What Is UltraSmooth Fabric? Roaman's Fabric Glossary
UltraSmooth® is a poly/spandex stretch jersey that's wrinkle-resistant and packs beautifully. Here's how it and five more Roaman's fabrics feel, drape and wash.
Roaman's named fabrics each have a job. Ultimate Cotton is a 100% cotton knit, Soft Knits are cotton/poly, Ultra Drape is rayon/spandex, UltraSmooth® is a wrinkle-resistant poly/spandex jersey, crinkle crepe is hand-crinkled rayon, and Bend Over® is a structured woven. Nearly every one of our best-selling styles is cut from one of them.
Roaman's fabrics at a glance
Here is each fabric's content, feel and care, straight from the product pages, so you can match the fabric to how you want to feel.
| Fabric | Content | Feel and Drape | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| UltraSmooth® | Poly/spandex stretch jersey | Smooth, fluid, wrinkle-resistant | Machine wash |
| Ultra Drape | Rayon/spandex | Extra-flowy, relaxed, flows over curves | Solids/prints machine wash; embellished hand wash |
| Ultimate Cotton | 100% cotton knit | Soft, lightweight, breathable | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low |
| Soft Knits | Cotton/poly | Soft stretch, breathable, relaxed | Machine wash |
| Crinkle Crepe | Rayon crinkle crepe | Lightweight, textured, flowy | Machine wash |
| Bend Over® | Poly structured woven | Crisp, smooth drape, cling-free | Machine wash |
What is UltraSmooth fabric?
UltraSmooth® is a poly/spandex stretch jersey: a soft knit with a smooth, fluid hand that is wrinkle-resistant, packs beautifully and looks great all day. It is the fabric for days when you want to look pulled-together from the first hour to the last.
The stretch gives it ease without stiffness, and the jersey surface glides over curves rather than gripping them. You will find it in our short-sleeve swing dress, a draped fit-and-flare with front and back V-necks that started life as a bestselling tunic.
- Travel: it folds into a carry-on and comes out ready to wear.
- Long days: it keeps its smooth line from morning meetings to dinner.
- Mixing and matching: UltraSmooth® pieces are made to layer and combine across a wardrobe.
What is Ultra Drape fabric?
Ultra Drape is a rayon/spandex blend designed to be extra-flowy. It has a soft, relaxed feel and falls in soft folds, so tops move with you and flow over your curves instead of clinging.
The Ultra Drape V-neck swing tunic shows it off best: a swing silhouette with a shaped hem and front and back V-necks, in a 34" tunic length. Wear it over leggings for an easy weekend, or over pants when you want to dress it up.
Care depends on the finish. Solids and prints go in the machine; embellished styles should be hand washed.
What is Ultimate Cotton?
Ultimate Cotton is a 100% breathable cotton knit: lightweight, soft and cool on the skin. It is the fabric behind our Ultimate Collection everyday essentials, cut in swing shapes that glide over curves without clinging.
Our crewneck swing tee is the classic example, with a flowy swing silhouette and a 30" length in sizes 12, 14/16 through 42/44.
Because it is pure cotton, it is subject to shrinkage in the wash. The care label recommends:
- Machine wash cold
- Wash colors separately
- Tumble dry low
- Low iron
If you like a roomier fit after washing, consider sizing up.
What are Roaman's Soft Knits?
Soft Knits are a cotton/poly stretch knit that feels soft, comfortable and breathable. The blend gives you cotton's easy feel with a little extra stretch, which is why Soft Knit bottoms read put-together rather than casual.
Our most-loved example is the Soft Knit relaxed pull-on straight leg pant: an elastic waistband, side pockets and a relaxed straight leg, in a 30" inseam with Petite (28") and Tall (33") options. It machine washes, and matching tunics make it simple to build a full look.
What is crinkle crepe?
Crinkle crepe is a lightweight rayon crepe that has been hand-crinkled, giving it a soft, textured surface. It is airy and flowy, and the crinkle is part of the charm, so there is no need to press it flat.
The Angelina crinkle crepe tunic pairs that texture with a Y-neckline, button-front detail, feminine shirring and a 34" length in sizes 12W-44W. Style it with leggings or slim pants and let the drape do the talking. It is machine washable.
What is Bend Over® fabric?
Bend Over® is a structured woven polyester with a crisp hand and a smooth drape that resists clinging. It holds its shape for a polished look, while the pull-on construction keeps it comfortable through every bend, reach and move.
The Classic Bend Over® structured straight leg pant has a seamless waistband and a relaxed straight leg in sizes 12W-44W, with Petite, Petite Short and Tall inseams. It is cut roomy on purpose: order your regular size for a loose drape, or one size down for a trimmer line.
Which Roaman's fabric fits your moment?
Choose by where the day is taking you. Each fabric shines in a different setting:
- Trips and long days: UltraSmooth®, for wrinkle resistance and easy packing.
- Warm afternoons: Ultimate Cotton or crinkle crepe, for breathable, lightweight comfort.
- Effortless layering: Ultra Drape, for tunics that flow over leggings.
- Everyday ease: Soft Knits, for pull-on pants that still look polished.
- Polished occasions: Bend Over®, for structure that stays smooth.
Browse tops in every fabric, find your next swing silhouette among our dresses and suits, or start with the Roaman's best sellers that put these fabrics on the map.
Frequently asked questions
Is rayon spandex breathable?
Rayon is a lightweight, plant-based fiber prized for its airy, fluid feel, and a touch of spandex adds stretch. That's why Ultra Drape tops feel easy on warm days and layer comfortably over leggings.
Will 100% cotton tees shrink in the wash?
They can. Our product pages note that 100% cotton products are subject to shrinkage in the wash. Machine wash cold, tumble dry low, and consider sizing up if you prefer a roomier fit after washing.
Can I machine wash Ultra Drape pieces?
Solid and print Ultra Drape styles are machine washable. Embellished Ultra Drape pieces should be hand washed to protect the details.
Should I size down in Bend Over® pants?
Only if you want a trimmer look. They're designed with a relaxed, roomy fit to prevent clinging, so order your regular size for a loose drape, or one size down for a more tailored line.
Where can I find the fabric content for a specific piece?
Every product page lists it under the Fabric heading, along with care instructions such as machine wash or hand wash.