Why Stretch Performance Matters in Modern Workwear

For safety professionals, selecting workwear is about more than achieving compliance on the day it is issued. Garments must continue to protect the wearer while coping with repeated movement, demanding environments and regular laundering. They also need to be comfortable enough that workers choose to wear them correctly throughout the working day.

That is why stretch performance has become increasingly important in modern workwear design.

Workers rarely remain in one position. They bend, climb, kneel, reach, drive and move between tasks. A garment that restricts these movements can become uncomfortable around the knees, hips and waist. It may pull out of position or encourage the wearer to choose a larger, less suitable size simply to gain more room.

Sorona® Agile from Leo Workwear helps designers create workwear that moves more naturally with the body. This partially plant-based stretch technology is engineered to deliver lasting flexibility and recovery, helping fabrics return to their intended shape after movement. It also supports a soft, smooth feel, quick-drying performance, colour retention and resistance to heat and ultraviolet exposure.

Stretch that keeps performing

Not all stretch fabrics behave in the same way over time. Repeated movement, washing and exposure to demanding conditions can gradually affect elasticity, leaving some garments prone to sagging, bagging or losing their original fit.

Sorona® Agile integrates stretch performance into the fibre itself rather than relying solely on an added elastic component. This helps the material retain its flexibility and shape, supporting a consistent fit throughout the working day and over the garment’s service life.

Four-way stretch is particularly valuable in trousers for active roles because the fabric can move both across and along the garment. This reduces resistance during crouching, climbing and kneeling. When stretch is combined with an ergonomic cut, articulated shaping and flexible reflective tape, the entire garment can work with the wearer rather than against them.

For safety professionals, this is more than a comfort benefit. Better mobility can help a garment remain correctly positioned and reduce the temptation to loosen, alter or incorrectly size protective clothing. A compliant garment can only perform as intended when it fits properly and is worn correctly.

Four stretch options available

At Lyreco, you can choose from four Leo Workwear trouser styles incorporating Sorona® material technology, with each designed for a different wearer, task or working environment.

Winsford: lightweight everyday performance

The Winsford men’s stretch cargo trouser combines a lightweight 215gsm fabric made from 70% EcoViz® recycled polyester and 30% Sorona® plant-based polymer.

Its modern ergonomic fit, stretch fabric and segmented stretch reflective tape support freedom of movement, while reinforced pockets and internal knee-pad pockets provide work-ready practicality. It is also certified to retain its protective performance for 50 wash cycles.

Winswell: performance designed around women

The Winswell women’s stretch cargo trouser delivers the same lightweight 70% EcoViz® recycled polyester and 30% Sorona® fabric technology in a garment designed specifically around a women’s fit.

This matters because simply reducing the size of a men’s garment does not address differences in body shape or necessarily provide the same freedom of movement. Winswell gives employers a more inclusive option without asking women to compromise on protection, functionality or performance.

Its features include a part-elasticated waistband, practical reinforced pockets, an internal knee-pad pocket and flexible segmented reflective tape. Like Winsford, it is certified to 50 wash cycles.

Hawkridge: flexible, athletic workwear

The Hawkridge high-performance stretch jog trouser is designed for workers who prefer a closer, more athletic fit.

Its lightweight EcoViz® 4X stretch fabric, articulated legs, elasticated waistband and elasticated ankle hems support unrestricted movement. Reinforced stretch Cordura® knee panels featuring Sorona® plant-based polymer add durability in a high-wear area without introducing unnecessary bulk.

The tapered fit and stretch reflective tape make Hawkridge particularly suitable for active roles involving frequent bending, climbing or movement between locations. The orange version is certified to ISO 20471 Class 1 and conforms to RIS-3279-TOM requirements for the rail industry.

Hawkcombe: reinforcement for demanding environments

For more challenging working environments, the Hawkcombe ballistic stretch trouser adds lightweight stretch Cordura® panels to the outer legs, helping to protect areas exposed to sharp or hazardous materials.

Stretch is maintained throughout the garment, while reinforced knee panels featuring Sorona® plant-based polymer, articulated shaping and flexible Retromax®+ reflective tape preserve mobility. This provides additional reinforcement without creating the stiffness or excessive bulk traditionally associated with more protective work trousers.

Hawkcombe is certified to ISO 20471 Class 1, with the orange and navy version also meeting RIS-3279-TOM requirements.

Performance with a lower-impact material choice

Sorona® uses annually renewable plant-based ingredients to replace a proportion of the fossil-based content normally used in synthetic performance fibres. When combined with recycled polyester, as in Winsford and Winswell, it enables a lower-impact material choice while still meeting the practical demands placed on modern workwear.

This is an important distinction. Sustainability should not require safety professionals to accept reduced durability, limited movement or a poor wearer experience. Materials must still perform in real working conditions and contribute to garments that remain useful for longer.

Stretch should therefore no longer be viewed as an optional comfort feature. Properly engineered into workwear, it can support movement, fit, durability and wearer acceptance.

With four different Sorona®-enhanced trouser options available through Lyreco, safety professionals can select the right combination of flexibility, fit and reinforcement for the people and tasks they are responsible for protecting.

Content created in partnership with Leo Workwear.