There is an opinion that fashion trends are created not by designers and couturiers, but by fabric manufacturers. Since the middle of the last century, when the weaving industry adopted polyurethane fiber, the fashion world saw unlimited possibilities in this. The innovation directly affected denim fabrics. They became softer, thinner, more elastic. This is how stretch jeans appeared, combining traditional style features and the advantages of a modern material. It is comfortable to move in trousers, while they do not lose their shape and appearance for a long time. These properties were highly appreciated by consumers and gave impetus to the creation of a new model range, which is based on a large assortment of elastic denim fabrics.
Material Features
The main advantage of elastic fabrics is the ability to restore their original state after stretching. This property appears in fabrics due to the inclusion of polyurethane threads in their composition, which have different names.
In the USA, elastomeric threads have been produced since 1958 under the name spandex, and in Europe since 1962 under the name elastane. The company "Invista" also produces polyurethane threads under the trade mark "Lycra".
- Polyurethane fiber is twisted with cotton, wool, silk, linen or any other threads. Taking into account the weaving pattern and use as a warp or weft thread, a fabric is obtained that can stretch well in width, length or in all directions.
- Stretch denim stretches well, is not subject to deformation, and has high wear resistance. The content of elastane in the fabric is only 1-5%. Minor inclusions of artificial fibers retain all the advantages of natural raw materials. Denim is traditionally made of cotton, so it breathes well, has good hygroscopicity, and does not cause allergies.
- The stretch of the fabric allows for the creation of tight-fitting models for women. Therefore, denim fabrics with Lycra are dyed not only in traditional shades of blue, but also in more unusual colors.
The properties of the material led to changes in the model range of jeans trousers. Models appeared that fit tightly in the hips and legs, with a fit below the waist, with an elastic band that replaced the traditional waistband with a belt. This is a real revolution in trouser fashion, which has always been distinguished by conservatism.
Model options
In addition to the traditional, straight-leg jeans, models that hug the hip area are made from elastic fabrics. The stretch of the fabric provides freedom of movement even with a very low rise of trousers. Only in stretch jeans is the rise below the waist level used Low rise (low) and Ultra low rise (ultra low).
The properties of the fabric also made it possible to create Tapered cut – these are jeans models with a very tight fit from the hip to the bottom of the trousers. This option cannot be sewn from regular denim, since it will be impossible to walk, much less sit, in them.
This category includes:
- very popular Slim fit jeans, which fit tightly to the figure and are very comfortable to wear;
- Skinny fit models with an even tighter fit, they are often called “second skin”;
- Jeggings fit – jeans-leggings or jeggings, the name of which speaks for itself.
These models are convenient for everyday wear, active recreation and even as a replacement for sportswear. Plus-size jeans are also sewn from fabrics with lycra, which, if the model is chosen correctly, perfectly hide figure flaws. Otherwise, you can find almost any model of jeans: both men's and women's, sewn from fabric with lycra.
Modern technologies have not affected the appearance of jeans, but have made them more comfortable and versatile. Let's look at the most popular models:
- Classic jeans — classic models have a standard or high waist, trousers sit on the hips, smoothly descending. The silhouette is straight or slightly tapered. The trim is traditional, in the form of pockets, double stitching and rivets, not overloaded with details. The model is universal, suitable for work and leisure, as it fits well into any style. Classic stretch jeans are suitable not only for people with a good figure. A fairly loose silhouette will hide figure flaws, and the traditional length of the trousers will make the figure taller and slimmer.
- Slim fit jeans have successfully fit into the wardrobe of modern women. The tapered model perfectly emphasizes the advantages of the figure, without interfering with walking at all. Slims are produced with a fashionable high waist or with a rise at the hip level, which allows you to choose trousers for any type of figure. The most common colors of trousers are black, brown, white, classic blue. Tapered legs allow you to use trousers in a winter wardrobe with over-the-knee boots, boots. With the right selection, jeans harmoniously combine with business, casual clothes. Tapered models use trim in the form of fringe and holes. Black skinny jeans are considered a classic and a basic model of any wardrobe.
