Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The most widely used face mask elastic is a soft round elastic about 2.5–3.5 mm in diameter or a narrow flat elastic of 3–6 mm. For ear loops, about 17–20 cm per side is cut for adults, and for a mask with elastic around the head, longer lengths. The elastic should be soft, should not cut in behind the ears and should withstand repeated washing if the mask is made of fabric.
Which face mask elastic to choose
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Round elastic 2.5–3.5 mm | Easy to thread through a channel and a cord stopper, easy to knot | A thin one can press behind the ears during long wear |
| Flat knitted elastic 3–6 mm | Spreads the pressure more widely, soft | Harder to adjust with a cord stopper |
| Soft flat elastic with a textured surface | Especially soft feel, suitable for long wear | Usually wider |
| Head strap elastic 6–10 mm | No pressure on the ears | More elastic per piece |
You will find round and flat narrow elastics in the elastics category.
Ear loops or head straps
Ear loops are the most common for disposable and fabric masks. They are quick to put on and to produce, but with prolonged wear they press on the ears. Elastic around the head – one or two elastics that run above and below the ears – is more comfortable for a whole working day and is preferred for workwear, medical staff and sport. It can be combined with an adjuster at the back.
Length of face mask elastic
- Ear loop, adults: about 17–20 cm per side before joining.
- Ear loop, children: about 14–17 cm per side.
- Around the head: about 30–35 cm for the lower and 35–40 cm for the upper elastic.
These values are a guide for soft elastic. With a firmer elastic, cut slightly longer. The surest way is to make a few test masks with different lengths and test them on people with different head sizes. In series production it is convenient to have the elastic cut automatically to a fixed length.
Adjusting the elastic
An adjustable mask fits more people. There are several ways:
- A silicone or plastic cord stopper on each loop – the round elastic passes through it and is tightened. See the cord stoppers category.
- A knot – the simplest solution; the user adjusts the length themselves.
- Elastic threaded through a channel along the side edge of the mask – the length is adjusted by pulling and knotting.
- An extender (ear saver) at the back of the head – it hooks both loops and takes the pressure off the ears.
How the elastic is attached to the mask
- Sewn into the side seam. The ends of the elastic are placed between the two layers of fabric and caught by the seam. Backstitch a few stitches for strength.
- Threaded through a channel. The side edge is folded into a channel, the elastic is threaded through and knotted. This allows the elastic to be replaced.
- Ultrasonic welding. On disposable non-woven masks the elastic is welded to the edge without thread – this requires special equipment.
Washing and durability
With reusable fabric masks the elastic is washed together with the mask, often at a high temperature. Therefore:
- choose an elastic with a polyester or polyamide cover that does not fade or fray;
- do a test with several washes at the temperature on the care label;
- avoid high-temperature tumble drying – it speeds up the loss of stretch;
- check that the knot does not come undone after washing.
Face mask elastic and sensitive skin
The skin behind the ears is thin and sensitive. A flat, soft elastic spreads the pressure better than a thin round one. For prolonged wear, elastic around the head is the gentlest. If the mask is intended for children, choose a soft elastic and a shorter length and test with several sizes.
Colours and branding
White and black elastic are standard, but on branded fabric masks an elastic in the colour of the mask or in a contrasting corporate colour makes the product look more finished. If a non-elastic cord is needed, for example for the ties of a surgical cap or for packaging, see cords.
Common mistakes
- A loop that is too short – pressure behind the ears and pain after an hour of wear.
- An elastic that is too thin and hard – it cuts into the skin.
- Weak anchoring in the seam – the elastic pulls out when the mask is taken off.
- An elastic that does not withstand washing – it slackens after a few washes.
Face mask elastic in series production
When masks are sewn in series, the elastic is bought on rolls or large spools, not pre-cut. This way the machine or operator cuts an exact length on the spot and waste is minimal. It is important that the elastic has a consistent thickness and stretch along the whole length of the spool – if one part is firmer, the masks made from it will fit differently. When ordering, specify the diameter or width, the colour, the length of the spool and how the elastic will be cut – by hand, with a hot knife or automatically. A polyester cover can be heat-sealed when cut, which saves additional finishing of the ends.
Face mask elastic and other products
The same narrow elastics are also used for sleep masks, protective caps, shoe covers and button loops. If you produce several products, one elastic article can cover more than one application.
Elastics for masks from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesaler of clothing haberdashery based in Sofia. We supply round and flat elastics in various diameters and widths, in white, black and custom colours, as well as cord stoppers, with delivery throughout the EU. Minimum quantities depend on the article. Send an inquiry via our contact page for samples and a quote.
