Elastic bands utilize elastic fibers (such as rubber) wrapped in yarn and then braided or knitted together to create a strong, tensile force when stretched, yet return to their original shape when the pressure is released.

The elasticity and durability of elastic bands vary depending on the braid structure.

Elastic Band Structure and Principle

Core Elastic Material: The elasticity of elastic bands primarily comes from the rubber or other elastic fibers within them.

External Yarn Covering: These elastic fibers are covered with yarns such as polyester, cotton, or nylon to form a complete webbing.

Weaving/Knitting Methods: The yarns covered with rubber filaments are interwoven using various weaving or knitting methods to create elastic bands with elastic properties.

Elastic Recovery: When the elastic band is stretched, the elastic fibers are stretched. When the force is removed, the elastic fibers' elastic force causes them to return to their original length, which is how the elastic band can contract.

Different Types of Elastic Band Constructions

Knitted Elastic: This band is woven using a warp-in-weft knitting method, where the warp threads form a braided chain, and the weft threads connect the chains, with the rubber filaments encased within the chain. This type of elastic band typically has a loose, soft texture and long-lasting elasticity.

Woven Elastic: Also known as Spindle-Woven Elastic, this band uses longitudinal warp threads to enclose the rubber filaments in a figure-8 pattern. The disadvantages of this type of elastic are that it tends to roll and lose its elasticity after processing and sewing. However, it is suitable for applications requiring a narrower width, such as cuffs or collars.

Woven elastic: This is another common type of elastic.

Functions and Features of Elastic Bands

Elasticity: Stretch and return to their original shape, maintaining product tightness and comfort.

Security and Support: Provides a secure fit on various fabrics, preventing loosening.

Durability: Offers excellent abrasion and weather resistance, suitable for use in various environments.

Processability: Easy to cut, sew, and secure, facilitating the manufacture of a variety of products.

Elastic bands have a wide range of applications, including apparel (such as underwear, pants, cuffs, and sock cuffs), medical applications (such as bandages and support bands), household products (such as bed sheets and sofa covers), and industrial and craft applications (such as drawstrings and bindings). They provide fit, fixation, comfort, and support in these applications.

Major Applications

Apparel:

Underwear: Used at the waist and sides of bras and panties to improve the fit.

Pants: Used at the waistband and cuffs for easy donning and doffing, and for secure fit.

Sportswear: Used at the cuffs and cuffs to prevent slippage and enhance mobility.

Children's and infants' clothing: Used at waists and cuffs to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

Other: Used at the brim of hats, sock cuffs, and the wrists of gloves to adjust the size or enhance the fit.

Medical:

Bandages and support bands: Provide elastic fixation and support in medical applications.

Surgical gowns: Used at the cuffs or cuffs of surgical gowns.

Home Furnishings:

Bedsheets and Sofa Covers: Provides secure and aesthetically pleasing fastening.

Industrial and Crafting:

Industrial Binding: Used for securing and bundling various items.

Crafting Applications: For example, creating drawstring pencil cases for attaching notebooks, or as decorative and functional accessories.