Fabric Weave:
Fabric Weight:
1) More Durable Weave and More Historical - An Elastique cloth is a "double" weave. One can determine an Elastique fabric by the diagonal line within the weave pattern versus the plain pattern of the tropical weave. The double layers of the Elastique cloth traces its history back to the Indian War period of our Nation, when Cavalry Soldiers needed a more durable cloth to counter the saddle wear. For Soldiers today, the Elastique provides a more durable cloth if the uniform is worn more than a few times each year. Click the images above for a higher-resolution image.
2) Better Look and Less Wrinkling - The Elastique cloth is a "heavier" cloth than the tropical, with about twice the yarn than the tropical. The Elastique hangs better on the Soldier's body, keeps the creases longer, and is not prone to wrinkling. While one might think a "heavier" cloth equates to a "hotter" cloth, the Elastique cloth will still be comfortable for wear for most occasions, except perhaps outdoor events during the summer (when nothing is comfortable). The tropical weave, by contrast, will be somewhat cooler during the outdoor summer events; however, the tropical cloth will not be as warm during the cool fall, winter, and spring seasons. The images above show the creases of the trousers to give you a sense of the "body" differences between the two cloths. Click the images above for a higher-resolution image.
3) Water Repellency - The Added Benefit to Elastique - Natick has allowed us to Teflon® treat the yarn fibers of the Elastique, making the Elastique water repellant and less prone to soiling than the tropical fabric. The images below show how water beads up and rolls right off the Teflon® Elastique. For the Soldier who is caught in a bit of rain after parking his car, the fabric allows the Soldier to shake the majority of the water off of his uniform and his headgear after he comes indoors. Click the images below for a higher-resolution image.
Our Elastique Dress Blue Cap's water repellency:
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