Stretch fabric

Stretch fabric

Stretch fabric is a term that refers to synthetic fabrics which stretch in all four directions. This is in contrast to normal fabrics that will often stretch to a small extent, although only in two directions.

Stretch fabrics evolved from the scientific effort to make fibres using neoprene. From this research, in 1958 commercial stretch fabrics ('elastomerics') such as spandex or elastane (widely branded as 'Lycra') were brought to the market.

Stretch fabrics simplify the construction of clothing. First used in swimsuits and women's bras, fashion designers began using them as early as the mid-1980s. They entered the mainstream market in the early 1990s, and are widely used in sportswear.

On a larger scale, the materials have also been adapted to many artistic and decorative purposes. Stretch fabric structures create contemporary and modern looking design elements that have many uses in corporate theatre and event production.


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  • stretch fabric — /ˈstrɛtʃ fæbrɪk/ (say strech fabrik) noun any fabric or material for clothing manufacture that has the capacity to stretch …  

  • stretch — stretch1 [ stretʃ ] verb *** ▸ 1 make longer/wider ▸ 2 make smooth/tight ▸ 3 make body part straight ▸ 4 continue in space/time ▸ 5 be/have enough money ▸ 6 use money/supplies ▸ 7 not be reasonable ▸ 8 make someone use ability ▸ 9 make seem… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • stretch — I UK [stretʃ] / US verb Word forms stretch : present tense I/you/we/they stretch he/she/it stretches present participle stretching past tense stretched past participle stretched *** 1) [transitive] to pull something to make it longer or wider I… …   English dictionary

  • stretch — [[t]stre̱tʃ[/t]] ♦♦♦ stretches, stretching, stretched 1) VERB: no cont Something that stretches over an area or distance covers or exists in the whole of that area or distance. [V prep/adv] The procession stretched for several miles... [V… …   English dictionary

  • stretch — v. & n. v. 1 tr. & intr. draw or be drawn or admit of being drawn out into greater length or size. 2 tr. & intr. make or become taut. 3 tr. & intr. place or lie at full length or spread out (with a canopy stretched over them). 4 tr. (also absol.) …   Useful english dictionary

  • Fabric structure — Fabric structures are architecturally innovative forms of constructed fibers that provide end users a variety of aesthetic free form building designs. Custom made fabric structures are engineered and fabricated to meet worldwide structural, flame …   Wikipedia

  • stretch — [strech] vt. [ME strecchen < OE streccan, akin to Ger strecken < IE * sterg < base * (s)ter , to be stiff, rigid > STARE] 1. to hold out or reach out; extend [to stretch out a helping hand] 2. to cause (the body or limbs) to reach out …   English World dictionary

  • stretch — {{Roman}}I.{{/Roman}} noun 1 area of land or water ADJECTIVE ▪ great, huge, large, long, open, vast, wide ▪ A great stretch of ocean lay beneath them …   Collocations dictionary

  • fabric — noun 1 cloth ADJECTIVE ▪ beautiful, luxurious, rich ▪ rich fabric wall coverings ▪ delicate, fine, light, lightweight …   Collocations dictionary

  • stretch pants — noun trousers made of a stretchy fabric (Freq. 1) • Usage Domain: ↑plural, ↑plural form • Hypernyms: ↑trouser, ↑pant * * * stretch pants UK US noun [plural] …   Useful english dictionary

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