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Stretch vs. No Stretch

Kyle

Veteran

I’ve been trying on a lot of jeans lately, and I’m always looking for something that helps flatter my midsection. Every sales associate I’ve encountered suggests stretch denim. Yet I’m starting to believe the more rigid denims do a better job of streamlining the area in question while not drawing attention to any lumps or bumps as stretchy fabrics can do. What are your thoughts about stretch versus no (or gentle) stretch jeans and pants?

Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from anchie

Star

Veteran

I agree with you. Stretch denim shows all my lumps and bumps. Rigid denim does a much better job of holding everything in. I never buy jeans with more than 2% elastine. None is even better for me.

Joy

Veteran

Stretch is sort lived. If you keep things for awhile, I first joined when this was a big discussion. It was recommended then to go with no more than 2% stretch fabric and then to air dry the garment, always. Heat ( dryer) is the enemy of stretch, weakening it so that it gets baggy.

kkards

Veteran

for denim i prefer minimum stretch, because i like the way that more cotton jeans give and mold to your body without being form fitting
my mom and sisters swear by NYDJ which as an inside panel that provides shape internal in the front, and which i believe come in a variety of different fabrication mixes for the body of the jeans

slim cat

Veteran

Some stretch is needed for me - my sensitive skin is hating the rough feeling of the rigid denim. However I have super stretchy jeans that have no right to be called "jeans" .

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It depends.

There is stretch...and there is s t r e t c h . . . .

Stretch denim can, indeed, show every lump and bump if it is the latter type. It also wears out quite quickly (relatively speaking) especially if put in the dryer. By and large, I don't care for this level of stretch in my jeans, but I have had one or two jeans in this type of fabrication that worked. See my Paige bootcuts. And the Madewell stovepipes. I think you pay for what you get with this type of fabric.

1% to 2% stretch can work well. That's what's in a lot of jeans and they don't necessarily feel stretchy at all. My CoH Emersons are like this.

And then there are the 100% cotton jeans. I love the feel of the rigid denim -- but -- and it's a big but -- I only like it if the jeans are quite loose. If they are tight, the fabric definitely holds things in but depending on the rise it can also be excruciatingly uncomfortable -- with waistband pressing against stomach. My Old Navy jeans are non stretch but they are baggy.

It does come down to personal taste and maybe body type, though. What works for one won't work for all.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Exactly what Suz said!

I prefer denim with NO stretch, or 1% - more and I don't like it as much. I prefer hard and rigid denim, personally. Not soft and stretchy.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Not a fan of super stretchy fabrics, but sometimes have found that a little stretch in not-very-thin denim helps it feel like a better fit, and adapts to changes in body shape and weight from day to day. I will say it took a bit of getting used to some recent pairs of truly 100% cotton denim because I don’t think I’ve had any since the original Mom jean days (when I was a young mom back in the 80s and 90s).

Runcarla

Veteran

Team no or low stretch for jeans.

LJP

Veteran

I actually like some stretch for the reasons cjh cites . It seems that the fit is more forgiving and flexible ( not in the literal sense ) for my body , at least . Rigid denim looks great in editorial photos ( I.e. if you’re very slim and mot curvy ) but not so much on the average woman .

Irina

Veteran

I prefer a bit of stretch actually. I often find myself between the sizes and go with a smaller one, stretching would allow it to fit better around my midsection.

“Molding around your body” of 100% rigid denim hasn’t happened to me, some of my rigid jeans just stayed this way. I don’t know if I don’t generate enough body heat or I need to wear them for years…

Anonymous

Stretch is essential for me! I'm curvy, my weight fluctuates, and I need to be comfortable to go about my day.

cat2

Veteran

Stretch for the win. NYDJ and Levi’s have shaping jeans that will contain a bit of fluff.

RobinF

Veteran

Team stretch here! I want my jeans to be as comfy as possible, they are basically my weekend sweat pants. I don't find them lumpy and bumpy unless super snug which I don't wear.

Style Fan

Veteran

Team No Stretch. I prefer the feel of 100 % cotton denim. I can tolerate a small amount of stretch. I wouldn't say I like the feeling of stretchy denim, but I don't want to wear my Yoga leggings for anything except Yoga. I don't find them that comfortable.

Indigoprint

Veteran

I always preferred rigid until skinny became so prevelant then I appreciated a little stretch. I am hoping that as denim choices continue to be less skinny we will have similar rigid choices as before.
Even just 2% stretch is too warm for me when the temps get above 70 degrees.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Indigoprint, you raise a really good point. Stretch definitely makes jeans warmer to wear. So think about your dominant climate, Kyle, and when you like to wear jeans.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I agree with your impression. Stretch soon stretches out and bags rather than holding its shape. Agree with the 1-2% maximum rule!

jacquez

I currently have 2 pairs of rigid jeans, and mostly jeans with a fair amount of stretch. I do think the 100% cotton jeans are better at smoothing, but I find the firm waistbands uncomfortable over the length of a day.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I like a small amount of stretch. Just enough for comfort and a bit of allowance for weight fluctuations. I dislike the way very stretchy jeans can form weird pulls as they get older, and I’m done with super fitted denim styles anyway. But at the same time I don’t often find that stiff denim with zero stretch works for me — it’s too unforgiving and offers zero flexibility in fit (stretch often allows me to fit my wide hips and thighs into jeans without having the waistband be too large).

A bit of stretch — the kind that resumes shape — can be great for keeping the backside of jeans from bagging out and sagging during a day of wear. I don’t have a lot of booty, so that’s a definite issue with some jeans and pants.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I prefer them with some stretch. I’m kind of built like a board, which means I have a wider midsection - and 100% denim is uncomfortable.

Joy

Veteran

All three pair of my jeans are old and have no stretch. They are EF. The ones with 2% stretch have all bit the dust even without ever being put in a dryer.

LaPed

Veteran

I like 100% cotton denim *if* the cut is just right, but that's a tall order! I used to avoid any and all stretch in my jeans and bought almost exclusively vintage, but over time I have found a few pairs with 1% or 2% lycra that fit too well to pass up, so I'm glad I loosened my restriction. You can definitely get a more tailored fit with less misery by adding that little bit of stretch, but now that jeans are skewing looser again, that's less of an issue.

aceofs

Member

i always streach after a workout but sometimes if u do to much it helps to relax ur muscles abit. maybe look at these products no weird stuff https://cbdshop.club

anchie

Veteran

I love how 100% cotton denim looks but how strechy denim feels.