What is Elastic in Garments?
In garment manufacturing, elastic materials play a vital role in providing stretch, comfort, and flexibility to a wide range of clothing items. Elastic is thread, cord, braided or woven ribbon, or fabric that has resilience and flexibility. Elastic is available in many forms, from very narrow, round cord to wide strips (below left). It may have buttonhole slots in it (below right) or even have a decorative edge. Elastic is a product processed from spandex, latex, or rubber fiber that is cut, extruded, or rolled into cores, wrapped, and braided or woven; it also may be produced in flat, thin uncovered bands or strips. The stretchable core substance can be left raw or covered with cotton, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or fiber-blended yarns. The amount of pliancy in elastic is determined by the fiber con-tent, size, core, method of weaving or braiding, or intended use. Webbing or woven elastic retains its original width when stretched, whereas braided elastic becomes narrower as it is stretched. Both types of elastic may be applied to garments in a variety of methods. Elastic may be applied directly to a garment by lock, zigzag, or overedge stitch formations or may be enclosed in a casing. Elasticized shirring is made with multiple rows of elastic. Special-purpose elastics are required for pajamas, lingerie, loungewear, swimwear, and undergarments.
The type of elastic selected depends on-
- Garment construction
- Elastic gripping power
- Garment use
- Elastic width
- Fabric weight and compatibility
- Garment care
- Fiber content of the garment
- Garment type and style
- Figure or body type and size range
In this article, I will explain different types of elastic used in garments and their specific properties and applications.
Different Types of Elastic Used in Garments
Elastic Waistband
Elastic waistband is a stretchy, flexible band made by inserting elastic material into the waistband area, allowing it to stretch and adjust to the size of the wearer’s waist. This makes garment more comfortable, flexible, and easy to wear without the need for zippers, buttons, or drawstrings. Elastic waistbands are tested for fit (as per size) and durability (loss of elasticity). When choosing elastic for waistbands, the wider the better. Elastic waistband material ensures long-term wear and a secure fit for comfort and support, making them an essential notion for sewing apparel. Narrow elastic tends to dig into your body and can easily twist when inserted into a separate waistband.
Decorative Elastic Band
Woven or braided strip 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) in finished width, cut to a predetermined length and applied to draw in a garment edge. Available in solid colors, prints, and geometric designs and put up on 100-yard or 100-meter rolls. The degree of elasticity will vary by fiber, weave, braid, and manufacturing method. Decorative elastic band is used as
- Design detail, or fitting elements at the waistline, edge of sleeves, neckline, bottom of shorts or pant legs, or skirt hem
- Waistband insert
- Means for fitting garments spanning more than one size range
Elastic Braid
Pre-measured length of elastic, ribbon, or rib-type braid applied to draw up predetermined fullness to fit body measurements. Elastic varies from % inch to 3 inches (0.06 to 7.65 cm) in width and put up on 100-yard or 100-meter rolls. Type and size of elastic are selected based on the garment style and fabric. The degree of elasticity, type of yarn, and hand produced in braid construction determine the intended application. Elastic is available in soft or hard stretch. Elastic braid is used as
- Inside ply of waistbands, in self or applied casings or directly applied to garments
- Means for fitting garments without darts or plackets, or those Spanning more than one size range
- Decorative design details at the edge of garments or spanning garment sections
Fig: Elastic Braid
Non-roll Ribbed Elastic
Rib patterned, noncurling core of rubber or spandex sheathed in natural or synthetic yarn, woven or braided ¾% inch to 2 inches (1.9 to 5.1 cm) in width and put up on 100-yard or 100-meter rolls. Elastic ribbon is used in
- Concealed waistbands or applied directly to garments
- Self or applied casings
Fig: Non-roll Ribbed Elastic
Elastic Cord
Round or oval gimp-covered core of elastic sewn directly to the garment or enclosed in the bite of patterned machine stitches. Elastic cord is available in a variety of diameters and expandability and put up on 100-yard or 100-meter rolls. Elastic cord is used on
- Garment edges of sleeves, pant legs, or waistline
- Garments to produce a ruffle or flounce effect
- On garments in individual stands where delicate lines of gathering or multiple strands produce elasticized shirring
- Waistlines of one-piece garments
- Necklines, hem openings, and waistbands of infants’ and children’s wear
- Bodices for smocking
Fig: Elastic Cord
Decorative Elastic (Fancy Elastic)
Thread-covered elastic core woven, knitted, or braided into a soft strip or band in a variety of widths and patterns. Decorative elastic may be woven with a picot finish along one or both edge lengths and can also be made in stretchable lace patterns. This type of elastic is softer than others and results in a less restrictive garment. Decorative elastic is used as
