Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Legging waistbands most often use a soft knitted elastic 25–50 mm wide, hidden in a double waistband of the main fabric or sewn on visibly with a logo. It must keep the leggings in place when squatting and running without cutting into the waist, and keep its stretch after frequent washing and sweat. Similar rules apply to shorts and sports bras, but with different widths and tension.
What is required of elastic in sportswear
Sportswear works under constant movement, moisture and a lot of washing. Its elastic has to meet higher requirements than elastic in everyday clothing:
- stable tension – leggings must not slide down when squatting, nor shorts when running;
- even pressure – no "cutting in" at the waist and no roll forming above the waistband;
- resistance to sweat and washing – elastane withstands these conditions better than rubber;
- flat seams – the elastic is attached with a flatlock or coverstitch seam that does not rub the skin;
- quick drying – polyamide and polyester elastics dry quickly and do not retain moisture.
Elastic for legging waistbands
Most modern leggings have a high waist – a wide band of the main fabric, folded in two, containing an elastic. There are three possible solutions:
Hidden elastic in a double waistband
The waistband is cut double and the elastic is inserted inside or sewn to one of the layers. The elastic is usually 25–40 mm wide, while the waistband can be considerably wider – the elastic provides support only at the top. The advantage is a smooth look from the outside; soft knitted elastic is the most suitable, because it does not make the waistband stiff.
Visible elastic with logo
The elastic is sewn directly along the top edge and stays visible, usually with a jacquard logo or a contrasting pattern. Widths of 30–50 mm are used. Here the elastic is also a branding element, so the face must look good and the inner side must be soft.
Leggings without elastic
On some styles, support comes only from a double waistband of dense stretch fabric. This is possible with fabrics high in elastane, but in larger sizes and for active sport, adding an elastic reduces slipping.
Elastic for sportswear – widths by product
| Product | Width | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Leggings, hidden elastic in waistband | 25–40 mm | Soft, knitted |
| Leggings, visible elastic | 30–50 mm | Often with a logo |
| Running shorts | 25–40 mm | Often with a drawcord at the front |
| Sports bra, underband | 25–45 mm | Strong stretch, soft back |
| Cycling shorts, leg openings | 20–40 mm | With an inner silicone coating if needed |
| Tracksuit / joggers | 30–40 mm | Casing or sewn on directly |
On cycling and running shorts, the hem of the leg is often finished with a wide elastic with an inner silicone coating that stops the leg from riding up. Such elastic is attached with a flat seam and must be tested with the actual fabric, because different fabrics behave differently in movement.
Elastic for sports bras
The underband of a sports bra provides the main support during jumping and running, so a wider elastic with stronger tension is used there, often with a brushed back facing the skin. On high-support styles the band can be 40 mm or more. The straps are usually made of the main fabric, but on adjustable styles strap elastic with rings and sliders is used.
Knitted or woven elastic for sportswear
For leggings, sports bras and light shorts, knitted elastic is preferred – it is soft, flexible and does not make the waistband stiff. For shorts in dense fabric, joggers with heavy pockets and wide visible waistbands where the elastic must not roll, woven elastic, which keeps its width when stretched, may be preferred. The decision is made after testing a sample with the actual fabric.
How to choose elastic for leggings – steps
- Choose the waistband construction: hidden elastic, visible elastic or a double waistband only.
- Determine the width according to the waistband height and the size range.
- Test several samples with different tension – with squats, bends and running.
- Wash the samples repeatedly at the temperature you will state on the label.
- Check that the elastic does not show through light and thin fabrics.
- Confirm the elastic length for each size and record it in the specification.
Washing and care of sportswear with elastic
Sportswear is washed after every use, so the elastic is under heavy strain. Washing at 30–40 °C, without fabric softener, which reduces the performance of technical fabrics, and air drying extend the life of the waistband. High tumble-dryer temperatures are the most common reason the elastic relaxes sooner than the fabric. Care instructions are given on the label – suitable soft options are in the printed labels category.
Common mistakes
- Too narrow an elastic in a wide waistband – the waistband rolls over the elastic.
- Too much tension – leaves a mark and creates a roll above the waist.
- Rubber elastic instead of elastane – it tires faster from sweat and washing.
- The elastic has not been tested with the actual fabric and waistband construction.
Elastic for sportswear from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags. We supply soft knitted elastic for leggings and sportswear in various widths, custom logo elastic, Pantone dyeing and delivery across the EU. Send us the style, fabric and size range via our contact page – we will suggest a suitable elastic and send samples.
