Stretch, Durability and Weather Protection

On the market, ’softshell’ is being used for a wide range of products. The common factor is that two fabrics with different properties are combined to create a material with special qualities. At Tierra, we have introduced the concept of Two-Face Stretch (2FS) to define our softshell products.

With our double weave Two-Face Stretch, we can create a material with very high wear resistance, but with a soft inside and stretch. This is something that is difficult to achieve with traditional weaves. These clothes are windproof and water repellent whilst also ’breathing’ extremely well. The garments are also weatherproofed with fluorocarbon free weatherproofing.

We use Two-Face Stretch in trousers and jackets for high intensity activities in which high demands are placed on wear resistance, such as hiking, climbing and other mountain adventures. Our broad range of Two-Face Stretch trousers has proven to be appreciated by our customers. From the thinnest Pace Pant, which is considered thin, soft and stretchy but also durable, to our thickest Ace Pant, a product that has been a favourite among ice climbers, touring skiers and ice skaters for many years.

Bonding vs. Weaving

There are two ways of combining these materials: bonding and weaving.

In bonding, glue and warm rollers are used to create a bond between the materials. A common combination is a smooth, stretchy outer weave in Polyamide and Lycra, which is bonded with a thin brushed, knitted polyester cloth (fleece). Sometimes, a membrane is also used between the two layers to create a completely waterproof product.

The other method of binding material is through weaving, usually called the double weave. A double weave is woven in a process in which two cloths of different material are woven parallel to each other, with the lower cloth’s weft crossing, at regular intervals, the upper cloth’s warp. In this way, a strong mechanical bond is created between the fabrics, a bond which is not affected by wear-and-tear, heat, or time. Typical combinations are a stretchy outer weave of Polyamide and Lycra, together with a stretchy under weave of Polyester and Lycra. The Polyamide in the outer fabric provides durability and weather protection, and the Polyester on the inside provides a softness and moisture transfer quality. 

Tierra Two-Face Stretch

Tierra uses these two constructions to create different types of clothes and gather them under our material name Two-Face Stretch. We use the bonded Two-Face Stretch, preferably together with a membrane from Gore. Combined with taped seams, we create clothes that are watertight, stretchy and very comfortable to wear. Jackets and trousers with this material are very good for lift cage skiing and back country skiing, where the intensity of the weather can vary greatly in the course of a single day. These clothes take up more space, however, than the classic shell jacket or shell trousers. 

With the double weave Two-Face Stretch, we can create a material with very high wear resistance, but with a soft inside and stretch. This is something that is difficult to achieve with traditional weaves. These clothes are windproof and allow moisture whilst also ‘breathing’ extremely well. The clothes are also weatherproofed with fluorocarbon-free weatherproofing to protect against moisture. We use double weave softshell in trousers and jackets for high intensity activities in which high demands are placed on wear resistance, such as hiking, climbing and other mountain adventures.

Three levels of thickness

We use three different sizes for our Double Weave Two-Face Stretch. 

The thinnest, Two-Face Stretch Light, is used in the Pace Pant W and Pace Pant M, and is considered a thin, soft and stretchy material. Only after one has put the trousers to the test does one notice how durable they are. 

Our medium thick size, Two-Face Stretch Versatile, is appreciated for its extraordinary stretch. The Lite Track Pant W and Lite Track Pant M have been the obvious choice for many of our customers looking for durable trousers for activities involving a lot of movement. The low number of complaints about Lite Track trousers is proof that it holds up against the wildest tests. 

Our thickest product, in Two-Face Stretch Durable, has been a favorite among ice climbers and touring skiers, ever since we made Splitfire trousers ten years ago. Today we use the material in our iconic Ace Pant W and Ace Pant M.

›› All women’s products with Two-Face Stretch
›› All men’s products with Two-Face Stretch