Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Ribbons and braids are both narrow textiles, but they play different roles: a ribbon or tape is a smooth woven base with the same look along its entire length (satin, grosgrain, herringbone), whereas a braid is a decorative trim with a raised, plaited or woven motif that is sewn on as ornament. Piping is a way of finishing the edge of a garment, and a bow is a shape tied from ribbon. In practice the terms are often mixed up, so when ordering it is a good idea to describe the function as well.
Ribbons and braids – the basic terms
Ribbon (tape)
The most general term. A narrow textile with finished edges, produced on a narrow loom or cut from a wider fabric. Ribbons and tapes can be functional (for reinforcement, ties, hanger loops) or decorative. Examples: satin ribbon, grosgrain, organza, herringbone tape, velvet ribbon.
Braid
A decorative trim in which the emphasis is on the motif or the texture. Braids can be woven (jacquard, with ornaments), plaited (soutache, plaits), fringed, sequinned or made with metallic thread. They are sewn onto the fabric as visible decoration – along hems, sleeves, necklines, uniforms, folk costumes and curtains. The term is especially common in uniforms and folk costume, as well as in furniture and home textiles.
Piping
Piping is a finishing method rather than a type of material. It refers to a narrow strip that frames or accentuates the edge of a garment. Piping can be made from bias binding or folded tape, or it can be filled with a cord (so-called corded piping), which is inserted in the seam between two parts and creates a raised line. In everyday speech the tape used for this purpose is also called “piping”.
Bow
A bow is a shape, not a material – a decoration tied or formed from ribbon. In the trade, however, the decorative ribbon on a roll is often also referred to as “bows”, especially for gift wrapping.
Cord and drawstring
A cord is a round or flat plaited or twisted textile, used as a drawstring for hoods, pouches and channels. It is not a ribbon, but it often has the same function as a tie. See cords.
Comparison: ribbon, braid, piping, bow
| Term | What it is | Main role | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ribbon | narrow textile | functional or decorative | satin, grosgrain, herringbone |
| Braid | decorative trim with a motif or relief | decoration | jacquard braid, soutache, fringed braid |
| Piping | finishing/framing of an edge | finish and accent | bias-binding piping, corded piping |
| Bow | a shape tied from ribbon | decoration | bow on a gift, small bow on a dress |
| Cord | round or flat plaited material | tie, decoration | hood cord, pouch drawstring |
Braids on uniforms and folk costumes
Braids have a long tradition in clothing with a distinguishing function. On uniforms – military, police, security companies, hotels and orchestras – braids along the trousers, sleeve or collar indicate affiliation, rank or position. Here the colour, width and placement are strictly defined, so orders require an exact match to the sample. In Bulgarian folk costumes, woven and plaited braids on sukman dresses, waistcoats and aprons carry the regional motifs and colours. Contemporary ethno collections borrow these motifs and transfer them onto jacquard ribbons sewn along the sleeves, necklines and hems of dresses and blouses. In interior textiles, braids with fringes and tassels are a classic finish for curtains, cushions and lampshades.
When to choose a ribbon and when a braid
Choose a ribbon or tape when you need a function – reinforcement, a tie, a hanger loop, smooth piping, a gift bow – or when you want a clean, monochrome look. Ribbons are more versatile, come in more colours and widths and are easier to combine with the fabric.
Choose a braid when decoration comes first – when you want the motif to be visible and to give the item its character. Braids are typical of ethno collections, children’s party wear, uniforms with distinguishing stripes and interior textiles. They are usually more expensive per metre because of the more complex production.
How to describe what you need in an inquiry
Because the terms get mixed up, an inquiry using only the word “braid” or “piping” can be understood in different ways. To get an accurate quote:
- Describe the function – decoration, edge piping, tie, reinforcement, packaging.
- State the width in mm and whether the ribbon is folded.
- Describe the surface – smooth, ribbed, with a motif, raised, shiny.
- Send a photo of the item or of a similar ribbon you like.
- Specify the material and the washing requirements.
- State the colour as a Pantone reference or send a fabric sample.
Common misunderstandings
- “Piping” for corded piping (with a cord inside) and “piping” for plain bias binding – two different products.
- “Bows” for ribbon on a roll and “bows” for ready-tied bows – specify the delivery form.
- “Braid” for a smooth ribbon – you may be offered a decorative braid with a motif when you need a plain ribbon.
- “Ribbon” for a cord – especially for hood and pouch drawstrings.
Combining ribbons, braids and piping
One collection often uses all of them: the cord for the hood, the satin ribbon for the hanger loop, the jacquard braid on the sleeve and the bias binding at the neckline. It is best to select them together – by colour, material and care – so that they look like part of one concept and behave the same way in the wash. Browse all types in the ribbons and tapes section.
Ribbons and braids from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer of haberdashery and accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, with over 30 years of experience, more than 10,000 articles and deliveries across the EU. If you are not sure what the item you are looking for is called, send us a photo and a description via the contact page – we will suggest a suitable article and a sample.
