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08.Jul.2024

Understanding Braided vs. Woven vs. Knit Elastic Tapes: Essential Insights for Apparel Designers

Understanding  Braided vs. Woven vs. Knit Elastic Tapes: Essential Insights for Apparel Designers

Let's dive into a topic that's crucial for every apparel designer: elastic tapes. These unassuming yet vital components can make a significant difference in the comfort, functionality, and overall quality of your garments. Knowing the differences between braided, woven and knit elastics can give you the edge you need to elevate your designs. In this article, we'll explore these differences, helping you make informed decisions that align with your design goals.


 

Three Main Types of Elastic Tapes

Elastic tapes are primarily classified into three types: braided, woven, and knitted. Each type has distinct characteristics based on its construction method.
 

  • Braided Drawcords: Characterized by parallel ribs running lengthwise, Braided Drawcord narrows when stretched and loses some resiliency when sewn. It is ideal for casings where the elastic is not directly sewn into the garment, such as waistbands, cuff, or neckline casings.
  • Woven Elastic: Also known as "no-roll" elastic, woven elastic features a unique inter-structure of warp and weft yarns, creating horizontal and vertical ribs. This intricate construction makes it firm and resilient, ensuring that it maintains its width when stretched and does not lose its stretch when sewn. This durability makes woven elastic ideal for heavyweight fabrics and applications requiring long-lasting performance.
  • Knit Elastic: Made by knitting fibers together, knit elastic has a smooth appearance and retains its width when stretched. It is soft against the skin and maintains its resiliency even when pierced by needles, making it ideal for light to mid weight fabrics and versatile sewing applications.
 

Elastic tapes are primarily classified into three types: braided, woven, and knitted. Each type has distinct characteristics based on its construction method.

 


Braided Drawcords

Braided drawcords are characterized by their lengthwise, parallel ribs, which provide a textured appearance. This type of elastic reacts by narrowing when stretched and loses some of its resiliency when sewn, making it suitable for casings where the elastic is not directly sewn into the garment. Braided drawcords are versatile and come in various widths, usually available in black or white. It is ideal for waistbands, cuffs, and necklines, providing flexibility and a comfortable stretch.
 

Woven Elastic Tapes

Woven elastic tapes are easily identifiable by their sturdy structure and distinctive warp and weft yarn inter-structure. These tapes are designed to maintain their width and resiliency when stretched, making them the strongest among the three types of elastic tapes. Their firmness and stability make them ideal for projects involving heavyweight fabrics, such as outerwear and fitted waistbands. Woven elastic is often used in applications where the elastic needs to withstand significant stress and maintain its shape and functionality over time.
 

Knit Elastic Tapes

Knit elastic tapes, on the other hand, are known for their smooth appearance and softness against the skin. Unlike braided drawcord, knit elastic does not narrow when stretched, and it maintains its resiliency even when sewn. This makes it an excellent choice for a variety of applications, especially in lightweight and medium-weight fabrics. Knit elastic is commonly used in underwear, waistbands, and other clothing items where comfort and flexibility are paramount. Its versatility and gentle stretch make it suitable for both casings and direct sewing applications.


 

Benefits of Woven vs. Knit Elastic Tapes

The following table summarizes the key differences between Woven, Braided, and Knit Elastics:

 
Feature Woven Elastic Tapes Knit Elastic Tapes Braided Drawcords
Stretchability Maintains width when stretched Retains width when stretched Narrows when stretched
Comfort Firm, suitable for heavyweight fabrics Soft, suitable for light to mid weight fabrics Provides a comfortable stretch, suitable for casings
Durability High resiliency, does not narrow when sewn Maintains resiliency when sewn Loses some resiliency when sewn
Ideal Applications Outerwear, fitted waistbands Underwear, waistbands, various clothing items Waistbands, cuffs, necklines
Special Features No-roll characteristics Versatile and flexible Textured appearance, available in various widths



 

Applications of Braided, Knit and Woven Elastics in Apparel

Different types of elastic tapes are suited to different applications in apparel design. For instance, woven elastic is ideal for outerwear and pants due to its durability and ability to maintain its shape. Knit elastic, with its softness and flexibility, is perfect for underwear, casual wear, and other garments requiring a gentle stretch. Braided drawcords are typically used in waistbands, sleeve hems, or necklines where the elastic is encased rather than sewn directly.

When choosing the right type of elastic tape, consider factors such as fabric weight, desired comfort, and durability. Heavyweight fabrics often require the firmness and no-roll characteristics of woven elastic, while lightweight fabrics benefit from the softness and flexibility of knit elastic. Braided drawcords are best for applications where the elastic will not be directly sewn into the garment, providing a comfortable and flexible fit.


Applications of Braided, Knit and Woven Elastics in Apparel



 

Mistakes to Avoid in Applications of Elastic Tapes

It is crucial to select the appropriate type of elastic tape for each specific application to ensure optimal performance and durability. For example, during initial development, a waistband might be requested to have greater stretch and elongation. However, if designers or developers mistakenly use this type of elastic for shoulder bra straps, it can lead to incorrect application. Shoulder bra straps usually require more power and less elongation to hold lingerie or sports bras effectively. Avoiding such mistakes ensures that the elastic tape performs as intended and provides the necessary support and functionality for each specific garment.



 

Our Innovations in Elastic Tapes

At ECI Elastic, we pride ourselves on our ability to innovate and meet the demands of leading global brands. A prime example of this is our collaboration with Nike on the Flyvent Waistband. Traditionally, waistbands in athletic wear were made from woven elastic, offering limited breathability. Nike's vision was to create a waistband that provided superior comfort, support, and enhanced ventilation for elite athletes.

Leveraging our extensive experience, we developed the Flyvent Waistband, a novel knit elastic tape featuring strategically placed mesh holes. This design significantly improved breathability and comfort, crucial for performance wear, especially under extreme conditions like the 2016 Rio Olympics. The incorporation of bonding technology ensured the waistband maintained its structure and durability, effectively supporting both the fabric and the athlete.

We also continuously adopt new materials to enhance the sustainability of our products. While many elastic tape suppliers use recycled polyester, we go further by providing alternative yarns made from agricultural residues and waste textiles. Our bio-based materials, such as Bio-Nylon 6, offer eco-friendly options that align with our commitment to sustainability. These innovations allow us to produce elastic tapes in a variety of product types, including woven, knit, and braided, all while supporting a more sustainable future.


Our bio-based materials, such as Bio-Nylon 6, offer eco-friendly options that align with our commitment to sustainability.


 


Conclusion

Understanding the differences between woven and knit elastic tapes, as well as braided drawcords are essential for apparel designers aiming to create high-quality garments. By leveraging the unique properties of each type of elastic, designers can enhance the comfort, durability, and performance of their products. ECI Elastic’s commitment to innovation and collaboration ensures that we can provide tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of our clients.

If you’re looking to enhance your apparel designs with the best elastic solutions, ECI Elastic is here to help. Our in-house team has the expertise to guide you in making the right choice, ensuring your products stand out in the competitive apparel market.



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