- Means of fitting waistlines and leg openings of infants’ and children’s wear and intimate apparel
- Edging on bras, bodysuits, and shape wear
Fig: Decorative Elastic
Elastic Edging
Yarn- or thread-covered elastic core woven, knitted, or braided into a ribbon with a scalloped, picot, or other decorative edge along one or both lengths. This decorative elastic can be applied on the outside or inside of a garment to extend beyond a garment edge. Elastic edging is made in widths up to Ye inch (1.6 cm) and put up on 100-yard or 100-meter rolls. Elastic edging is used where
- Other elastic may interfere with garment comfort
- Casings are inapplicable
- Decorative edges at the waist, neck, sleeve, or leg opening are desired
Fig: Elastic Edging
Elastic Thread
Stretchable thread made of rubber or spandex wound and covered with cotton, synthetic, blended, or metallic yarn. The thread is firm and pliable with maximum stretch and recovery. It is put up on cones and designated by weight in grams rather than yards. A thin, round elastic thread normally used on the bobbin of the sewing machine for stretch effects such as shirring. Elastic thread is used in single or multiple rows to
- Produce elasticized shirring; waffle shirring, or an elasticized waistline; or shirred ribbon decorative waistband. The amount of control for elasticized shirring or gathering is determined by the length of the stitch, type and expandability of the elastic, and the number and spacing of parallel rows of stitching and their interrelation-ship with the fabric.
- Fit garments designed to accommodate more than one size range.
Fig: Elastic Thread
Clear Elastic (Invisible Elastic)
Transparent tape providing support and stability at seams or as a strap without detracting from the garment design. This type of elastic has low stretch. Clear elastic is made in finished widths of % to % inch (6.4 to 9.5 mm) and put up on 100-yard or 100-meter rolls. Clear elastic is used as.
- Tape in shoulders or neckline of garments made of lightweight knit fabric
- Hanger tapes to secure garments on hangers
- Invisible straps on a garment when fabric straps would detract from the garment design
Fig: Clear Elastic
Elastic Webbing
Soft, woven elastic band, 34 inch to 1% inches (19 to 32 mm) in finished width, cut to a predetermined length and put up on 100-yard or 100-meter rolls. The woven construction allows the webbing to maintain its original width when stretched. Elastic webbing is used on
- Inside waistlines of boxer shorts, athletic shorts, and pajamas
- Garments spanning more than one size
Fig: Elastic Webbing
Elastic for Swimwear
Spandex core covered with nylon or polyester braided or woven into a band or ribbon with or without a decorative edge. Elastic is manufactured in widths and sizes for the leg, waist, bra, and neckline openings of garments. The width of elastic is chosen by location and application to the garment. Swimwear elastic is used as an edging at the top, waist, or leg openings of swimwear to retain resilience when wet.
Elastic Tape
Elastic tape is an elastic cotton strip—a highly elastic, flat, braided band containing rubber or elastomeric fibers.
Buttonhole Elastic Tape
Elastic tape with buttonholes positioned parallel with the finished edges of the tape at regular intervals. Whichever buttonhole offers the best fit is looped around a button that is sewn into the waistband. Buttonhole elastic tape is available in a variety of widths ranging from 2 to 1 inch (13 to 25 mm) wide and put up on 100-yard or 100-meter rolls. Buttonhole elastic tape is used to provide a means for adjusting stable waistband casings in children’s or maternity garments.
Drawstring Elastic
Elastic waistband webbing constructed with a drawstring inserted in the middle of the band and put up on 100-yard or 100-meter rolls. Drawstring elastic is used to allow some fit to the waistline prior to engaging the drawstring.
Non-Slip-Backed Elastic
Elastic waistband webbing constructed with rows of rubber yarn on one surface or embossed or printed silicone adhered, woven, or knitted in to produce a nonslip surface on the waistband. Non-slip-backed elastic is used on trousers and skirt waistbands to hold tuck-in blouses and shirts in place.
Conclusion
Elastic is a fundamental component in garment construction, offering flexibility, comfort, and functionality. Selecting the right type of elastic is crucial for achieving the desired fit, comfort, and functionality in garments. The choice of elastic depends on factors such as fabric type, garment function, stretch requirements, and aesthetic preferences. Understanding these properties and uses ensures that garments not only look good but also perform well and last longer.
References
[1] Bubonia, J. E. (2017). Apparel production terms and processes. https://doi.org/10.5040/9781501315602
[2] Garment Manufacturing Technology. (2015). In Elsevier eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1016/c2013-0-16494-x
[3] Smith, A. (2025). The Sewing Book. Penguin.
