Stretch and Recovery Test

Stretchable fabrics are widely used in underwear, causal wear, tights and jeans, performance wear, yoga/active wear and swimwear. 

How can you add value to your products by providing evidence of good stretchable features?

• Demonstrate the apparel has good elasticity and is easy to wear
• Enhance good elasticity facilitating exercising with stretching
• Ensure good recovery to prevent the apparel from being easily deformed
• Demonstrate the durability of apparel for its function, size and appearance
• Provide comfort wearing to fit any lifestyle

How Does Stretch and Recovery Work? 

Stretchable fabric can be extended in the direction in which force is applied without/before breaking by two-way stretch (extended in the crosswise direction) or four-way stretch (extended in both direction, crosswise and lengthwise). Some fabrics can return to original size after stretching, which is called recovery, while some are unable to revert to original size after stretching, which is called growth.

Fabrics with superior stretch and recovery can be achieved by using special fibre weaving, or knitting into the fabric construction, or textured yarn.

Intertek Hong Kong supports stretch and recovery testing via various testing methods:

• ASTM D2594
• ASTM D4964
• ASTM D6614
• ASTM D3107
• JIS L1018
• JIS L1096
• BS EN 14704-1 Method A&B
• BS 4294
• BS 4952 (replaced by BS EN 14704-1 2005)
• BS EN 14704-3 Method A
• FZ/T 70006
• FZ/T 73013 section 5.4.6
• FZ/T 73019.2 section 6.3.6
• KS K 0541