Braided Elastic

Definition and Overview

Braided elastic is a stretch material made by combining textile yarns around a rubber yarn or elastic yarn core, creating a cord-like or narrow-width form. The round cross-section type is most common, but flat shapes are also used depending on the application. It is used for gathering garments and for elasticity in drawstring channels.

Materials and Structure

The core material is generally polyurethane-based elastic yarn or rubber yarn, and the surface is covered with yarn such as polyester or nylon. The surface yarn affects skin feel, abrasion resistance, appearance, and dyeability.

The braided structure is characterized by multiple yarns crossing diagonally. It differs from woven elastic, which is made with warp and weft, and knitted elastic, which is made with loops.

How Width and Stretch Are Expressed

Braided elastic is selected by checking not only thickness, width, length, and color, but also the amount of stretch and the recovery performance. Round types are often indicated by diameter, while flat types are often indicated by width. Even with the same stated size, firmness and the feel when stretched vary depending on the braid density and the amount of core material.

Stretch may be shown as an elongation ratio. However, whether the stated value refers to the amount stretched from the original length or to the length after stretching depends on the specification, so when ordering, confirm the measurement conditions and the required finished dimensions.

• Length before insertion into the product
• Required amount of stretch during use
• Recovery force and recovery speed after stretching
• Thickness or width, and the dimensions of the channel or elastic insertion opening

Main Applications

Round braided elastic is suitable for areas where stretch is needed in narrow openings, such as cuffs, hems, hood openings, around masks, and bag openings. It is also used together with cord stoppers to adjust the fit of openings.

Flat braided elastic is used for narrow gathers and around the waist of lightweight garments. However, in areas where high holding power is required, flat elastic webbing or woven elastic with different widths, thicknesses, and structures may also be compared.

Selection and Handling Notes

When selecting, test not only the stretch required for the application but also the recovery after repeated stretching, ease of insertion during sewing, and the feel when in contact with skin. If it is sewn in place, stretching performance may decrease depending on the needle position and sewing method that damage the elastic yarn.

Elastic yarn can deteriorate due to heat, ultraviolet light, sweat and sebum, detergent ingredients, and aging, leading to overstretching or hardening. Washing and drying conditions should be set according to the materials and accessories of the entire product, not just the braided elastic itself, and excessive heat should be avoided.

Frequently Asked Questions