At John Howard Company, we’re passionate about providing high-quality elastic webbing solutions that meet the needs of our customers. Whether you’re in search of woven elastic for its structural integrity or knitted elastic for its flexibility and comfort, we have the expertise and resources to deliver the perfect elastic solution for your application.  In this article we provide insight and answers on a number of topics about woven elastic.

What is woven elastic webbing?

Woven elastic webbing, also known simply as elastic webbing, is a type of elastic material made by weaving together elastic fibers in a crisscross pattern to form a flexible and stretchable web-like structure. This weaving process creates a durable and resilient material with controlled stretch properties.

Woven elastic webbing is commonly used in various applications where flexibility, support, and durability are essential. It offers advantages such as:

  • Strength:  Woven elastic webbing is known for its strength and resilience, making it suitable for applications requiring reliable support and longevity.
  • Flexibility:  Despite its strength, woven elastic webbing retains flexibility, allowing it to stretch and conform to various shapes and contours.
  • Controlled Stretch:  The weaving process creates a structure that provides controlled stretch, ensuring consistent elasticity and shape retention over time.
  • Durability:  Woven elastic webbing is durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for applications subjected to frequent use and movement.
  • Versatility: It can be manufactured in different widths, thicknesses, and elasticity levels to accommodate a wide range of applications.

Common uses of woven elastic webbing include:

  • Waistbands in clothing such as pants, skirts, and shorts.
  • Straps and harnesses in bags, backpacks, and luggage.
  • Furniture upholstery and seat webbing for chairs and sofas.
  • Industrial applications such as safety harnesses, cargo nets, and tie-down straps.
  • Medical devices and orthopedic supports.
  • Sporting goods and athletic equipment.

Overall, woven elastic webbing is a versatile and reliable elastic material used in various industries and applications where flexibility and support are required.

What is the history elastic?

Great question! Click here to read a fun article about a brief history of elastic.

What is the most famous use of elastic?

Clue: its something we all closely familiar with. 
One of the most famous and widespread uses of elastic is in clothing, particularly in the form of waistbands. Elastic waistbands are commonly found in pants, skirts, shorts, and other garments. They provide comfort and flexibility for the wearer by allowing the garment to stretch to accommodate different body sizes and movements.

Elastic waistbands became especially popular during the 20th century as casual wear gained popularity and comfort became a priority in clothing design. Today, elastic waistbands are not only practical but also fashionable, with many designers incorporating them into their clothing lines for both style and comfort.

While elastic waistbands are perhaps the most recognizable and ubiquitous use of elastic in clothing, elastic is also widely used in various other garment components such as cuffs, sleeves, collars, and lingerie. Its ability to provide stretch and recovery makes it an indispensable material in the textile and fashion industries.

What are the Benefits of Woven Elastic?

Woven elastic offers several key benefits compared to other types of elastic materials:

  • Durability: Woven elastic is known for its strength and durability. The weaving process creates a sturdy structure that can withstand repeated stretching and use without losing its elasticity.
  • Flexibility: Woven elastic retains its shape and elasticity even after prolonged periods of use. It provides consistent stretchability, making it ideal for various applications where flexibility is essential.
  • Comfort: The woven construction of elastic ensures a soft and smooth texture against the skin, minimizing irritation or discomfort, particularly in clothing and accessories.
  • Stability: Woven elastic tends to have better stability and resilience compared to knitted or braided elastics. It maintains its shape and elasticity over time, offering reliable support in garments or other applications.
  • Versatility: Woven elastic is available in different widths, thicknesses, and stretch capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including apparel, medical devices, sports equipment, and industrial uses.
  • Appearance: Woven elastic often has a sleek and polished appearance, making it a preferred choice for garments and accessories where aesthetics are important.
  • Washability: Woven elastic is generally easy to clean and maintain. It retains its properties even after washing, making it suitable for use in garments and items that require frequent laundering. Overall, woven elastic combines durability, flexibility, comfort, and versatility, making it a popular choice for various applications across industries.

What products use woven elastic?

Woven elastic is utilized in various products across different industries due to its durability, stability, and controlled stretch. Some common products that use woven elastic include:

  • Apparel:  – Waistbands in pants, trousers, skirts, and shorts. – Cuffs and hems in sleeves and pants. – Belts and suspenders. – Undergarments such as underwear and lingerie. – Athletic wear and sportswear.
  • Medical Devices:  – Compression garments for medical support. – Orthopedic braces and supports. – Surgical and medical masks. – Elastic straps for securing medical equipment and devices.
  • Accessories:  – Headbands and hair ties. – Watchbands and wristbands. – Bag straps and backpack harnesses. – Shoelaces and bootstraps.
  • Home Furnishings:  – Bedding accessories like fitted sheets and mattress covers. – Furniture upholstery and cushion covers. – Curtains and draperies. – Decorative trim and edging for textiles.
  • Industrial Applications:  – Safety harnesses and straps. – Cargo nets and tie-downs. – Automotive seat belts and straps. – Industrial equipment and machinery components.
  • Miscellaneous Uses: – Dog collars and pet accessories. – Craft and DIY projects. – DIY repairs and replacements for various elasticized items.

These are just a few examples of products that commonly incorporate woven elastic. Its versatility, strength, and controlled stretch make it a preferred choice in numerous applications across industries.

What’s the difference between woven elastic and knitted elastic?

The main difference between woven elastic and knitted elastic lies in their construction. Woven elastic is made using a weaving process where individual yarns are interlaced perpendicular to each other, creating a stable and structured elastic. Knitted elastic, on the other hand, is produced through knitting machines that loop the elastic fibers together, resulting in a stretchier and more flexible elastic that conforms better to the body’s movements. At John Howard Company we supply both woven elastic and knitted elastic to product manufacturers in need of quality elastic!

View some of our Elastic Webbing Products:

313 1″ Centerfold Polyester Woven Elastic
https://johnhowardcompany.com/product/elastics/woven-elastics/313-centerfold-woven-elastic/

W-311 Polyester Woven Elastic
https://johnhowardcompany.com/product/elastics/woven-elastics/w-311-woven-elastic/

1365 Non Roll Polyester Woven Elastic
https://johnhowardcompany.com/product/elastics/woven-elastics/1365-non-roll-woven-elastic/

PK4P38 Polyester 4-Panel Knitted Elastic
https://johnhowardcompany.com/product/elastics/knitted-elastics/polyester-4-panel-knitted-elastic/

Heavy Polyester Braided Elastic
https://johnhowardcompany.com/product/elastics/braided-elastics/1140-1-heavy-polyester-braided-elastic/

Mil-W-5664 Type II Woven Nylon Elastic
https://johnhowardcompany.com/product/elastics/woven-elastics/mil-w-5664-type-ii-class-1-1-woven-nylon-elastic-1-2-3-4-5/

We Can Help You with your Woven Webbing Questions and Needs!

John Howard Company offers a wonderful selection of webbing in a variety of colors and strengths. We also offer professional webbing fabric cutting services to cut your webbing to the sizes you need. We invite you to talk to a LIVE product consultant for advice on what elastic products fit  your needs and budget best!