Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Grosgrain ribbon widths are given in millimetres or inches. The most widely used for clothing are 10, 16, 22 and 25 mm, for bags and belts 38 and 50 mm, while wide 70–100 mm ribbons are used for decorative belts and bows. The right width depends on the function: binding, waistband, hat, handle or packaging.
Grosgrain ribbon widths – chart in mm and inches
Many ribbons on the market are produced to inch standards, so catalogues often state 3/8″, 5/8″ or 7/8″. The table shows the approximate equivalents.
| Inches | mm (approx.) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ | 6–7 | fine bindings, lingerie details, small loops |
| 3/8″ | 9–10 | hanger loops, narrow decorative ribbons, labels |
| 5/8″ | 15–16 | bindings on children's clothing, logo ribbons, small bows |
| 7/8″ | 22–23 | bindings on waistcoats and jackets, bows, hats |
| 1″ | 25 | hat bands, inner waistband ribbons, packaging |
| 1½″ | 38 | handles, shoulder straps, bag bindings, inner belts |
| 2″ | 50 | belts, wide bindings, fedora bands |
| 3″ | 75 | decorative belts, large bows |
| 4″ | 100 | wide belts, decoration, packaging |
1 inch = 25.4 mm. Because of rounding, the same ribbon may be listed as 22 or 23 mm – when precision matters, measure a sample with a calliper.
How to choose a width for binding
For binding, the ribbon is folded in half lengthwise and wraps around the edge. The visible width of the binding on each side is slightly less than half the ribbon width, because some of the material goes into the fold around the thickness of the fabric.
- 5 mm binding – ribbon of about 12–13 mm on thin fabric;
- 8–10 mm binding – ribbon of 20–25 mm;
- 15 mm binding – ribbon of about 35–38 mm;
- for thick fabrics (wool, down jackets), add a few millimetres.
If you use a machine binder (folder), the ribbon width must match the width the binder was made for.
Width for inner waistband ribbon
For finishing the waistband of a skirt or trousers, 25–38 mm is most commonly used. A narrower ribbon is less noticeable and more flexible, while a wider one holds better and stops the waistband from folding over when sitting. For a curved waistband, a flexible petersham or a pre-shaped ribbon is recommended.
Width for hats
- Outer band on a fedora, trilby or boater – 25–50 mm depending on the height of the crown;
- Narrow decorative bands for summer hats – 10–16 mm;
- Inner sweatband – usually about 25–32 mm.
A good rule: the higher the crown and the wider the brim, the wider the band that looks proportionate.
Width for bags and accessories
For the handles of fabric totes and shopping bags, 25–50 mm is used, and for shoulder straps that pass through an adjuster or a snap hook, the width must match the inner opening of the metal fitting. Measure the opening of the rings or buckles before ordering the ribbon. For bag and pouch bindings – 20–25 mm.
Width for packaging and branding
When printing with a logo, the width determines how large the logo can be. A 10 mm ribbon fits only a short text in a small font; 16–25 mm gives room for a logo and brand name; 38 mm and above allow more complex compositions. For box ribbons, 16–25 mm is most often chosen.
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 bindings and hat bands;
- stiff, dense – for handles, belts and inner waistband ribbons.
In your inquiry, state not only the width but also what the ribbon will be used for – that way you will receive a sample with the right density.
Common mistakes when choosing a width
- Ordering in inches when the equipment (binder, buckle) is in millimetres – even a 1–2 mm difference causes problems.
- A ribbon too narrow for binding thick fabric – the binding does not wrap the edge on both sides.
- A ribbon too wide for small children's items – it looks heavy and out of proportion.
- No sample from the actual roll – the width may vary slightly between manufacturers.
All available options are in our grosgrain ribbon category, and for comparison with smooth ribbons see satin ribbon.
How to measure the width correctly
Width is measured across the ribbon, from the outer edge of one woven selvedge to the outer edge of the other. Use a calliper or a ruler with millimetre markings and measure the ribbon unstretched, laid on a flat surface. With a soft ribbon, do not press – it easily narrows by half a millimetre. If you are comparing with a ribbon already sewn into a garment, bear in mind that stitching and ironing can narrow it slightly.
When ordering ribbon for an existing style, the safest option is to send a piece of the ribbon used so far. That way width, thickness, stiffness and the relief of the ribs are compared at the same time, not just the nominal catalogue width.
In series production it is useful to record the width in the style's tech pack together with a tolerance, for example 25 mm ± 0.5 mm, and to specify the ribbon type. That way, on a repeat order or a change of supplier, the ribbon will be the same and there will be no need to readjust binders and machines.
Polkom – ribbons in the width you need
Polkom is a manufacturer and wholesaler of haberdashery based in Sofia. We offer grosgrain ribbon in widths from 6 to 100 mm, colours matched to your sample and logo printing. Send us the width, colour and intended use via our contact page and we will offer you a sample. Minimum quantities depend on the article.
