PB FABRIC FACTS

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

Finding the perfect pair of jeans is often quite a journey. Which fit suits you best? When should you opt for stretch jeans, and more importantly, when shouldn’t you? After all, why wouldn’t you always choose the comfort of stretch?

Stretch or non-stretch denim: fit versus comfort

So: are you looking for jeans that fit perfectly and comfortably right away? Opt for stretch denim. Do you prefer a personalized fit over immediate comfort? Then go for non-stretch denim.

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Stretch or non-stretch denim: stretch jeans

Stretch or non-stretch denim : how about stretching out?

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Stretch or non-stretch denim: non-stretch jeans

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Stretch or non-stretch denim: denim care

Jeans are a staple in our wardrobe, no matter which fit or style you prefer. Want to know how our stylists create outfits with jeans? Check out our shop the looks and pair your clothing with your favorite denim pieces.

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Stretch or non-stretch denim: shop the jeans looks

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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.

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Stretch or non-stretch denim: fit versus comfort

Stretch or non-stretch denim : how about stretching out?

Blog by:

Marissa

Contact her

You understand: the tighter the jeans, the more elastane is needed to provide sufficient freedom of movement. That’s why almost no non-stretch skinny or slim-fit jeans are available on the market anymore. Stretch jeans are perfect for an active lifestyle, while even something as everyday as cycling can become a real challenge when wearing new non-stretch jeans.

Non-stretch denim is stiffer, but that stiffness is key to the silhouette - think of jeans with legs that fall perfectly straight. Stretch denim, on the other hand, fits like a glove right away, while non-stretch denim can take up to five wears to break in. In return, you get a lasting fit that molds perfectly to your body over time.

Although stretchy denim for women is known to stretch out up to a full size, high-quality jeans brands have developed tricks to minimize this. For instance, adding polyester to strengthen the fabric or replacing some elastane with more shape-retaining elastomultiester. If the jeans you’re considering don’t include these features, choosing a pair with a maximum of 2% elastane gives you the lowest chance of stretching out.

That said, don’t worry too much about stretch jeans losing their shape. Stretch works both ways: it expands but also shrinks back easily. A quality pair of stretch jeans will return to its original fit after every wash. That’s why it’s often recommended to buy them as snug as possible.

Our advice? Buy a pair that fits comfortably. Think of it this way: an elastic band under tension stretches. The tighter your jeans are, the more you stretch the "elastic" in the fabric, and the sooner it wears out. Once the stretch is gone, the original fit won’t return.

The exact opposite applies to non-stretch denim for women. This type of denim also stretches out but in a different way: the material molds to your body. For this reason, you should buy these jeans as tight as possible so the fabric can fully adapt to your shape. To avoid disrupting this process, it’s crucial not to wash this type of jeans for at least the first 5 wears.

Wait until your mostly pure cotton jeans feel comfortable, fit beautifully, and have stretched slightly. After that, be sparing with washing, and ideally use a denim-specific detergent to keep the fibers as intact as possible. Instead of washing, you can hang your jeans in the bathroom during a shower to "steam" them. Alternatively, airing them out outside is a great option, and we guarantee your jeans will smell wonderfully fresh afterward.