Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Herringbone tape widths range from about 3 mm up to 100 mm. The most commonly used widths in garment manufacturing are 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm. Narrow tapes up to 12 mm are typically used for seam reinforcement and hangers, medium widths of 15–30 mm serve for edging and ties, while wider tapes from 40 mm and above are suitable for bag handles and straps.
Herringbone Tape Widths – Summary Table
| Width | Main Application | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 3–6 mm | Fine reinforcement, small loops | Necklines of light blouses, button loops, lingerie |
| 8–10 mm | Seam reinforcement, hangers | Shoulder seams of knitwear, jacket hangers |
| 12–15 mm | Ties, edging on lightweight fabrics, towel hangers | Pyjamas, children's clothes, shirts, kitchen towels |
| 20 mm | Ties, edging, straps | Aprons, jackets, drawstring bags |
| 25 mm | Handles for light bags, apron ties, bag edging | Eco bags, work aprons |
| 30–40 mm | Handles and straps, belts | Shopping bags, beach bags |
| 50–100 mm | Wide handles, straps, technical uses | Duffel bags, canvas totes, special products |
This table serves as a guideline. The final width depends on the fabric, load, and desired appearance.
Herringbone Tape 10 mm
The 10 mm tape is the “workhorse” for hidden reinforcement. It is wide enough to be securely sewn into seams yet narrow enough not to be felt in shoulder seams or necklines. It is also used for jacket and coat hangers, small loops, and hanging labels. For very lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, viscose, or fine knits, an even narrower 6 mm tape may be more suitable.
Herringbone Tape 15 mm
15 mm is a convenient, versatile width. It is used for ties on pyjamas and children's trousers, towel and robe hangers, and edging on shirt and lightweight jacket seams. It is visible enough to be decorative but not bulky. It is also often chosen for printed tapes in collars or for marking samples and batches in production, as it offers enough space for short text or a small logo.
Herringbone Tape 20 mm
The 20 mm width is the most popular for visible applications. It suits ties for aprons and bags, edging on denim and work jacket seams, and straps for children's aprons. When folded in half for edging, it provides about 10 mm coverage on each side of the edge, sufficient for most fabrics.
Herringbone Tape 25 mm
25 mm is the standard for handles on cotton eco bags and ties on professional aprons. It distributes weight better than narrower tapes and does not twist when tied. It is also convenient for bag seam edging where a thicker seam allowance is used.
Wide Herringbone Tape – 30 mm and Above
Wide tapes are designed for load-bearing. Widths from 30 to 50 mm are used for handles on large shopping and beach bags, shoulder straps, and belts. Tapes from 70 to 100 mm are applied in special cases such as wide straps, duffel bag handles, and technical textiles. Polyester or blends are usually chosen for these widths because they are stronger and less prone to shrinkage.
How to Choose the Width
- Determine the function. Is the tape hidden (reinforcement) or visible (tie, handle, edging)?
- Assess the load. The heavier the load, the wider the tape should be.
- Consider fabric thickness. For edging thick fabrics, the width must cover the seam allowance on both sides.
- Check the machine. If sewing with a folder or guide, the width must match the attachment precisely.
- Coordinate with other accessories. Rings, buckles, and cord ends have inner dimensions that must fit the tape width.
Tolerance and Measurement
Woven tapes have a small manufacturing tolerance in width. This usually does not matter for hand sewing but is important for automated processes such as folders, guides, and precisely sized rings. Therefore, when ordering:
- specify the nominal width and allowable tolerance;
- measure the sample at several points along the roll;
- test it with the actual attachment and fabric before production.
Additionally, cotton tapes may slightly change width after washing, so testing should include at least one wash.
Non-Standard Widths
If your design requires a width not in the standard range—such as a tape that fits a specific buckle or special folder—it can be woven to order. Non-standard widths usually require larger quantities, so it is best to clarify early in the project. Available standard widths can be found in the herringbone tape category.
Comparison with Other Tapes
Similar widths are available in other tape types. If you need a ribbed, more decorative tape for visible edging, see grosgrain tape. A full overview of all tape types—satin, jacquard, organza—is available in the tapes section.
Width and Material Combined
The same width can behave differently depending on material and density. A 20 mm cotton tape is softer and more flexible, while a polyester tape of the same width is stiffer and more durable under load. Therefore, consider both parameters when choosing.
Herringbone Tape from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of garment haberdashery based in Sofia. We offer herringbone tape in widths from 3 to 100 mm, including non-standard sizes, made of cotton, polyester, and blends, with Pantone dyeing and logo printing. We deliver across the EU. Minimum order quantities depend on the item and width. Request samples of various widths via the contact page.
