Elastic

Elastic is expandable sewing material use as closure in garment. Elastic has two functions: to expand when stretch and to recover to its original size when released.

Elastics, which are produced in varied amount of elasticity, must be suited to the size of the opening needed and the tightness of fit expected.


1. Material
Fiber content is major factor in the longevity, stretch, performance, and care of elastic. Rubber and spandex are used to make elastic.

2. Elastic type
Different types of elastics are used in apparel

i. Elastomeric film
Elastomeric film is elastomeric fiber extruded as a film sheet is split into strands in varied width. Elastomeric film is flexible, highly expandable, light weight, and inexpensive to use. It is frequently used to support the stretch and recovery of seams and to provide support and shaping to edges of garments.

ii. Braided elastic
Braided elastics are produced by interlacing yarns diagonally in a form of plating. It is either narrow flat tape or tube familiar as shoelace. Braided elastics usually have a high degree of stretch but become narrower as stretched. Braided elastics, which may be called tunnel elastic because they are widely used in casings, have high degree of stretch and are often used on children’s wears.

iii. Woven elastic
Woven elastics are narrow width fabric of elastic thread or yarn commonly consists of an elastomeric core wrapped with cotton or acetate. Woven elastics are heavier than knitted and braided elastics and have more width stability, better rigidity to fold over, and more holding power because the elastomer is easier to control. Woven elastic may be plain, satin or novelty variation such as jacquard, plash etc.

iv. Knit elastic
Knit elastic are produced on warp knitting machine with individual needles fed by separate yarns. Yarns are knitted around the elastomers to hold them in place vertically and horizontally. This provides vertical elongation and horizontal stability, and unlike braided elastic it does not allow the elastic to become narrower when stretched.

3. Elastic application

i. Exposed elastic
Exposed elastic applications are often used at the waist line of under wear and lingerie. Exposed elastic is applied to the outside or inside of a garment and is not covered by a casing or cover stitch. It has direct contact with the body or other garments which may limit its durability and aesthetic appeal.

ii. Enclosed elastic
Enclosed elastic applications are concealed by a fabric casing or covered-stitches. Elastic used in casings are often referred to as insert elastic or commodity elastic. A casings are fabric or thread channel that completely encase elastic so that it is not visible or in contact with the body. Enclosed elastic may be more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing because the elastic is covered or concealed. Enclosed elastics also be more durable because the elastic is covered and protected from the contact with the body or other parts of garment.