Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Custom logo ribbons and elastics are made in two main ways: by printing on a finished tape (satin, grosgrain, cotton, elastic) or by jacquard weaving, where the logo is woven into the tape itself. Printing is fast and flexible for colours. Jacquard is more durable and looks more expensive – which is why it is the standard for underwear and sportswear waistbands. As a manufacturer, Polkom makes both types to your width and colour specification, with OEKO-TEX® certification for all products.
Where logo ribbons and elastics are used
- Waistbands on underwear, boxers and leggings – jacquard elastic with the brand name.
- Sportswear – waist and cuff elastic, binding tapes.
- Neck and inside seams – printed logo tape instead of plain tape.
- Hanger loops in garments – narrow satin or grosgrain ribbons.
- Packaging and gifts – satin or grosgrain ribbon with logo.
- Bags and accessories – tapes for handles, edging and straps.
Printed or jacquard – how to choose
| Criterion | Printed ribbon / elastic | Jacquard ribbon / elastic |
|---|---|---|
| How the logo is applied | Printed on the surface | Woven into the fabric |
| Colours | Many colours, gradients | Limited number of yarn colours |
| Wash durability | Good | Very high |
| Look | Flat, sharp print | Textured, premium |
| Typical use | Ribbons, neck tape, packaging | Underwear waistbands, sportswear, visible trims |
Types of ribbon for logo printing
Satin ribbon
Smooth and shiny, with an elegant look. Suitable for packaging, bows, hanger loops and interior details of womenswear. See our satin ribbons.
Grosgrain ribbon
With its characteristic crosswise ribs, it is stiffer and more durable. It takes print very well and is preferred for branded bows, edging and handles. See our grosgrain ribbons.
Cotton tape
A natural, matt look. Used for edging, ties and sustainable collections.
Types of elastic
Knitted elastic is soft and narrows very little in width when stretched. It is used for underwear, pyjamas and childrenswear. Woven elastic is more stable and keeps its width, so it suits trouser and skirt waistbands. Jacquard elastic is woven with the logo built in and is the main choice for visible waistbands. Underwear waistbands are most often 25–50 mm wide, but narrow and wide versions are also made to specification.
How elastic quality is tested
Before the bulk order, the elastic sample is checked on several points. They determine whether the waistband will still sit well after months of wear:
- Elongation – by what percentage the elastic stretches under a given force.
- Recovery – whether it returns to its original length after repeated stretching.
- Wash behaviour – shrinkage, colour change and loss of elasticity after washing at the garment's usual temperature.
- Logo legibility – whether the logo stays readable when the elastic is stretched.
- Comfort – softness of the inner side, especially for underwear.
So when you ask about elastic, state what garment it is for and what fabric will be used. A waistband for dense leggings needs different elasticity from a waistband for cotton boxers.
Logo ribbons as part of the brand look
A logo ribbon is often the first thing the customer sees when putting a garment on – on the waistband, the neck or the hanger loop. When its colour matches the hang tag, the woven label and the packaging, the brand looks coherent. That is why many brands order ribbons together with labels and packaging, so the colours are matched in one sample.
Colour, width and certificates
The colour of the ribbon and the logo is matched to a Pantone reference or a fabric swatch. With jacquard the yarns are dyed, so it is best to give the colour in your inquiry. All Polkom products are OEKO-TEX® certified, which is especially important for underwear and childrenswear in direct contact with the skin. Recycled polyester versions are available on inquiry, and Polkom holds GRS certification.
Minimum quantities, samples and lead time
For ribbons and elastics, the quantity is agreed per article in metres or in the number of garments they are intended for. As a guide, the minimum at Polkom is generally 1,000 pcs per model, and the exact minimum in metres is stated in the quote according to width and technique. The sample depends on the product and usually costs around 50–100 €. Production takes 10–20 days after sample approval.
What to include in your inquiry
- Type of ribbon or elastic and its use (underwear waistband, binding, packaging).
- Width in millimetres and, for elastics, the required stretch.
- Logo – in any format, ideally PDF or vector.
- Base and logo colour (Pantone or a swatch).
- Technique – printed or jacquard, if you have already decided.
- Quantity in metres or number of garments, and the required delivery date.
Common mistakes
- A logo too detailed for a narrow ribbon. At 10–15 mm width, letters must be simple and tall enough.
- Elasticity not specified. A leggings waistband and a boxer waistband need different stretch force.
- Colour approved on screen. Always approve colour on a physical sample.
Polkom – manufacturer of custom logo ribbons and elastics
Polkom is a manufacturer of garment accessories with over 30 years of experience. We make elastics, jacquard and printed logo tapes for clothing, underwear and sportswear brands across Europe. Our capacity is 500 million pieces per month across all product groups combined. Send a request for a quote or sample with your logo, width and colour.
