Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Pyjama elastic is most often a soft knitted elastic 20–35 mm wide for the waist and 6–12 mm for cuffs, leg openings and necklines. It does not press during sleep, does not scratch the skin and withstands the frequent washing that loungewear goes through. The method of insertion – in a casing or sewn on directly – and the composition of the elastic are also decisive.
What is expected of pyjama elastic
Pyjamas and loungewear are worn for long periods, at rest and often in warmth. That is why the requirements for the elastic differ from those for trousers or workwear:
- Low pressure – the waist must hold, but without leaving marks on the skin after a few hours of sleep.
- Softness – especially in direct contact with the skin, without a casing.
- Resistance to washing – loungewear is washed often, sometimes at higher temperatures.
- Good recovery – the waist must not "sag" after a few months of use.
Soft knitted elastic meets the first two requirements well. For the third and fourth, it is important to choose an elastic with quality elastomer yarn and to observe the correct washing temperature.
Pyjama elastic – widths by area
| Area | Approximate width | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bottoms waist, casing | 20–35 mm | The casing should be 2–4 mm wider than the elastic |
| Waist, visibly sewn elastic | 30–45 mm | A soft elastic with a decorative face is suitable |
| Sleeve and leg cuffs | 8–15 mm | A narrower, softer option |
| Neckline and nightdress top edge | 6–10 mm | Picot-edge elastic is often used |
| Children's pyjamas | 10–25 mm | Minimal pressure, easy dressing |
These are practical guidelines, not a rule. The final decision depends on the fabric, the cut and the brand's positioning – luxury loungewear often uses a wider visible elastic as a design element.
Casing or direct sewing
Elastic in a casing
The classic solution for pyjama bottoms. The elastic is inserted into a folded casing and can be replaced if needed. The drawback is that knitted elastic narrows when stretched and can twist in a wider casing. There are two solutions: the casing should be only a few millimetres wider than the elastic, or the elastic should be fixed with vertical stitches at the side seams.
Directly sewn elastic
The elastic is sewn to the edge of the fabric with a zigzag or coverstitch seam, then turned inwards or left visible. Here the narrowing is not noticeable, there is no twisting and the waist looks cleaner. The method is faster in series production, but the elastic cannot be replaced.
Elastic with drawcord – for an adjustable waist
Many styles combine elastic in a casing with a drawcord brought out through two buttonholes at the front. The elastic provides the basic stretch, while the drawcord allows fine adjustment. Some manufacturers use elastic with a woven-in drawcord or run the drawcord parallel to the elastic in the same casing. On joggers and lounge-sportswear the ends of the drawcord are often finished with aglets, and cord stoppers are added for hoods.
Elastic for joggers and nightdresses
Joggers are closer to sportswear: they are also worn outdoors, the waist is under more load and the elastic must hold during movement. Wider bands are used here – 30–40 mm – with firmer tension. If the product has heavy pockets or thick fabric, consider a stiffer elastic or a double band.
A nightdress usually has elastic only at the neckline, under the bust or in the sleeves. Narrow, very soft bands suit these areas, often with a decorative scalloped edge that stays visible and replaces an additional trim.
How to determine the elastic length
- Measure the waist circumference of the body for the size.
- Cut the elastic about 5–10% shorter than this circumference – with pyjamas minimal pressure is the aim.
- Join the ends with an overlap and try it on a dress form or a person.
- Check that the bottoms pass freely over the hips when stretched.
- Record the final length for each size in the technical specification.
For a size range, it is convenient to prepare a table of elastic lengths for each size at the first sample stage. This way the sewing factory does not calculate the length on the spot but cuts the elastic in advance, which saves time and reduces differences between pieces in the series.
With different batches of elastic the ratio may change slightly, so make a new trial when changing supplier or article.
Washing and care
Elastic is usually the most sensitive component of pyjamas. High temperatures, bleach and tumble drying on a high setting speed up the relaxation of the elastomer yarns. If the product is cotton and you want to state a higher washing temperature on the label, specify this when choosing the elastic – its composition must match the intended care. Iron without pressing on stretched elastic.
Common mistakes
- Too wide a casing for knitted elastic – leads to rolling.
- Elastic cut too short "just in case" – the pyjamas squeeze and are returned.
- Stiff elastic in thin fabric – the waist gathers unevenly.
- Unspecified composition – the elastic does not withstand the temperature stated on the label.
Pyjama elastic from the manufacturer
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of sewing haberdashery. We supply soft knitted elastic in various widths and colours, Pantone dyeing and logo elastic for visible waistbands, with delivery across the EU. Send us the style, fabric and desired width via our contact page – we will prepare samples.
