Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Elastic for workwear must withstand constant strain, frequent washing and the weight of pockets, tools and belts. That is why a dense woven elastic with elastane and polyester is used, most often 30–50 mm wide for waistbands and narrower for cuffs and braces. It does not roll, keeps its width and does not lose its stretch quickly.
Why workwear needs a special elastic
Work trousers, overalls and uniforms are worn all day, while bending, squatting and climbing. The fabrics are heavy, and pockets often hold tools, a phone and documents. On top of that, the garments are washed often, sometimes in industrial machines at higher temperatures. The soft elastic used in everyday clothing quickly stretches, rolls and loses strength under such conditions.
Elastic for workwear: where it is used
| Position | Type of elastic | Approximate width |
|---|---|---|
| Back of the trouser waistband | Woven, strong stretch | 40–50 mm |
| Fully elasticated waist (medical trousers) | Woven, moderate stretch | 30–40 mm |
| Overall braces | Woven, dense | 30–40 mm |
| Jacket and sleeve cuffs | Woven or knitted | 15–25 mm |
| Hem of jackets and vests | Woven | 20–30 mm |
| Side adjustment tabs | Woven | 20–30 mm |
The values are a guide. The choice depends on the cut and the fabric.
Which properties to look for
- Woven construction – does not narrow when stretched and does not roll in the casing.
- Elastane instead of rubber – more resistant to washing at higher temperatures and to detergents.
- Polyester covering yarn – strong, wear-resistant and colourfast.
- Strong, controlled stretch – carries weight without permanently stretching.
- Dense edges – withstand stitching through the band and abrasion.
See the options in the woven elastic category.
Industrial laundering and the elastic
Many companies wash their uniforms in industrial laundries, where temperatures and detergents are more aggressive than at home. This is the greatest test for the elastic. If the garments will be washed under such conditions, say so in your inquiry – the elastic must be selected for the specific regime. Medical clothing and garments for the food industry and hospitals are particularly demanding, because they are washed often and at high temperatures.
How to test
- Make a trial garment with the chosen elastic.
- Wash it repeatedly under the actual regime of the laundry that will wash it.
- Measure the length and stretch of the elastic before and after the test.
- Check that the elastic has not rolled and that the seams are intact.
Partially elasticated waist on work trousers
The most common solution on work trousers is a partially elasticated waist: at the front a waistband with a button or snap and a zip, at the back or sides an inserted elastic. This way the trousers hug the body when bending and do not slide down, while the front keeps its classic look. The elastic here is short but works under heavy load, so a wide woven elastic with strong stretch is used. Its ends are secured with several rows of stitching or with a box-and-cross stitch, because the force is concentrated there.
Elastic and other fastenings
In workwear, elastic is often combined with other adjustment solutions. Jacket cuffs are tightened with elastic and hook and loop tape, overall braces have an elastic insert and a buckle, and side waist adjusters use elastic and a button. It is a good idea to test all components together, because they work as a system. A general overview of elastic bands is in the elastics section.
Medical clothing
Medical trousers and tunics often have a fully elasticated waist, sometimes combined with a drawcord. They are washed very often and at higher temperatures, so the elastic must contain elastane and a dense polyester covering yarn. Comfort also matters: staff wear them for the whole shift, so a wider elastic with moderate stretch is preferred, which does not press when sitting and bending. A visible elastic in the colour of the garment gives a more finished look.
Colour and branding of uniforms
For company uniforms, the elastic can be colour-matched to a fabric sample or made in the brand colour. For visible elastics, for example on the hem of vests or the waist of fleeces, jacquard elastic with a woven-in logo is an elegant way of branding that withstands washing. This is particularly suitable for uniforms of companies, hotels and chains, where clothing must look consistent for a long time.
Common mistakes with workwear
- using a soft everyday elastic in heavy work trousers;
- rubber elastic in garments washed hot;
- too narrow an elastic in a partially elasticated waist – it digs in and rolls;
- poorly secured elastic ends – they tear at the first strong bend;
- choosing without testing under the actual washing regime.
How to prepare the inquiry
To get an accurate quote, state the type of garment, the fabric, the position of the elastic, the casing width, the desired stretch, the washing regime, the colour and the approximate quantity. If you have a current elastic that does not satisfy you, send a sample and describe the problem – this is the fastest way for us to find a better solution. The price depends on width, composition, colour and quantity, so it is agreed individually.
Elastic for workwear from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer of haberdashery based in Sofia, with over 30 years of experience working with garment factories. We supply woven elastic for workwear and uniforms in various widths and tensions, colour-matched to a sample and with a logo option, with samples and delivery across the EU. Send an inquiry via our contact page.
