Clothes that really fit, that really move with you, that neither chafe nor constrain, are a pleasure to wear. The reason that we can enjoy such garments is stretch fabric. The first stretchy thread was invented by DuPont in the late 1950s. Today 2 way and 4 way stretch fabric is sold by the yard and incorporated with natural fibers in much of the clothing made for the retail trade.

A designer by the name of Peter Golding exhibited the first stretch jeans in 1978. He used an innovative fabric from Japan and sent his models down the runway in a variety of colors. It was the form-fitting look that really wowed the onlookers. Golding sold his jeans in his Chelsea shop to the trend-setters and rock stars that were already flouting social conventions.

The stretchy fabric was amazingly comfortable, kept its shape no matter how active the wearer, and let shapely ladies show their curves. A 1% ( just a touch of stretchy thread in the cloth) was comfortable, not terribly form-fitting, and retained a crisp look throughout the day. The 4% blends were totally body-hugging and gave in two directions for supreme comfort and flexibility. Riding breeches, once flared to allow a rider to lift a leg to the stirrup, became so form fitting that traditional riders were offended. Swimming suits became sexy, and bras became more comfortable and supportive.

However, it's hard to argue with true comfort and utility, and today almost all sports clothes use Spandex, Lycra, or another form of the original DuPont discovery. Bike riders can bend and pedal in form-fitting clothes that wick away sweat and never catch in the bike's moving parts. Yoga enthusiasts can twist themselves in knots and their clothes follow right along.

You can be your own designer with stretchy fabrics sold by the yard. These are made of natural or synthetic fibers combined with Spandex, Lycra, or another trademarked version of DuPont's invention. Crafters, home decorators, and people who like to sew have an amazing choice of stretchy fabrics. Check out some of the online stores to see smooth or brushed cotton, printed or dotted or textured cloth, velvet in seductive colors, spangled cloth that yells 'evening gown', and more created to fit every need.

All the different brandname fabrics use the original elastane, developed in 1959. By 1980, many designers and major jean companies like Levi offered high-end clothing with body-hugging appeal and a new comfort level. Today this type of clothing has trickled down to the mass market. People of all ages walk out in leggings and 'skinny' jeans.

The fabrics wash well. However, they break down if you use hot wash water or the high-heat setting on the dryer. If your new fabric or garment is a big-ticket item, you might want to hand-wash and line-dry. Never, never use chlorine bleach.

It's fun to visit an online fabric store and just see what you can find for a project. From faux leather to elegant rose velvet, the selections are astonishing. As for clothes, every catalog, store rack, and mannequin will undoubtedly be showing something with a bit of stretch to it. Once you've worn a well-fitting stretchy top or pant, you may never want to go back to plain old cloth.