Stretch, Recovery & Lycra Stretch-FIT

What Stretch Percentage Means

Stretch percentage measures how far a fabric can extend beyond its resting length before resistance stops it. A fabric listed at 50% stretch can be pulled to 1.5 times its original dimension — so a 10-inch piece stretches to 15 inches. This number appears on every Wazoodle product's Specs tab and is one of the most important specifications for fitted garments, compression products, and any application where the fabric must conform to a shape.

2-Way vs 4-Way Stretch

2-way stretch: Fabric stretches in one direction only — typically across the width (cross-grain). Suitable for products that need give in one axis, like waistbands or simple fitted covers
4-way stretch: Fabric stretches in both length and width directions. Required for athletic wear, compression garments, swimwear, and any product that must move with the body in multiple directions

Stretch percentage alone doesn't tell the full story. Two fabrics can both list 50% stretch but feel completely different in use. The missing factor is recovery — how well the fabric returns to its original shape after being stretched. A fabric with high stretch but poor recovery will sag and bag out after wear.

All stretch specifications may vary ±10% due to textile industry manufacturing standards. See Specifications, Variation & Shrinkage for details.

Why Recovery Matters More Than Stretch

Recovery is the fabric's ability to snap back to its original dimensions after being stretched. Recovery is what keeps a garment fitting properly after hours of wear, what prevents knee-bagging in leggings, and what maintains compression pressure in medical and athletic products. Without strong recovery, high stretch becomes a liability rather than a feature.

The Role of Lycra® / Spandex

Lycra® (spandex/elastane) is the fiber responsible for recovery in stretch fabrics — it acts as the "snap-back" mechanism
Fabrics without Lycra may stretch but will gradually lose shape through wear and washing
Higher Lycra content generally means stronger recovery, but the knit structure and base fiber also contribute
Even small percentages of Lycra (5–15%) dramatically improve shape retention over a garment's lifespan

Evaluating Recovery for Your Application

Stretch-and-release test: Pull a swatch to its maximum stretch, release, and observe how quickly and completely it returns to original size
Repeated stretch test: Stretch the same area 10+ times — poor recovery fabrics show permanent distortion quickly
Wash test: Fabrics with good recovery maintain dimensions through multiple wash cycles; poor recovery fabrics grow progressively looser

For how fiber type affects stretch behavior, see Fiber Content Guide: Cotton, Bamboo, Polyester, Merino & Blends.

Lycra Stretch-FIT Technology

Lycra Stretch-FIT is a performance designation on select Wazoodle fabrics indicating the fabric contains Lycra fiber engineered specifically for superior stretch-and-recovery performance. Stretch-FIT fabrics maintain consistent fit, shape, and compression through extended wear and repeated washing — outperforming standard stretch fabrics that gradually lose their shape over time.

Stretch-FIT Performance Benefits

Shape retention: Maintains original fit through repeated wearing and washing cycles — no gradual loosening
Consistent compression: Delivers reliable pressure in compression garments and athletic wear over the product's lifespan
Durability: Lycra integration reduces fabric fatigue from repeated stretching, extending usable product life
Comfort: Fabrics contour to body shape without constricting — stretch moves with the wearer, recovery pulls fabric back into place

Key Concept: Lycra Stretch-FIT fabrics are engineered for applications where the fabric must maintain its performance fit over time — not just stretch on day one. If your product requires consistent fit, compression, or body-conforming shape through months of use and washing, Stretch-FIT fabrics are the right choice.

Choosing the Right Stretch Level

The right stretch level depends on what the finished product needs to do — not every project requires maximum stretch. Excess stretch in structured products creates unwanted distortion, while insufficient stretch in fitted garments restricts movement and comfort.

Low Stretch — Under 15%

Best for: Structured items, bags, home goods, covers, and products where dimensional stability matters more than flexibility
Minimal give prevents sagging and maintains clean lines
Typical fabrics: PUL, heavier interlock without Lycra

Medium Stretch — 15% to 50%

Best for: Comfortable garments, reusable pads, liners, fitted covers, and products needing moderate give without high compression
Enough flexibility for comfortable wear without compromising structure
Typical fabrics: standard jersey, cotton/spandex blends, ProCool® interlock

High Stretch — 50%+

Best for: Athletic wear, compression garments, swimwear, leggings, and any product requiring full range of motion and body-conforming fit
Requires strong recovery (Lycra content) to prevent permanent deformation
Typical fabrics: Stretch-FIT jerseys, cationic sports jersey (up to 80% stretch), swim fabrics

Weight affects stretch behavior: A lightweight 120 GSM jersey at 50% stretch feels and performs differently than a heavyweight 300 GSM interlock at 50% stretch. Always evaluate stretch in context with fabric weight. See Fabric Weight (GSM): What the Numbers Mean.