Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Whether to use woven or knitted elastic depends on what the tape has to do. Woven elastic is dense, stable and does not narrow when stretched – it suits waistbands, belts and workwear. Knitted elastic is softer, lighter and more flexible – it is preferred for lingerie, edges and children’s clothing worn next to the skin.
Woven or knitted elastic: the difference in structure
The two types look similar on the roll, but they are made in completely different ways, which is why they behave differently in the product.
Woven elastic
It is woven on a narrow-fabric loom. The longitudinal elastic threads interlace with a transverse weft thread that holds them in place across the whole width. The tape is dense, with clean edges and often with longitudinal ribs. When stretched, the width stays almost the same.
Knitted elastic
It is produced on a knitting machine (most often a crochet machine), where the threads form loops. The elastic threads are knitted into the loop structure. The tape is softer and lighter, but when stretched the loops pull out and it visibly narrows.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Woven elastic | Knitted elastic |
|---|---|---|
| Width when stretched | Hardly changes | Narrows |
| Rolling in a channel | Very rarely | Possible with wide tapes |
| Feel | Firmer, dense | Soft, flexible |
| Tension | Stable, stronger | Lighter, smoother |
| Sewing through the tape | Withstands it well | Sensitive to straight stitching |
| Typical use | Waistbands, belts, uniforms | Lingerie, edges, children’s clothing |
When to choose woven elastic
- when the elastic carries weight – the waistband of trousers in heavy fabric, a denim skirt, work trousers;
- when the waistband must look flat and without “waves” after washing;
- when the elastic is visible on the outside and needs a clean, regular look or a woven-in logo;
- for belts, braces, adjustment straps and supports;
- for products that are washed often and intensively.
See the available options in the woven elastic category.
When to choose knitted elastic
- for lingerie, pyjamas and nightdresses, where the tape is directly against the skin;
- for the edges of necklines, sleeves and legs on knitwear;
- for baby and children’s clothing, where softness is the priority;
- for light skirts and dresses in fine fabrics that do not carry strain.
The range is in the knitted elastic category.
And braided elastic?
Besides the two main types there is also braided elastic – with characteristic longitudinal grooves, made on a braiding machine. It is cheaper and convenient for inserting into a channel on light products, but it narrows considerably when stretched and tends to roll over time. It is rarely a good choice for a stable waistband. An overview of all constructions is in the elastics section.
Common mistakes when choosing
- Soft knitted elastic in a heavy waistband – after a few washes it stretches, rolls and the waistband “drops”.
- Firm woven elastic in delicate lingerie – it can press and leave marks on the skin.
- Elastic wider than the channel – regardless of the type, it will fold and roll.
- Choosing from a photo only – tension and feel can only be judged with a real sample in hand.
Combining both types in one product
Many brands use both types in the same garment. Example: sports leggings or boxer shorts with a visible waistband of jacquard woven elastic with a logo and soft knitted elastics on the legs. Work trousers can have a wide woven elastic at the back of the waist and a narrow knitted elastic in the cuffs. This way each area gets the right tension and comfort.
Composition, washing and durability of both types
Durability depends not only on the construction but also on the elastic thread. Both woven and knitted elastic can be made with rubber or with elastane. Rubber gives a strong, “springy” recovery but does not tolerate high temperatures, chlorine and prolonged exposure to sunlight well. Elastane is lighter, more resistant to washing and more suitable for lingerie and sportswear that is washed often.
The covering yarns also matter. Polyester is strong and colourfast, cotton is softer and matte but wears faster with friction. In woven elastic the covering yarns protect the elastic threads better because the construction is denser, so under the same washing conditions it usually keeps its appearance longer.
- For products washed at 60 °C – look for elastane and polyester, regardless of the construction.
- For lingerie and pyjamas – soft knitted elastic with elastane.
- For work trousers – dense woven elastic with elastane and polyester.
- For products with a natural look – woven or knitted elastic with a cotton covering yarn.
How to test before ordering a production run
Ask for samples of both types in the required width. Sew them into a real pattern, wear the product, wash it at least several times at the temperature on the label and compare: did the elastic return to its original length, does it roll, how does the seam look? The test takes little time but protects the whole run from complaints.
Samples and orders from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer of haberdashery with over 30 years of experience. We offer woven and knitted elastic in various widths, colour-matched to a sample or Pantone, and a jacquard version with a logo. Send us a description of the product via the contact form and we will prepare samples for comparison.
