Most women prefer wearing stretchy pants. Whether it’s a pair of jeans, yoga pants, jeggings, or leggings, stretchy pants are the most preferred options. You must have wondered at least once what fabric is best for stretchy pants since not all options offer the best comfort.
Stretch cotton and stretch wool are the best material variations. But, it’s Lycra aka Spandex aka Elastane that makes all other kinds of fabrics stretchable.
Cotton or wool (even silk, velvet, and denim) alone cannot stretch. It’s just the one option with 3 names – elastane, Lycra, and spandex – that is the best fabric for stretchy pants.
Things, however, do not end here. It’s just the Pandora box that opens with the revelation of which fabric is the best fabric for stretchy pants.
People want to know why stretchy pants are better, why some fabrics are better than others, what are the best stretchy pants for different seasons, and so much more.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision whether or not you want stretchy pants in your wardrobe.
The Best Fabric for Stretchy Pants: Spandex
There is just one fabric that’s ideal for stretchy pants: it’s Lycra. When somebody uses Spandex or elastane in the place of Lycra, be aware that all the 3 (Lycra, spandex, and Elastane) are the same thing.
Based on the details in the upcoming sections and comparing the features with your requirement, you can choose the best stretchy pants that’ll be the most comfortable options for you.
Benefits of Spandex Fabric For Stretchy Pants
Spandex is the undisputed king of stretch. It offers the maximum stretch. That’s why it’s the best fabric for stretchy pants for plus-size women too.
Some of the benefits of spandex are as follows:
1.) It resists perspiration like nothing else. So, you won’t get wet and sweaty when the fabric is spandex.
2.) Yes, it will stretch. But the best thing is it will come back to its original size. Your stretchy pants will, thus, last for a long time.
3.) It’s both tear-resistant and heat-resistant.
4.) It’s one of the lightest materials for stretchy pants.
5.) It’s affordable. If you’re running on a set budget, stretchy pants made with spandex are the better options.
Cons:
Spandex isn’t super breathable in itself. So, the quality and features of the materials it is mixed with matter a lot.
If it is combined with cheap wool or cheap cotton, the resulting stretchy pants will stick to your legs like a snake and cause discomfort.
That’s why it is very important to pick high-quality stretchy pants whether you’re buying them for winter, summer, or autumn.
As long as you’re mindful of the season when you’re going to wear spandex stretchy pants, you’ll feel nothing but comfort.
Besides, if it’s summertime, you might want to stick to leggings instead of yoga pants because they’re lighter. Such small changes according to your purpose of buying stretchy pants will determine the actual comfort level.
4 Crucial Factors to Consider When Buying Stretchy Pants
They’re trendy! They never go out of fashion! They’re suitable for every occasion and every season – yet, comfort matters the most when wearing stretchy pants.
There are certain things you ought to keep in mind if you want your stretchy pants to keep you comfortable.
Let’s find out what they are below.
1.) One Size Does Not Fit All – Never Has, Never Will!
Since they stretch, one size will fit all – says who? Yes, the very fact that they stretch gives them an added advantage of fitting plus-minus 2 inches, but not more than that.
If your waistline is 32 and you expect you’ll be very comfortable in stretchy pants that are ideal for a waist 27 or waist 28, you’re up for a very rude surprise.
Lycra stretches, but it has a limit for comfort. In fact, it’s not just the waist that matters, the thighs and calves matter too.
So, don’t try to fit into a smaller size if you want to stay comfortable and want your new pair of stretchy pants to last.
2.) The Quality of Fabric Will Always Matter
Lycra or elastane blended with cotton, wool, silk, and every other fabric isn’t always the same quality. Cotton in itself comes in a spectacular range of varieties. So do wool, velvet, and other fabrics!
The quality of cotton and other fabrics, therefore, matters a lot when it comes to determining how good stretchy pants are.
If the material is super soft and breathable, the stretchy pants will be extremely gentle on the skin and won’t cause allergies, itching, or rashes.
Even the blend of polyester and spandex is a wonderful combination for athletic stretchy yoga pants.
3.) Do Not Compromise With The Breathability Quotient
Stretchy pants (especially leather pants) can make you immensely hot if the fabric isn’t breathable. If the pants won’t wick moisture, that’ll be another concern. The right stretchy pants should hug your body while keeping it dry.
Insulated stretchy pants and quilted ones that are ideal for winters should be moisture-wicking too. After all, nobody wants to get sweaty and cold in their clothes at all.
4.) Choose the Lighter Ones
You don’t have to buy bulky stretchy pants for the winter season. There’s cashmere wool, alpaca wool, and even fleece-lining that, when mixed with Spandex, will offer extreme insulation against cold without being too heavy.
The lightweight options in denim and cotton for summers are equally comfortable. If the stretchy pants are too heavy, the factor of comfort might be compromised.
