Disclosed are the product and method for making a macroscopically smooth, microporous, flexible, elastic tubular prosthetic device from a substantially non-elastic woven fabric tube. The method involves axially compressing the substantially non-elastic tube on a tight fitting cylindrical mandrel so that the individual axially oriented threads of the fabric form loops projecting radially outwardly between circumferential threads. The threads are set to return to this loop configuration upon release of tension applied axially to the tube. The exterior of the tube presents an easily deformed, macroscopically smooth surface having a multiplicity of interstices among the threads and among the fibers of the threads into which cells can grow after implantation.