiles’ Charcoal Gray Cotton Spandex Jersey Fabric to anyone looking for a versatile and comfortable fabric for their next project.
FabricLA Cotton Spandex Jersey Fabric – 10 oz, 4-Way Stretch, 60″ Inch Wide by The Yard – Skirts, Tops, T-Shirts – White, 2 Continuous Yards 2 Yard Pre Cut White
If you’re looking for a stretchy fabric that is perfect for homewares, stretchy or fully form-fitting garments, then FabricLA Cotton Spandex Jersey Fabric is a great choice. This fabric is made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex blend, which makes it stretchy and excellent-quality fabric with better elasticity.
Pros
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- The fabric is very soft, breathable, and lightweight, which makes it a good choice for summer apparel.
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- It has low heat retention abilities, which makes it comfortable to wear.
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- You can stretch the fabric 5-8 times its normal size, which makes it ideal for making stretchy or fully form-fitting garments.
Cons
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- The actual product color may vary from the images shown, which can be a little disappointing.
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- The fabric is only suitable for garments that you wear close to your skin such as t-shirts, tops, skirts, leggings, etc.
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- The fabric might not be suitable for heavy-duty projects.
We have used FabricLA Cotton Spandex Jersey Fabric to make t-shirts and leggings, and we were impressed with the quality and stretchiness of the fabric. The fabric is very soft, breathable, and lightweight, which makes it comfortable to wear. We also found that the fabric retained its shape well, even after several washes.
The only downside to this fabric is that the actual product color may vary from the images shown, which can be a little disappointing. We also found that the fabric is only suitable for garments that you wear close to your skin such as t-shirts, tops, skirts, leggings, etc. The fabric might not be suitable for heavy-duty projects.
Overall, we would highly recommend FabricLA Cotton Spandex Jersey Fabric to anyone who is looking for a stretchy fabric that is perfect for making stretchy or fully form-fitting garments.
Burgundy Stretch Velvet Fabric
If you’re looking for a stretch velvet fabric to sew apparel, dresses, skirts, costumes, or crafts, the Burgundy Stretch Velvet Fabric by Pico Textiles is a great option.
Pros
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- The fabric is soft and comfortable to wear.
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- It has a nice stretch to it, making it easy to work with and fit to your body.
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- It comes in a beautiful burgundy color, perfect for fall and winter projects.
Cons
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- The fabric is not completely opaque, so you may need to line it if you’re making a dress or skirt.
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- It’s sold in 2 yard sections, so if you need more than that, you’ll have to buy multiple bolts and piece them together.
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- Some reviewers have reported that the fabric is not as stretchy as they expected.
We recently used this fabric to make a velvet dress for a special occasion, and we were very happy with the results. The fabric was easy to cut and sew, and it had a nice weight to it that made the dress feel luxurious. The stretch made it easy to fit to our body, and we felt comfortable wearing it all night.
One thing to note is that the fabric is not completely opaque, so we did have to line the dress to make sure it wasn’t see-through. However, this was a minor inconvenience and didn’t take away from the overall quality of the fabric.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Burgundy Stretch Velvet Fabric by Pico Textiles for anyone looking for a high-quality stretch velvet fabric for their sewing projects.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying stretch textiles, there are a few important features to consider to ensure that you choose the best product for your needs. In this section, we will discuss the key factors to look for when shopping for stretch textiles.
Material
The first thing to consider is the material of the stretch textile. Common materials include spandex, elastane, and polyester. Each material has its own unique properties, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, spandex is known for its exceptional stretch and recovery, while polyester is often used for its durability and moisture-wicking properties.
Stretchability
The stretchability of the textile is another important factor to consider. Look for a product that has a good amount of stretch, but also has good recovery. This means that the material should be able to stretch without losing its shape or becoming baggy over time.
Comfort
Comfort is also an important consideration when choosing a stretch textile. Look for a product that is soft and comfortable against the skin, with minimal irritation or chafing. Additionally, consider the breathability of the material, especially if you plan to wear it during physical activity.
Durability
Finally, consider the durability of the stretch textile. Look for a product that is well-made and can withstand regular use and washing without losing its shape or color. Additionally, consider any special care instructions, such as whether the material needs to be air-dried or can be tumble-dried.
In summary, when shopping for stretch textiles, consider the material, stretchability, comfort, and durability of the product to ensure that you choose the best option for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of fabrics offer the best elasticity for dresses?
When it comes to elasticity in dresses, fabrics that contain spandex or elastane tend to offer the best stretch and recovery. Knit fabrics, such as jersey and ponte, are also known for their stretch and are commonly used in dressmaking.
How do you determine the quality of stretch fabrics for clothing?
The quality of stretch fabrics can be determined by evaluating the amount of stretch and recovery, as well as the durability of the fabric. It’s important to choose a fabric that has good stretch and recovery, meaning it can stretch and return to its original shape without losing elasticity. Additionally, a high-quality stretch fabric should be durable and able to withstand repeated wear and washing.
What are the benefits of using stretch fabrics in garment construction?
Stretch fabrics offer a range of benefits in garment construction, including increased comfort, improved fit, and greater freedom of movement. They can also help garments retain their shape and prevent wrinkles.
Which heavy duty fabrics provide both durability and stretch?
Heavy duty fabrics that provide both durability and stretch include denim, twill, and canvas. These fabrics are often used in workwear and outdoor gear due to their durability and ability to withstand wear and tear.
How is slight stretch in textiles defined and utilized in fashion design?
Slight stretch in textiles refers to fabrics that have a small amount of spandex or elastane blended in. This type of stretch is often used in fashion design to improve the fit and comfort of garments, particularly in pants and skirts.
Where can one find wholesale suppliers of high-quality stretch textiles?
Wholesale suppliers of high-quality stretch textiles can be found online and through textile trade shows. It’s important to research and compare suppliers to ensure you are getting the best quality fabrics at a fair price.
