Pressure-relieving flexural load bearing strap and method for manufacturing same

A method for forming a textile strap, the method comprising:

• forming a textile matrix by stacking in alternating order at least one first material layer on at least one second material layer;
• bonding the at least one first material layer to the at least one second material layer;
• forming a plurality of apertures through the textile matrix, the plurality of apertures being characterized by extending from an edge of the textile matrix inward such that the textile matrix is flexible in each of two directions and such that the textile matrix has a gradient of stretch across a zone of the textile matrix, wherein the zone is proximate to the edge of the textile matrix;
• sheathing the textile matrix within a stretch outer shell, wherein the stretch outer shell is configured to substantially enclose the textile matrix;
• and
• folding over and coupling folded over portions of opposite layers of the stretch outer shell together at a joint such that the stretch outer shell encompasses the textile matrix.