Elastics

Elastics

John Howard Company carries a variety of woven, braided and knitted elastics for use in a wide range of products and industries.

Woven Elastics

Woven elastic is identified by crosswise and parallel ribs. Does not narrow on being stretched and can easily be stitched through. Woven elastic is available in widths of 1/4″ to 6″. Stretch and modulus can be adjusted. Woven elastic is also available with a cotton or polyester jacket, latex rubber or latex free.

Braided elastic is made in a variety of widths ranging from 1/8″ to 1″. Manufactured with polyester yarn and latex rubber. Braided elastic is also available in other fibers such a polypropylene and nylon and can be custom-made in varying widths and tensions. Latex Free braided elastic is also available.

Knitted Elastics

Knitted Elastics are available in plush back, ventilated and standard with finishes that range from light to heavy. Widths range from 1/16″ to 18″. Colors available upon request. Custom knitted elastic can be manufactured to your specifications.

Military Elastics Manufactured with Lycra.

Lycra resists cutting by needle, resistant to chemical degradation and has superior flex life. Lycra-based webbing is used anywhere a product needs controlled stretch, smooth recovery, and skin comfort, making it ideal for orthopedic and sports bracing applications.

Custom Cutting Services for Elastic and Webbing

We can custom cut elastic webbing and many of our other products to your specifications.
Call our friendly customer service staff for details and a quote.
888-564-6469

• Mil-W-5664 Type II Woven Nylon Elastic – 1″, 2″, 3″, 4″, 5″
• Polyester Woven Elastic – 1″, 1-1/2″, 2″, 3″, 4″, 6″
• 3/4″ Polyester Braided Elastic
• 5/8″ Polyester Braided Elastic
• 1″ Heavy Polyester Braided Elastic
• Polyester Knitted Elastic – 1″ thru 14″
• 313 Centerfold Polyester Woven Elastic
• W-311 Polyester Woven Elastic
• 1365 Non Roll Polyester Woven Elastic
• LYC Ventilated Polyester Knitted Elastic – 2″ thru 8″
• L-Series Polyester Knitted Elastic

What is Braided Elastic?

Braided elastic is a common type of stretchy narrow band woven using a braiding process that produces lengthwise ribs or ridges, giving it a distinctive textured look. Here’s what sets it apart and how it’s used:

What is Braided Elastic?

• Construction: Made by braiding fibers—typically stretching yarns like rubber or spandex—covered by polyester or nylon strands. The parallel ribs are the hallmark feature.
• Behavior: It can narrow when stretched and may lose elasticity if pierced by sewing or pins.
• Feel & Grip: The ridged texture gives it good grip inside casings but makes it prone to rolling.

✅ Best Uses

• Ideal for use in casings where elastic is enclosed and not sewn through, such as:
  • Sleeve or neckline casings
  • Narrow waistbands
  • Leg bands or swimwear edges 

Comparison with Other Elastics

• Knitted elastic: Soft, maintains width under stretch, suitable for sewing directly into garments.
• Woven (no-roll) elastic: Strong, keeps width, ideal for sturdy waistbands and heavier fabrics.
• Braided elastic: Good grip, narrow fit, excellent for enclosed use in light to mid‑weight garments.

When to Choose Braided Elastic

Use braided elastic when:

• You need grip inside casings (e.g., sleeve, neckline, leg bands)
• Working with light-to-midweight fabrics
• Elastic placement won’t be sewn through directly

Avoid it with heavier fabrics, or when elastic is visible or sewn onto the exterior—opt instead for knit or woven elastic depending on your needs.

Final Takeaway

Braided elastic is a textured, ribbed elastic best for enclosed elastic applications—great for necklines, cuffs, and light waistbands but not ideal for direct sewing or heavy-duty wear.

Need help choosing the right width or sourcing quality braided elastic for your project?
Call our friendly customer service staff for details and a quote.
PHONE: 888-564-6469