Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
Herringbone tape widths start at about 3 mm and go up to 100 mm. The most widely used in garment production are 10, 15, 20 and 25 mm. Narrow tapes up to 12 mm are used to reinforce seams and as hanger loops, medium widths of 15–30 mm for bindings and ties, and wide tapes from 40 mm upwards for bag handles and straps.
Herringbone tape widths – summary chart
| Width | Main application | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 3–6 mm | Fine reinforcement, small loops | Necklines of light blouses, button loops, lingerie |
| 8–10 mm | Seam reinforcement, hanger loops | Shoulder seams on jersey, hanger loops on jackets |
| 12–15 mm | Ties, binding on light fabrics, towel loops | Pyjamas, children's clothing, shirts, tea towels |
| 20 mm | Ties, binding, shoulder straps | Aprons, jackets, drawstring bags |
| 25 mm | Handles of light bags, apron ties, bag binding | Eco bags, work aprons |
| 30–40 mm | Handles and straps, belts | Shopping bags, beach bags |
| 50–100 mm | Wide handles, straps, technical applications | Holdalls, canvas totes, special products |
The chart is a guide. The final width depends on the fabric, the load and the look you want.
10 mm herringbone tape
10 mm tape is the "workhorse" for hidden reinforcement. It is wide enough to be caught securely by the seam and narrow enough not to be felt in the shoulder seam or neckline. It is also used for hanger loops on jackets and coats, small loops and hanging labels. For very light fabrics – chiffon, viscose, fine jersey – an even narrower 6 mm tape is more suitable.
15 mm herringbone tape
15 mm is a convenient all-round width. It is used for ties on pyjamas and children's trousers, loops on towels and bathrobes, and binding seams on shirts and light jackets. It is visible enough to be decorative but not bulky. It is also often chosen for neck tape with a printed text or for marking samples and batches in the factory, because there is enough room for a short text or a small logo.
20 mm herringbone tape
The 20 mm width is the most popular for visible applications. It is suitable for ties on aprons and pouches, binding seams on denim and work jackets, and shoulder straps on children's aprons. For binding, once folded in half, it gives about 10 mm on each side of the edge – enough for most fabrics.
25 mm herringbone tape
25 mm is the standard for the handles of cotton eco bags and the ties of professional aprons. It distributes weight better than narrower tapes and does not twist when tied. It is also convenient for binding seams on bags, where the seam allowance is thicker.
Wide herringbone tape – 30 mm and above
Wide tapes are designed for load. From 30 to 50 mm they are used for the handles of large shopping and beach bags, shoulder straps and belts. Tapes of 70 to 100 mm are used in special cases – wide straps, holdall handles, technical textiles. At these widths, polyester or a blend is usually chosen, as they are stronger and do not shrink.
How to choose the width
- Define the function. Is the tape hidden (reinforcement) or visible (tie, handle, binding)?
- Assess the load. The more weight it carries, the wider it should be.
- Consider the fabric thickness. When binding thick fabrics, the width must cover the seam allowance on both sides.
- Check the machine. If it is sewn with a folder or guide, the width must match the attachment exactly.
- Check against the other trims. Rings, buckles and cord ends have an inner size that must match the tape width.
Tolerance and measurement
Woven tapes have a small production tolerance in width. For hand sewing this usually does not matter, but in automated operations – folders, guides, rings of exact size – even a millimetre's deviation is important. So when ordering:
- specify the nominal width and the permitted tolerance;
- measure the sample at several points along the roll;
- test it with the actual attachment and fabric before production.
In addition, the width of cotton tapes can change slightly after washing, so the test should also include one wash.
Non-standard widths
If your style requires a width that is not in the standard range – for example a tape that fits a branded buckle or a special folder exactly – it can be woven to order. Non-standard widths usually require a larger quantity, so it is best to specify them early in the project. You will find the available standard widths in our herringbone tape category.
Comparison with other tapes
Similar widths are available in other types of tape. If you are looking for a ribbed, more refined tape for visible bindings, see grosgrain ribbon. A full overview of all types – satin, jacquard, organza – is in our ribbons and tapes section.
Width and material together
The same width can behave differently depending on the material and density. A 20 mm cotton tape is softer and follows curves more easily, while a polyester tape of the same width is stiffer and more resistant to load. So when choosing, look at both parameters together.
Herringbone tape from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesaler of haberdashery for clothing based in Sofia. We offer herringbone tape in widths from 3 to 100 mm, including non-standard widths, in cotton, polyester and blends, with Pantone dyeing and logo printing. We deliver to customers across the EU. Minimum quantities depend on the article and width. Request samples in several widths via our contact page.
