Stretch that gives through the day

Short answer: All knitted fabrics give with body heat and moisture. With elastane the shape returns, without it the stretch stays until the next wash.

What happens in a day

Body heat and moisture make the fibres smoother so they can slide against each other. That is why trousers and underwear feel looser in the evening than in the morning. Two to four centimetres is entirely ordinary.

With and without elastane

Elastane pulls the fabric back almost immediately once you take the garment off. Without elastane the fabric has to rest for a day or be washed to recover. See bamboo trousers for women.

How to plan for it

Do not buy a garment that fits perfectly tight in the shop if it has no elastane. It will be loose by evening. Do not buy it tight hoping it will give either, because it then pinches all day and is loose afterwards anyway. See bamboo clothing for women.

When the stretch becomes permanent

After many months of wear some of the stretch does not return. That is normal wear and not a fault. See bamboo underwear for men and bamboo t-shirts for men.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a garment typically give

Two to four centimetres in width over a day in thin fabric without elastane.

Can it be prevented

Not entirely. Elastane makes it least noticeable, and a day of rest resets most of it.

Should I buy a size down

No. Then the garment pinches all day until it gives, and is loose afterwards anyway.