If you are looking for the best lingerie elastic to fit your project look no further. In this article we will discuss all types of elastic that are relevant to sewing lingerie. I will give you an in depth look into the specific use of each elastic for lingerie, characteristics of each type of lingerie elastic and where you can find your perfect lingerie elastic.
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What Types of Elastic are Used for Sewing Lingerie?
There are several types of elastics used in sewing lingerie. We will cover nine types of elastic used in lingerie. This list includes:
- Picot Elastic
- Fold Over Elastic
- Bra Strap Elastic
- Band Elastic
- Knit Elastic
- Braided Elastic
- Wide Band Knit Elastic
- Clear Elastic
- Drawstring Elastic
You will see that some of these elastics are more popular than others such as picot elastic, fold over elastic, bra strap elastic and band elastic. This is great news for you as a budding lingerie maker because now there are several online retailers that carry a wide variety of elastics for you to choose from. Before you make your choice, let’s take a closer look at each elastic and find the right one for you and your project.
A Comprehensive Guide to Elastics for Sewing Lingerie
Picot Elastic:
Picot elastic is a narrow elastic with a decorative edge used in lingerie for garments such as bras and underwear. It can be used in other types of clothing or crafts as well. Picot elastic can come in a variety of decorative edges but typically will have a single looped edge that looks similar to a scallop design. Picot elastic comes in a variety of widths including ¼”, ⅜”, ½”, ¾”. Not only does picot elastic come in a variety of decorative edges but it also comes in a variety of colors and weights. If you are purchasing a more unique decorative edge elastic be sure to test the stretch as the elastic may have more or less weight than your standard picot elastic. Having an elastic that is too heavy or too thin can distort your lingerie project.
Common Uses of Picot Elastic: Lingerie including bras, underwear, and nightwear. It is also great for pajamas, as a decorative element of tops and dresses and for craft projects.
Quick Reference for Picot Elastic: Decorative/Scalloped edge, narrow, widths from ¼” to ¾”, variety of colors and weights, perfect for lingerie
Top Picks for Picot Elastic from Etsy.com
Top Picks for Picot Elastic from Amazon.com
Want to learn more? Check out my tutorial on How to Sew Picot Elastic.
Fold Over Elastic
Fold Over Elastic is a strong elastic that has a ridge in the center where it is meant to be folded in half. This type of elastic has one soft plush side which is often matte or suede-like in appearance. This side lays on the skin or is folded over and is considered the “wrong side”. The other side, which is considered the “right” side is typically shiny or decorative as this is the side that is typically exposed. You can use either the matte side or shiny side as the “right” side depending on what look you are going for. Fold Over Elastic comes in a variety of widths. The most common fold over elastic widths include ½”, ⅝”, 3/4″, 1”, 1 ½”. It even comes in sizes as small as ¼”, 3/16”, and ⅜”. The size you choose depends on the garment you are sewing.
Common Uses of Fold Over Elastic: Lingerie including bras, underwear, and nightwear. It is also great for athletic apparel and any other stretch garment that needs edge finishing like a camisole.
Quick Reference for Fold Over Elastic: Elastic that is meant to fold in half, Shiny side and matte side, widths of 3/16”, ¼”, ⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, ¾”, 1”, 1 ½”.
Top Picks for Fold Over Elastic from Etsy.com
Top Picks for Fold Over Elastic from Amazon.com
Want to learn more? Check out my tutorial on How to Sew Fold Over Elastic.
Bra Strap Elastic
Bra strap elastic is high quality elastic with minimal stretch and good recovery. Bra straps should be strong in order to properly hold up the breasts but still allow them some natural movement and breath-ability within the bra. The standard width for bra straps is ½” but many retailers offer a variety of widths. Bra straps can be found in ¼”, ⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, ¾” and even up to 2” width. Bra Strap Elastic comes in a few varieties including plush/plush back elastic (most common), satin finish, matte finish, and decorative finish which can include lace designs, pleating, ruffles and borders. The wrong side of this elastic is typically a matte plush finish.
Common uses for Bra Strap Elastic: Bras
Quick reference for Bra Straps: Minimal stretch, good recovery, standard width is ½” but can range from ¼” to 2”, multiple finishes.
Top Picks for Bra Strap Elastic on Etsy.com
Tops Picks for Bra Strap Elastic on Amazon.com
Want to learn more? Check out my tutorials on How to Sew Adjustable Bra Straps and How to Sew a Bra Strap onto a Bra
Band Elastic
Band elastic is very similar to bra strap elastic and picot elastic in that it is a stable elastic with a subtle decorative edge. It is typically used on the top and lower band of the bra and is great for waistbands and leg openings. Band Elastic has one plush side which is considered the wrong side and should lie against the skin for comfort and ease. Band Elastic comes in several widths from ⅜” to more than 2”.
