Compression
The elastane in a regular stretch garment doesn't begin to exert tension until it has been significantly stretched. That is because the actual stretch fibres are part of a looped (knitted) structure. Stretch woven fabric - developed for medical applications and now the choice of elite sports teams - exerts tension as effectively as pure rubber, while feeling as soft and breathable as any fabric woven on a regular loom.
Weight
If the animal kingdom had evolved to wear leggings, only the terrestial creatures would wear ones that were knitted. The birds and the fish would be wearing stretch-woven. What I am trying to say, is it's light!
Abrasion Resistance
Regular stretch fabric incorporates fine elastane fibres into a knit, leaving them largely exposed. In a stretch-woven garment, every fibre is elastane, with fluffy nylon spun all around it. Encasing elastane means it is much better protected, providing greater life to a garment.
Breathability
People who really work out (meaning they sweat) know regular sports tights only disguise perspiration, by keeping it trapped. Even though they stretch, hug and compress you, these pants are only as thick as a bed sheet and have exactly the same woven structure. That means they actually breathe.
Learn more about stretch-woven fabric on our French manufacturer's website.
Pictured with Pride's fast drying swimming bralette.
Features
- stretch-woven fabric milled by Payen Sa, in Saint Julien en Saint Alban in France.
- 145gsm stretch-woven lining to waist band for support.
- Waist and crotch seams 4-thread overlocked then cover-stitched flat, for comfort, smart looks and long life.
- 0.65mm x 12mm rubber through bagged-out waist seam
Credits
- Each piece hand cut and sewn in Byron Bay Australia.
- Design and prototyping by Dr. Steven Fleming