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Stretch: Two Ways About It
Long ago, before the horseless carriage, talkies and Baywatch, clothing was decidedly non-stretchy. Even bathing suits. Can you imagine David Hasselhoff in flannel or wool? Praise the gods of Malibu for synthetics. Elastane (a.k.a. Spandex) was developed by DuPont in the 1950s and is sold under the brand name Lycra. It’s called “four-way stretch” because you can pull it in any direction. Its pliability makes elastane perfect for form-fitting clothes that require dramatic movement, like bike shorts, yoga pants or Starfleet uniforms.
Board shorts were once polyester only, but a dose of elastane gives you a textile with two-way stretch: one that stretches from edge to edge. The waterproof and light fabric is perfect for the beach (obviously), but you can also blend elastane with board shorts made of denim or chino, too.
What are the different kinds of stretch fabrics?
- Two-way stretch: You can pull the fabric on your shorts from edge to edge.
- Four-way stretch: You can pull the fabric on your shorts in any direction.
- Six-way stretch: You can pull the front panel on your shorts 2-ways, and the back panel 4-ways.
- Eight-way stretch: You can pull the fabric on your shorts to reveal a new spacetime dimension. (Still theoretical.)
Smarter Denim
Despite its casual attitude, denim can be an unforgiving fabric. Jeans are designed for durability—perfect for the Gold Rush era miners who first bought them—but pure cotton pants can have a coarseness to them and they often lose their shape over time.
In this post-pickaxe world, jeans are made with a healthy blend of synthetic fiber. This denim is more comfortable and adds stretch. Today’s smart denim incorporates four-way stretch fabric with cotton for a truly unrestricted fit that can work on a diverse range of body types and shapes. The elastane also bounces back to ensure jeans keep their shape even after multiple wears.
What are some common denim blends?
- 100% cotton: More durable—they can last forever—but a less forgiving fit.
- 60/40 blend: 60% cotton, 40% polyester. Polyester is often added to help reinforce other synthetics.
- 98/2 stretch: With 2% of the fibers made of elastane, these jeans don’t loosen up the way 100% cotton can.
- Smart denim: The new hotness. Four-way stretch enables lots of movement and they keep their shape well.
Hybrid Shorts: Quick To React
Hybrid (or “adventure” shorts) are like the mullet of the short pant world. First, there’s the “business in the front”: a functional and semi-casual design with zippers, snaps and even pockets. While some board shorts practically scream “Let’s build a sandcastle,” the hybrid short describes a man who’s ready for anything. (Even sandcastles.)
And of course the “party in the back”: They’re breathable, light and absolutely ready for anything you can throw at them. Wear them hiking, on the golf course and—where else—on the beach. Cowabunga.
What are the elements of hybrid shorts?
- The quick-drying hybrid lets you move from “beach to bar” seamlessly.
- No liner (like boardshorts) so they’re breathable and light.
- Moisture-wicking to keep you dry during physical activity.
Sun-Blocking Fabrics
Believe it or not, the sun’s harmful rays can actually zap you through clothing. You heard right. In fact, natural fabrics like cotton, flax and hemp can expose your skin to harmful cancer-causing UV rays. If you spend a lot of time outside this summer, consider squeezing some sun protection clothing into your wardrobe.
Sun-protective fabrics are formulated to block both UVA and UVB light. These fabrics have a denser knit to minimize the amount of light that can get through and also include special dyes that disrupt or reflect UV light. A sun protection polo can give your skin some sanctuary if you’re playing a full 18 holes in the sun—or just hanging out on a patio. Either way, it’s good to be covered.
Here are some fast facts about sun-resistant fabrics.
- Sun-protective clothing is measured with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) which is similar to SPF.
- A UPF rating of 50 means the garment allows 1/50th (roughly 2%) of available UV radiation to pass through.
- Don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
Ready to try all of the stretchy, soft and durable fabrics that will keep you active and on your toes? Take your style quiz, order a Fix and we’ll match you with a style expert who can send you items that will add style and comfort to your closet. Buy what you like and send back the rest. Shipping, returns and exchanges are always free. It’s as simple as that.