Common Uses Band Elastic: Lingerie including bras and underwear
Quick Reference for Band Elastic: Stable with decorative elements, several widths including ⅜” and up about 2”
Top Picks for Band Elastic on Etsy.com
Top Pick for Band Elastic on Amazon.com
Knit Elastic
Knit Elastic is a very versatile elastic that is soft to the touch but sturdy in construction known to retain its width when stretched. It is found in a variety of garments but it is commonly inserted into casing as a waistband for lightweight pants such as pajamas. It can also be sewn directly to the fabric instead of in casing. It comes in a variety of widths from ¼” to several inches. You can find really thick knit elastic which we discuss below as a separate category. Knit elastic is great for sewing because you can pierce the elastic with your sewing needle and it will not distort the elastic.
Common Uses for Knit Elastic: Lingerie including bras, underwear and nightwear, swimwear, athletic wear, dance wear and other lightweight garments such as lightweight tops and dresses.
Quick Reference for Knit Elastic: Sturdy, retains width, commonly used in a waistband casing, widths vary from ¼” and up
Top Picks for Knit Elastic on Etsy.com
Top Picks for Knit Elastic on Amazon.com
Braided Elastic
Braided Elastic is a traditional no frills elastic that is characterized by horizontal parallel ribs. It narrows when it is stretched out especially if it has been sewn or pierced by a needle or pin. This lessens the overall strength and durability which makes it less ideal for waistbands and leg openings. It is also prone to rolling in areas that require more grip such as a waistband. Instead, it is recommended for casing such as a neckline and sleeve hems where minimal stretch and movement is needed. You can find braided elastic in widths as small as ⅛”, ¼”, ⅜” ½”, ¾”, 1”, 2”, 3”, 4” and larger.
Common Uses for Braided Elastic: Lingerie specifically for underwear waistbands or on nightwear for sleeve hems or necklines for blouses and dresses.
Quick Reference for Braided Elastic: Horizontal parallel ribs, narrows when stretched, prone to rolling in areas that need more grip, use on areas that need minimal grip, available in widths of ⅛”, ¼”, ⅜” ½”, ¾”, 1”, 2”, 3”, 4” and larger.
Top Picks for Braided Elastic on Etsy.com
Top Picks for Braided Elastic on Amazon.com
Wide Band Knit Elastic
Wide Band Knit Elastic is a sturdy yet fashionable knit elastic but it is used more for style as it is often sewn directly to the garment and is visible as a waistband. It can be sewn cased into a waistband but you likely have noticed the trend where there is a brand name printed on the elastic band then it is sewn onto underwear or athletic wear as a style component. This is a popular elastic for garments that require a lot of stretch because it maintains width when stretched. You can find wide band knit elastic in several widths including 1 1/2″, 2”, 3”, 4” and 5”.
Common Uses of Wide Band Knit Elastic: Used on the bottom of a sports bra band, that top of underwear or leggings and other compression garments.
Quick Reference for Wide Band Knit Elastic: Sturdy, can be sewn directly to fabric or cased into the waistband, maintains width when stretched, several widths including 1 1/2″, 2”, 3”, 4” and 5”.
Top Picks for Wide Band Knit Elastic on Etsy.com
Top Picks for Wide Band Knit Elastic on Amazon.com
Clear Elastic
Clear Elastic is very common in lingerie and swimwear because it has good stretch and recovery and it is easily concealed. This thin lightweight elastic can stretch 3 to 4 times its length and is comfortable against the body. You can use it as a stay tape as well to stabilize fabrics with lots of stretch in areas such as the neckline, shoulder and other areas of a garment that stretch easily. Clear elastic comes in ⅜” width and is made of elastane or silicone
Common Uses for Clear Elastic: Knit garments that need to be stabilized, garments that have gathers, lingerie, swimwear, blouses, dresses, skirts
Quick Reference for Clear Elastic: Clear and concealable, stretches 3 to 4 times its length, comfortable against the skin, can act as stay tape, width of ⅜” but can be cut to a narrower width
Top Pick for Clear Elastic on Etsy.com
Top Pick for Clear Elastic on Amazon.com
Drawstring Elastic
Drawstring elastic is a sturdy elastic designed with a drawstring inside. It is meant to be used as a waistband for sportswear or pajamas. This elastic maintains stretch and has good recovery so it is perfect for long-term use. There are several ways to sew this type of elastic to maintain comfort and style including as a hidden waistband or an exposed waistband. It’s typically made out of polyester and rubber. It comes in a few different widths including the most common 1 ¼”, 1 ½” and 2”.
Common Uses for Drawstring Elastic: Sportswear bottoms, sweat pants, pajamas, night shorts, loose dresses and tops
Quick Reference for Drawstring Elastic: Elastic with a drawstring inside, sturdy, long-term use, widths include 1 ¼”, 1 ½” and 2”
Top Picks for Drawstring Elastic on Etsy.com
Top Picks for Drawstring Elastic on Amazon.com
Conclusion
As you can see, many elastics are used in sewing lingerie. There are common lingerie elastics like picot and bra strap elastic but it is fun to expand your skills and learn to sew lingerie with a variety of elastics. You just might surprise yourself and find a new favorite!
Happy Sewing!
