In the modern textile industry, mixed fabrics lead in production and sales volumes. Combining in various proportions, their components complement each other, improving the properties of the fabric. Stretch jersey is one of the varieties of mixed fabrics that is very popular among consumers.
Stretch jersey - what kind of fabric is it?
The concept includes two components. The first is jersey - a type of knitted fabric obtained by knitting. The second is stretch, which translates as “stretching” - nothing more than a prefix to the main name of the fabric. It indicates that the textile formula necessarily contains a special synthetic component responsible for its elasticity.
Composition of matter
The stretch effect is provided by polyurethane-based fibers. These include:
- spandex;
- elastane and its varieties - elastane, dorslastan, lynel;
- lycra.
By the way! In fact, all of the above fibers are different names for almost the same material, in other words, they are trademarks. Some are registered in the USA, others in Japan, as well as Western European countries.
The percentage of spandex in the total mass determines the degree of stretch of the jersey and varies generally from 4 to 25%. In this case, a two-dimensional fiber stretches either along or across, and a four-dimensional fiber stretches in all directions simultaneously.
The remaining contents of the fabric may consist of other natural, artificial and synthetic materials, such as:
- cotton;
- linen;
- wool;
- silk;
- viscose (from wood or bamboo stems);
- polyester;
- nylon (polyamide).
Various combinations of them can also be used.
Properties of the canvas
Stretch jersey has a number of permanent characteristics. These include:
- softness;
- elasticity;
- strength;
- durability;
- drapeability;
- crease resistance.
The predominance of natural raw materials in the fabric composition (at least 70%) additionally provides it with:
- breathability;
- hygroscopicity;
- hypoallergenic.
Advantages of stretch jersey
The appearance of stretch jersey and its non-stretch counterpart is absolutely identical: “braids” on the front side and stitching on the back side. The thicker the thread, the clearer the pattern is visible.
The difference is this:
- Without elastic fibers, fabrics on a natural basis (cotton, linen, wool, and especially viscose) have less wear resistance, sometimes several times.
- Over time, products made from them stretch and lose their presentable appearance. If there is elastane in the composition, this does not happen - the item always takes its original shape and looks like new.
- Stretch jersey prints easier and more evenly.
What is sewn from stretch jersey
This material is most often made from:
- casual wear - T-shirts, dresses, skirts, turtlenecks, underwear;
- beach equipment - swimming trunks and swimsuits;
- dance and carnival costumes;
- sportswear, thermal underwear and leggings.
At the same time, the share of spandex in products:
- intended for constant wear – up to 5%;
- made of tight knitwear for sports activities – 12-15%;
- based on synthetic jersey for beach holidays or swimming – 10-20%.
Some care tips
To comply with the operating rules, you need to take into account some features of the fabric, namely:
- she is afraid of ultraviolet radiation, which means that she cannot be left in the sun for a long time;
- it does not tolerate high temperatures, so it is advisable to wash it in water heated to no higher than 50˚;
- On fabric with a high elastane content, snags and puffs are formed as a result of mechanical stress.
Stretch jersey is a multifunctional and versatile textile: light, durable, elastic. Clothes made from it can both emphasize the advantages of a figure and correct some of its shortcomings. It can provide a comfortable feeling both on vacation in the summer and on a ski trip in the winter.
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