PB FABRIC FACTS

Stretch or non-stretch denim: when to choose which?

Finding the perfect jeans can be a lifelong quest. What fit suits you best? When to choose stretch-denim and moreover: when not? Because why wouldn’t you always opt for the comfort of stretch?

Fit versus comfort

So: looking for jeans that are comfy and great-fitting from the first wear? Opt for stretch-denim. Prefer a personalized fit that requires time and patience? Then go with non-stretch denim.

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Stretch jeans

How about stretching out?

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Non-stretch jeans

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Denim care

Onesize

Oud & Wood Dark & Denim Laundry Detergent

STEAMERY

£17.⁰⁰

Onesize

Concentratred Denim Wash

Attirecare

£22.⁰⁰

Onesize

Refreshing Denim Spray

Attirecare

£22.⁰⁰

Onesize

Oud Biologisch Denim Detergent

Tangent GC

£22.⁰⁰

Onesize

Color Absorber 40 pieces Laundry Sheets

STEAMERY

£7.⁰⁰

Onesize

Cirrus No.3 Iron Steamer

STEAMERY

£155.⁰⁰

Blog by:

Marissa

Do you have an urgent question about a particular fabric and its properties? Marissa knows everything about fabrics and provides the best maintenance tips. Additionally, she has a talent for mixing and matching styles and materials with a contemporary nonchalance.

Marissa

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How about stretching out?

The tighter the jeans, the more elastane is needed to provide sufficient freedom of movement. That’s why non-stretch skinny jeans are hard to find. Stretch-jeans are perfect for an active lifestyle, while wearing non-stretch jeans the first few times can almost feel like an activity itself. Non-stretch denim is more stiff, but that’s exactly what determines the silhouette – think rigid straight jeans. In addition, stretch-denim jeans immediately fit like a glove while non-stretch denim takes up to 5 wears to break in, but in return you get a permanent fit that is completely shaped to your body.

Although stretch-denim is known for wearing out up to a whole size, premium jeans brands know plenty of tricks to limit that as much as possible. For example by adding polyester - which makes the fabric stronger in general - or by replacing part of the elastane with the more shape-retaining elastomultiester. Do you have a pair of jeans in mind to which this has not been added? Know that with a percentage of no more than 2% elastane, you’re probably save.

But in general, don’t worry too much about stretch-jeans running out. Because that stretch works in both ways: it stretches, but also shrinks easily. High-quality stretch-jeans will therefore return to its original shape after every wash. And that all-known tip of buying stretch-jeans as tight as possible? Don’t. Just buy it in your regular size. Think of it this way: the tighter the fit, the more you stretch the ‘elastic’ of your jeans, the easier it breaks. And once the stretch is gone, that original fit will never return.

Exactly the opposite applies to non-stretch denim. This type of denim also stretches out but in a different kind of way: it molds to your body. You therefore preferably buy this type of jeans as tight as possible, so that the fabric has the chance to adapt to your curves. Keep in mind that these type of jeans shouldn’t be washed before having worn them at least 5 times. You need to break them in first. But also afterwards, wash sparingly and preferably use a denim detergent to keep fibers intact. Instead of washing, you can also hang your jeans in the bathroom during a shower to ‘steam’ them. Airing outside is also a great option.