Lovers of clothing with a tight fit know better than anyone the added value of stretch material. Stretch ensures that the trousers or sweater fit well around the body, but above all it gives you all the freedom of movement to carry out your work. That is why more and more people wear 4-way stretch pants and that development has continued into the workplace.
Stretch material has also undergone a real development there and 4-way stretch work trousers are a trend that we see in the new collections of many brands, including Helly Hansen, Black drawers, Jobman, and Snickers.
4-way stretch is more durable and gives you more freedom of movement than 2-way stretch. The fabric stretches in all directions, while 2-way stretch only stretches in one direction. The 4-way stretch material is used throughout the garment or only in areas where it has added value, such as the crotch, knees, elbows or back.
Helly Hansen 4-way stretch work trousers
Can't wait to have a pair of 4-way stretch work trousers? Helly Hansen is known for work trousers with a perfect fit. They are provided with beautiful details and you can also extend the trouser legs by up to 5 cm. Helly Hansen has 4-stretch models in the Kensington and Magni collection. These trousers not only offer you a lot of freedom of movement, but are also made of high-quality material, reinforced with the sustainable Cordura® Stretch in the places where you need it most.
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4-way stretch work trousers from Blåkläder
The new 4-way stretch work trousers from Blåkläder will be available from autumn. They have been extensively tested in practice under demanding conditions, by professionals from various professions. The test trousers were so good that the testers did not even want to return them! Once you have worn a pair of 4-stretch work trousers, you will never want to wear anything else. The 4-stretch provides excellent freedom of movement, unique comfort and exceptional performance. The first Blåkläder 4-stretch trousers to be launched were the 1998 work trousers, a combination of 4-way stretch with 360° freedom of movement and CORDURA® stretch reinforcement for extra durability and protection against wear. The 4-way stretch collection consists of various work trousers and shorts in several colours.
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4-way stretch work trousers from Jobman
The Jobman Advanced collection is designed for professionals who work under tough conditions. The Advanced work trousers are very suitable, thanks to the 4-way stretch of Ristop quality.
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Snickers 4-way stretch work trousers
The Snickers AllroundWork Stretch work trousers are full stretch work trousers with different fits from slim-fit to loose-fit. The work trousers also have stretch Cordura® at the knees. This gives you plenty of freedom of movement and makes the work trousers comfortable.
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4-way stretch vs. 2-way stretch
We can define stretch as the possible direction of movement of the material: 4-way stretch or 2-way. With 4-way stretch work trousers the material moves in all directions. This offers you the most freedom of movement and therefore this is the ultimate material if you are very active in the execution of your work.
With 2-way stretch work trousers, the material only moves in one direction, diagonally or lengthwise. Stretch can also be a description of the way the material is made. Elastane stretch refers to the material in which elastane thread is processed. The amount of stretch then depends on the percentage of elastane in the material. When talking about mechanical stretch, this refers to a combination of weaving techniques that provide a small amount of stretch in the overall material. Mechanical stretch is often found in the crotch or calves for extra movement.
2 way stretch |
4-way stretch |
Stretches in 1 direction |
Stretches in all directions |
Elastic |
Extra elastic |
Less recovery after over stretching |
Stays beautiful for a very long time, even after frequent stretching |
Less suitable for activities involving a lot of movement |
Very suitable for activities with a lot of movement |
Order 4-way stretch work trousers online
At Unishore Workwear you can easily order your 4-way stretch work trousers online. You can see immediately whether the models are available and in which sizes and colours. We offer you various payment methods and regularly have discount promotions with which you can stretch pants can purchase extra cheaply.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is 2-way stretch?
2-way stretch means that the fabric is stretchable in two directions, usually horizontally. This provides extra freedom of movement when bending or stretching, without the trousers being tight. It is more comfortable than a completely rigid fabric, but offers less flexibility than 4-way stretch. This property is often found in work trousers with stretch panels. It makes your working day more comfortable without compromising on strength.
What kind of material is stretch?
Stretch materials are often a mix of cotton or polyester with elastic fibers such as elastane (spandex or Lycra). Elastane provides the stretch, while cotton or polyester provide strength and breathability. The amount of stretch fiber in the fabric determines how much stretch and comfort you experience. Stretch is often used in work pants for a better fit and freedom of movement. Other functional fabrics can also contain stretch, such as softshell or canvas with stretch.
What is mechanical stretch?
Mechanical stretch is not created by adding elastic fibres, but by a special weaving technique. This gives the fabric a natural stretch without the addition of elastane. The advantage is that the fabric is often stronger and more durable than real stretch fabrics with elastic fibres. Mechanical stretch offers comfort and freedom of movement, but often slightly less stretch than elastane. It is popular for durable work trousers with high wear resistance.
How tight should work trousers be?
Work trousers should fit well without pinching, so that you can move freely and are not hindered while working. The waistband should rest comfortably on your hips and should not sag when you move. For stretch trousers, the fit may be a little tighter, because the fabric moves with you. Make sure that your knees can bend freely and that you can easily squat or bend over. Trousers that are too loose or too tight reduce wearing comfort and safety.
How do I soften new, stiff work trousers?
You can soften new work pants by first washing them with a mild detergent and possibly a little vinegar to remove stiffness from the fabric. Let the pants air dry and knead the fabric lightly after drying to make it more supple. Wearing and washing several times will also help the fabric to gradually soften. Avoid fabric softener with protective or flame-retardant clothing, unless otherwise indicated. You can also use a clothes steamer to loosen the fabric a little.