Check out our blog post about stretch denim

Basic Definition

Stretch Denim is a blend of primarily cotton and just a touch of spandex and lycra. Stretch denim gives you a more accommodating fit and ease of movement. Stretch denim is soft to touch, lighter than non stretch fabric. If you’re left frustrated by stiff denim material that doesn’t forgive even the smallest of flaws, stretch denim may offer the comfort you’ve been missing.
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History

Denim fabrics that are infused with different synthetic fibers make the stretch denim. Stretch jeans have the appearance of being skin tight, while not binding as regular denim jeans would. Indi’s built-in stretch fit factor calculates how much flexibility is going to be needed to get our denim pattern to fit your body just right.  Our special 2% two-way stretch denim keeps its shape and integrity, while maintaining a great feel.
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Style Advice

The more stretch, the more generous and comfortable the fit will be. Jeans with stretch are great for everyday casual use. Stretch Denim is almost always used in skinny jeans in order to achieve the tight fit.

Buy stretch denim with caution. Don’t go a size smaller and assume the fabric will make up for it.  Clothes that pinch too tight never look sharp, and the wearer may become the unfortunate recipient of dreaded “muffin top” gossip.  Nobody deserves that!

Also take it from Oprah, she had Stacy London, host of TLC’s What Not to Wear on her show talk about the common denim myths. One of the myth talked about is that stretch denim is always better than non stretch. Skin-tight fit can sometimes give women “dimples” right below the tush, like this one:

image courtesy of Denim Dos and Don’ts on Oprah.com

Stacy’s advice is to try on non stretch, as well as stretch, to find the best fit.
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See Also

Non-Stretch Denim
Spandex
Polyester
Cotton
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References

Denim Dos and Don’ts, http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/oprahshow2_ss_20051115/8
The Denim Bible Jeans Encyclopedia II - by Sportswear International
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