When you’re sourcing fabrics, you have a choice between mechanical stretch fabrics and traditional elastic fabrics. Mechanical stretch fabrics have become more popular in recent years because they have some unique benefits. What are the advantages of mechanical stretch fabrics over traditional elastic fabrics? In this article, I’ll explain the differences and how you can use them.
Mechanical stretch fabrics are better than traditional elastic fabrics in several ways. They feel more natural, resist wrinkles better, are more versatile for design, last longer, breathe better, keep their elasticity when exposed to heat, resist chlorine, and don’t cling to static. You can use them for a wide range of applications from everyday wear to specialized performance apparel.
What is Mechanical Stretch Fabric Used For?
You can use mechanical stretch fabrics for a wide range of clothing and home textile applications. They’re particularly good for pants, jackets, skirts, and other garments where you need a balance of comfort and durability. They’re flexible and durable, so they’re great for workwear, school uniforms, and other garments that you want to last a long time.
What is the Difference Between Mechanical Stretch and Spandex?
Mechanical stretch fabrics are different from fabrics that have spandex in them. Mechanical stretch fabrics don’t have elastic fibers in them to provide stretch. Instead, they have structures in the fabric, like crimped yarn or the way the fabric is woven, that provide the stretch. Spandex is a synthetic fiber that provides stretch. The absence of spandex in mechanical stretch fabrics allows for more natural movement and comfort without sacrificing durability.
Wrinkle Resistance of Mechanical Stretch Fabrics
One of the benefits of mechanical stretch fabrics is that they resist wrinkles. Traditional elastic fabrics can lose their shape and wrinkle more easily. Mechanical stretch fabrics will keep their shape and look neat throughout the day. This makes them a good choice for formal and office wear where you want to look professional all day.
Durability: How Mechanical Stretch Outlasts Traditional Elastic Fabrics
Mechanical stretch fabrics don’t lose their shape or elasticity like traditional elastic fabrics do. You can wash and wear them over and over, and they’ll still look and feel great. You can tumble-dry them and iron them, and they won’t be any worse for the wear. This makes them durable and perfect for garments that need to be cleaned frequently.
Breathability and Comfort
Mechanical stretch fabrics are often made from natural fibers like cotton or linen. This makes them more breathable than synthetic elastic fabrics. They’re more comfortable to wear, especially in hot weather or when you’re active. They wick away moisture and allow air to flow through them, which is great for activewear and casual clothing.
No Loss of Elasticity under Heat Exposure
Mechanical stretch fabrics don’t lose their elasticity when you wash them in hot water, tumble-dry them, or iron them. Some elastic fabrics do. This makes mechanical stretch fabrics great for home laundering and industrial laundering.
Chlorine Resistance
Mechanical stretch fabrics made from natural fibers, like cotton, resist chlorine. You can wash them in chlorine bleach, and they’ll stay white. This makes them good for uniforms and sportswear that need to be washed frequently.
No Static Cling
Mechanical stretch fabrics don’t have the static cling that some synthetic elastic fabrics do. This makes them more comfortable to wear because they don’t stick to your skin.
Conclusion
Mechanical stretch fabrics have many advantages over traditional elastic fabrics. They feel natural, they last longer, they’re more breathable, they don’t lose their elasticity when you wash them in hot water, they resist chlorine, and they don’t have static cling. This makes them perfect for workwear, formal wear, and casual wear. You can use them for anything you want to last a long time and be comfortable.