- Jeggings are trousers made of thin denim with a high content of elastane. They first appeared on the catwalk in 2009, combining the advantages of jeans and leggings. As a rule, the models completely imitate jeans with pockets and contrasting stitching, but they have an elastic waistband and a decorative zipper. The color range is varied, jeggings often have holes and scuffs, patches and rhinestone trim. Trousers are used for a variety of stylistic solutions and even as sportswear. There are types of jeggings that can be worn in winter. Trousers, if combined correctly, fit into almost any wardrobe.
- Stretch jeans for a full figure - it was the appearance of stretch jeans that allowed full women to choose models taking into account their body type. The elastic fabric tightens the figure, and with the right choice of style, makes it visually slimmer. For women of large sizes, it is recommended to choose models with a high waist and a tight fit in the hip area. The elastic fabric will hide folds in the abdomen, visually reducing the volume. The legs should have a straight or slightly flared silhouette and full length. Jeans are selected plain-colored, dark tones, without horizontally located decorative accents in the hip area. The choice is very large from classic models to fashionable flares and ripped slims. Stretch jeans look more modern, comfortable for any body type and are an alternative to classic trousers.
- For men - elastic jeans are ideal for men who lead an active lifestyle. They are comfortable to wear while driving a car or a bike, pedaling a bicycle or riding a skateboard. Men's stretch jeans are no different in appearance from traditional models, but do not restrict movement at all and do not cause discomfort. They are comfortable for people with a non-standard figure and are able to compensate for physique flaws. Almost all classic models and ultra-fashionable skinny jeans with holes exist in stretch versions. The color range allows you to choose trousers for any wardrobe, both for work in the office and for everyday wear and leisure.
What to wear with
The selection of a wardrobe for regular and stretch jeans is practically no different. The exception is slims and jeggings, which are recommended to be worn with blouses and tunics of a looser silhouette. High-heeled shoes, which visually increase height, are suitable for this type of trousers. Narrow models look good with voluminous sweaters, jackets, and loose-fitting outerwear.
Classic straight and flared from the knee jeans are suitable for almost any occasion and, when paired with a traditional blouse or turtleneck, are ideal for work in the office.
Stretch trousers are indispensable for relaxation and active leisure. There is an offer of jeans of any length and decoration methods. In summer, white is relevant, which goes well with any color T-shirts, tank tops, light blouses. Shortened models with fringe are worn with comfortable open shoes on a thick platform or heel.
Fashionable ripped jeans are worn with T-shirts, light blouses, leather jackets. Shoes are selected taking into account the style of the image. Sandals, sneakers, wedge slippers, high-heeled shoes are acceptable.
Men's fashion is also very democratic, allowing for a mix of styles and bright accents. Designers use unusual color schemes and elements of deliberate carelessness in the form of loose threads on pockets and heels of trousers, rips and scuffs. Men's jeans of a narrow cut with a rolled-up bottom are still relevant.
Selection criteria
When choosing jeans, you need to consider the purpose of the trousers - for what occasion you will wear them. Based on this, select a model made of a material that meets the tasks.
For example, women's jeans for summer vacations should be made of thin denim with a higher spandex content. They can be cropped, with a very low waistline. Depending on preferences, narrow slims or looser boyfriends are selected, in the most unusual colors.
For men, classic models made of stretch material are suitable for everyday wear; they are comfortable for driving and sitting for a long time. Dark-colored jeans will fit into the dress code and will be appropriate for business meetings.
The next step is to consider the features of your figure and choose jeans of the appropriate size. The degree of fit of trousers affects not only comfort, but can also hide or, on the contrary, emphasize the advantages or disadvantages of certain parts of the body. The length of the product is important, which affects the overall visual perception and can even out less than ideal proportions.
Another criterion for choosing is the fashion trend, which very often dominates and is considered the main one. But it is necessary to take into account that any trousers are part of a suit, so they should harmoniously fit into a single image. Therefore, such fashionable details as fringe, holes, bright colors, unusual shape of jeans - it is better to use flashy accents in moderation.
Otherwise, stretch jeans are much easier to choose, because they fit better on any figure, and in most cases are able to highlight its advantages.
Video
Photo
