Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Grosgrain ribbon widths are specified in millimetres or inches. The most common widths for apparel are 10, 16, 22, and 25 mm; for bags and belts – 38 and 50 mm; while the wide 70–100 mm ribbons are used for decorative belts and bows. The right width depends on the function: edging, waistband, hat, handle, or packaging.
Grosgrain Ribbon Widths – mm and Inches Table
Many ribbons on the market are produced according to inch standards, so catalogs often list 3/8″, 5/8″, or 7/8″. The table shows approximate equivalents.
| Inches | mm (approx.) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ | 6–7 | fine edgings, lingerie details, small loops |
| 3/8″ | 9–10 | hanging loops, narrow decorative ribbons, labels |
| 5/8″ | 15–16 | edgings on children's clothes, logo ribbons, small bows |
| 7/8″ | 22–23 | edgings on vests and jackets, ribbons, hats |
| 1″ | 25 | hat ribbons, inner waistbands, packaging |
| 1½″ | 38 | handles, straps, bag edgings, inner belts |
| 2″ | 50 | belts, wide edgings, fedora ribbons |
| 3″ | 75 | decorative belts, large bows |
| 4″ | 100 | wide belts, decoration, packaging |
1 inch = 25.4 mm. Due to rounding, the same ribbon may be listed as 22 or 23 mm – when precision matters, measure a sample with calipers.
How to Choose Ribbon Width for Edging
For edging, the ribbon is folded lengthwise in half and wraps around the edge. The visible edging width on each side is slightly less than half the ribbon width because some material is used in the fold around the fabric thickness.
- 5 mm edging – ribbon about 12–13 mm for thin fabric;
- 8–10 mm edging – ribbon 20–25 mm;
- 15 mm edging – ribbon about 35–38 mm;
- for thick fabrics (wool, padded jackets) add a few millimetres.
If you use a machine folder (binder), the ribbon width must match the folder’s designed width.
Width for Inner Waistband Ribbon
For finishing waistbands on skirts or trousers, 25–38 mm widths are most common. Narrower ribbons are less visible and more flexible, while wider ones hold better and prevent the waistband from folding when sitting. For curved waists, flexible elastic or pre-shaped ribbons are recommended.
Width for Hats
- Outer ribbon on fedora, trilby, and boater hats – 25–50 mm depending on crown height;
- Narrow decorative ribbons for summer hats – 10–16 mm;
- Inner headband – usually around 25–32 mm.
A good rule: the higher the crown and the wider the brim, the wider the ribbon should be proportionally.
Width for Bags and Accessories
For handles on textile and shopping bags, 25–50 mm is used, while straps that pass through adjusters or carabiners must match the inner opening of the metal accessory. Measure the opening of rings or buckles before ordering the ribbon. For bag edgings and pouches – 20–25 mm.
Width for Packaging and Branding
When printing logos, the ribbon width determines the maximum logo size. A 10 mm ribbon fits only a short small-font inscription; 16–25 mm allows space for a logo and brand name; 38 mm and above accommodate more complex designs. For box ribbons, 16–25 mm widths are most common.
Thickness and Stiffness – The Second Parameter
Width alone does not describe the ribbon. At the same width, grosgrain can be:
- soft – for bows and decorative knots;
- medium – for edgings and hat ribbons;
- firm, dense – for handles, belts, and inner waistbands.
When inquiring, specify the width and intended use to receive a sample with the correct density.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Width
- Ordering in inches when the technology (folder, buckle) is in millimetres – even 1–2 mm difference causes issues.
- Ribbon too narrow for edging thick fabric – the edging does not fully cover the edge on both sides.
- Ribbon too wide for small children’s items – looks heavy and disproportionate.
- No sample from the actual roll – width may vary slightly between manufacturers.
All available options are in the grosgrain ribbon category, and for comparison with smooth ribbons see satin ribbon.
How to Measure Ribbon Width Correctly
Measure the width across the ribbon, from the outer edge of one woven border to the outer edge of the other. Use calipers or a ruler with millimetre marks and measure on an unstretched ribbon laid flat. For soft ribbons, do not press – they can shrink by half a millimetre easily. If comparing with a ribbon already sewn into a product, consider that seams and ironing may slightly narrow it.
When ordering ribbon for an existing model, the safest way is to send a piece of the previously used ribbon. This allows comparing width, thickness, stiffness, and rib texture, not just the nominal catalog width.
For serial production, it is useful to record the width in the model’s technical sheet with tolerance, e.g., 25 mm ± 0.5 mm, and specify the ribbon type. This ensures consistent ribbon width with repeat orders or supplier changes without needing to adjust folders and machines.
Polkom – Ribbons in the Required Width
Polkom is a manufacturer of haberdashery from Sofia. We offer grosgrain ribbon in widths from 6 to 100 mm, colours to sample, and logo printing. Send us your required width, colour, and use via Contacts and we will provide a sample. Minimum quantities depend on the article.
