Material technology profile

4-Way Stretch

Fabric that extends in both the warp and weft directions and returns to shape, so it never binds or bags during movement. Achieved with elastane, or through construction alone as mechanical stretch

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How it works

Fabric that moves with you

There are two routes. One blends elastane into the yarn: the higher the ratio, the more extension and recovery. The other adds no elastane at all and relies on the construction or on the crimp built into the fiber, so the yarn straightens under load and springs back once the load is released, known as mechanical stretch. Both let the fabric extend in warp and weft and return to its original dimensions without bagging out

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Performance Profile

Evidence-led proof points explain what this material technology delivers. Values depend on construction and verified testing.

01 4-Way Stretch

4-Way Stretch

How far the fabric extends under load. Urban casual styles are comfortable at roughly 15–25% in both warp and weft; high-output outdoor and active styles typically call for 30% and above, some beyond 50%. The two directions need not match — weft stretch, which wraps the body, is usually specified higher than warp.

02 Stretch Recovery

Stretch Recovery

The share of its original dimensions the fabric returns to once the load is removed and it has rested, typically 30 minutes. This is what decides how long a garment keeps its line. A good four-way stretch fabric recovers above 90%, the better ones above 95%. Where recovery falls short, knees, elbows and seat bag out with wear.

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Performance may vary by fabric and construction. Confirm values against approved test documentation.

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