However, you still have to be realistic: stretchy pants for winters and quilted ones will obviously be a bit heavier than cotton or velvet stretchy pants for summers and autumn.
Be a smart buyer and choose what keeps you comfortable all day long!
See also: Best Summer Work Pants for Men and Women
Taking Care Of the Fabric if You Want Your Stretchy Pants to Last
Spandex is undoubtedly a very strong fabric. It is encapsulated with many qualities since it’s a man-made fabric. However, just like any other fabric, spandex has its own set of limitations.
If you won’t care for your spandex stretchy pants, they won’t last for as long as they could have had you cared for them.
If you’re in absolute awe of your new stretchy pants, here’s a quick section on how to take care of them:
1.) Don’t ever dry your stretchy pants directly under the Sun.
2.) Let them dry naturally in the air after you’ve washed them.
3.) Never machine wash them if the instructions say that it’s a garment that’s supposed to be hand-washed.
4.) It’s always good to use cold water to wash stretchy pants.
5.) Hang them on a hanger instead of folding them.
6.) It’s ideal to never overheat the press settings while ironing stretchy pants.
3 Best Stretchy Pants for All Seasons
1.) High Waist Yoga Stretch Pants by Dragon Fit
- interlock fabric ,stretchy fabric perfect for exercise and daily wear. Never out of date and easy to match the top, makes you look sexy and eye-catching.
- Yoga Leggings Design: Take the four needles six lines sewing technology, flat and smooth. Close fitted but not too tight, soft and super comfortable.
- Various useful pocket on both inner waistband and leg side ,stretchy expandable pocket fits up to a 6 inches phone such as iPhone 6 7 8 plus iPhone x Android galaxy s7 edge with keys cash cards and so on.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These are one of the highest quality stretchy pants that are entirely non transparent. They’re high-waisted pants that offer the tummy-tucking feature as well.
1.) It’s a 4-way stretch pant built for maximum comfort. A spacious side pocket makes it easier to carry the phone.
2.) It’s the right amount of comfort: neither too tight, nor loose.
3.) The waistband is very soft and offers comfort.
4.) Since it stretches 4 ways, it’s ideal for high-intensity training exercises too.
Cons: The price might be an issue for some. But, the kind of quality and durability this stretchy pant offers is worth every single penny.
2.) Women’s Fleece-Lined Stretchy Pants by Libin
- 【Water Resistant & Fleece lined】 The thermal tights is made of soft fleece inner and lock the heat to keep you warm and comfortable; Water resistant capacity helps resist light rain for a short time and provide wind protection, you can do any activities outdoor even in snow days.
- 【High elastic & Comfortable fabric】 These fleece leggings use upgraded fabrics, elastic and not bulky but enough to ward off the cold; Non See-through, it can offers enough support and don’t ride or fall off when you active.
- 【Tummy Control & High Waisted】 High rise waistband & adequate coverage are designed for better tummy control & keeping your mid section warm, that slims your waist and accentuates your natural curves.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Thermal stretchy pants couldn’t be more stylish than these spandex and polyester leggings. They’re one of the best hiking and running pants for women because of the following factors.
1.) They’re water-resistant as well as windproof.
2.) They’ll keep you warm. In fact, they can easily withstand winter temperatures below 40°F.
3.) They are breathable.
4.) The back pocket is secured with a zipper. The side pocket is extremely spacious.
5.) The seam is extremely smooth. This pant also offers a lot of freedom for movement.
Cons: Some buyers report that these stretchy pants keep falling off while running. However, that’s purely a case of size mismatch.
Follow the standard size guidelines as provided by the manufacturer so that you find the right size.
3.) Women’s Plus-Size Stretch Jersey Leggings by Just My Size
- Cotton-rich fabric with spandex to move with you
- Thin elastic tag-free waist
- Classic legging fit with open leg bottom
- No pockets, no drawstring for slim look
- 26 i
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These amazing stretchy pants for plus-size women are 90% cotton and 10% spandex: which means they are lightweight. Besides, they offer the right amount of compression for a slimmer appearance.
1.) They’re really affordable.
2.) They’re breathable and won’t make you hot.
3.) They won’t restrict your motion.
Cons: Some women complain that these stretchy pants don’t stretch substantially. But, the fact is that these aren’t athletic pants. They’re leggings. So, if you’re looking for something for sports activities, it’s better to skip these leggings and look for yoga pants instead.
Conclusion:
Spandex is the best fabric for stretchy pants. It’s also known as Lycra and Elastane. The best stretchy pants are the combination of Spandex with either cotton, wool, or polyester. Even leather and velvet stretchy pants are popular.
In order to buy the best stretchy pants, you have to figure out the season you’re buying the pants for and your purpose of wearing them (lounging or exercising).
Only when you care for your stretchy pants will they last for a long time. Once you find the right size, stick to the quality more than anything else.
