A Comprehensive Guide about Stretch Fabric
Whether you are going to buy fabric for creating sportswear, athletic wear, dancing apparel, or party wear, you will surely find stretch fabric in your options in many forms. Have no idea what stretch fabric is? Well, it is a type of fabric which is partially made of elastic fibers and have the ability to stretch such as lycra, spandex, elastane (different names of the same synthetic fiber).
Though the presence of lycra, spandex or elastic fiber increase the stretchability and wear resistance of the fabric, this does not mean that it neutralizes the advantages of other fabrics. For example, stretch cotton beholds all the features of cotton like water-absorbing capacity, breathability, hypoallergenicity. The elasticity and other unique features of stretch fabric are what that makes it perfect for creating sportswear, underwear, athletic apparels, women clothes, and stage outfits.
When it comes to buying stretchfabrics, you should have an idea about all types of stretch fabrics. Â Though there are many options available in stretch fabrics, you can mainly categorize it into two major types i.e.
•       2-way stretch
•       4-way stretch
2-way stretch fabric is a type of fabric which can either warp stretch or weft stretch. Also referred as 1 ways stretch, 2-way stretch fabric feels comfortable on the skin but is not suitable for creating sports and active wears. As this type of fabric stretch in only one direction, it does not return to its original shape after stretch. This is why most of the costume designers prefer to choose 4-way stretch fabric over 2-way stretch for creating varieties of sports and athletic wears.
4-way stretch fabric, on the other hand, can stretch in both directions i.e. crosswise and longwise. As it can stretch in both directions, it creates the elasticity needed for making varieties of sportswear. 4-way stretch fabric can stretch in any direction and bring back to its original shape after stretching. This may be the reason why a lot of people prefer to use this type of stretch fabric for creating leotards, sports shorts, t-shirts, bicycling costumes, swimming costumes, innerwear, etc. Â
Hope, now you have a clear idea about different types of stretchfabrics. When it comes to shopping, it is important to understand for what purpose you are going to buy the fabric. If you are going the fabric for creating dancing costumes or any kind of sportswear, it would be good to look for a supplier that offers a comprehensive collection of superior quality fabrics. A simple homework over the internet will be proven quite helpful in finding the right place for making the best purchase of stretch fabric. Are you looking for one such online buyer? If yes, you should look no further than AFC Express.












