Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Ribbon widths are given in millimetres and usually start at about 3 mm for the narrowest decorative ribbons and go up to 100 mm for wide ribbons for belts, sashes and large bows. In clothing the most popular widths are between 6 and 25 mm. The right width depends on the function of the ribbon, the thickness of the fabric and the scale of the product.
How ribbon width is measured
The width is measured across, from edge to edge, with the ribbon laid flat without stretching. With folded tapes – for example bias binding – it is stated whether the size is unfolded or folded. In the ribbon trade, sizes in inches are also found, as some of the standard widths derive from them: 1/8 inch is about 3 mm, 1/4 inch about 6 mm, 3/8 about 10 mm, 5/8 about 16 mm, 1 inch about 25 mm, 1.5 inches about 38 mm. That is why you will come across widths such as 16 mm or 38 mm that look "unrounded".
Chart: ribbon widths and uses
| Width | Approx. (inches) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 3 mm | 1/8 | mini bows, lingerie, jewellery, drawstrings on pouches |
| 6 mm | 1/4 | bows on children's clothing, hanger loops, fine bindings |
| 10 mm | 3/8 | bindings, nightdress straps, small box packaging |
| 16 mm | 5/8 | garment bindings, bottles, medium packaging |
| 25 mm | 1 | gift bows, hat bands, ties |
| 38–40 mm | 1.5 | large bows, sashes, decoration |
| 50 mm | 2 | ribbon belts, tote bag handles, large boxes |
| 70–100 mm | 2.75–4 | wide sashes, wedding and event décor, chairs |
Ribbon widths by function
Decorative details on clothing
For bows on lingerie, children's clothing and nightwear, 3–10 mm is used. Wider bows look clumsy on small products. For visible bindings on cuffs, necklines and hems, 10–20 mm is most often chosen: a wider binding emphasises the line, a narrower one is discreet.
Functional tapes
Hanger loops (at the neck of a garment or on a towel) are usually 6–10 mm. Tapes for reinforcing shoulder seams are about 10–15 mm. Apron ties and handles on cloth bags are 20–40 mm, depending on the load. With functional tapes a wider tape spreads the pressure and is more comfortable in the hand or on the shoulder.
Packaging
For small jewellery boxes 3–10 mm, for cosmetics and chocolate boxes 10–25 mm, for large gift boxes 25–50 mm. A large box with a narrow ribbon looks "empty", a small one with a wide ribbon overloaded.
Event decoration
Ribbons for chairs, tables, cars and arches are wide – 40–100 mm, often satin or organza, so that they can be seen from afar.
Width and type of ribbon
Not every type of ribbon is produced in all widths. Satin ribbon has the widest range – from the narrowest to the widest. Grosgrain and herringbone tape are most often used in medium widths, where their stability matters. Organza is offered mainly in narrow to medium widths for packaging. Velvet ribbons are most common in narrow and medium widths. For specific widths that are not offered as standard, the ribbon can be made to order.
See the available types in the satin ribbon and herringbone tape categories or in the general ribbons section.
How to choose the right width
- Define the function – decoration, reinforcement, tie, hanger loop or packaging.
- Compare with the scale of the product – a baby bodysuit and an evening gown require different proportions.
- Match it to the machine – if the tape is applied with a folder or binder attachment, the width must exactly match the attachment.
- Check with a sample – place a piece of ribbon on the fabric or packaging and see the proportion in real life.
- Think about density – a wide soft ribbon bends and gathers; a wide dense ribbon stays straight.
Width and roll length
When ordering wholesale, the width often also determines the standard roll length. Narrow ribbons are wound on longer rolls because they take up little space, wide ones on shorter rolls so that the roll stays convenient to work with and store. When calculating consumption, convert your needs into a number of rolls: multiply the metres per product by the number of products, add a reserve and divide by the roll length. In series sewing with attachments it is convenient for all rolls for one order to be from the same batch, so that both the width and the shade are the same. For in-store packaging, shorter rolls are more practical – they are easier to put on a dispenser and quicker to change when several colours are used at once.
Tolerances and mistakes with widths
Textile ribbons have small manufacturing tolerances in width, especially woven ribbons. In series sewing with attachments it is best to check the width on a sample from the same batch before setting up the machines. Common mistakes are:
- confusing folded and unfolded width with bias bindings;
- ordering in inches from a supplier who works in millimetres, without clarification;
- choosing a width from the catalogue alone without a trial on the product;
- underestimating the shrinkage of cotton tapes, which also reduces the width after washing.
Ribbons in all widths from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesale supplier of haberdashery with over 30 years of experience, more than 10,000 articles and deliveries throughout the EU. We help choose the width and type of ribbon for the specific product and make ribbons to order. Send us the product, the desired width and the quantity via our contact page – we will propose an option and a sample.
