Elastic Sizes: A Width Guide
Which elastic sizes to use — from 3 mm baby elastic to 80 mm waistbands.
Elastic is measured by width, from about 3 mm to 80 mm. As a rule: 3–6 mm for baby clothes and fine lingerie, 8–12 mm for sleeves and light gathers, 15–25 mm for skirts and loungewear, 30–50 mm for trouser and skirt waistbands, and 50–80 mm for sportswear and outerwear. Wider means a firmer hold.
We weave elastic from 3 mm up to 80 mm in Bağcılar, Istanbul, so width is usually the first thing we ask about. The right width balances firm hold against comfort. All Tekiş elastic is produced under OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (No: 2019OK0492), down to fine baby widths.
How is elastic measured?
Elastic is specified by its width — the flat dimension across the band — usually in millimetres. Width is the spec that decides how firm the hold is and how the band sits, so it is the place to start. Construction (woven, knitted, braided) and color follow.
Elastic sizes width guide by application
| Width | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 3–4 mm | Baby clothes, fine lingerie, craft |
| 5–6 mm | Lingerie, light cuffs, mask loops |
| 8–10 mm | Sleeves, cuffs, light gathers |
| 12–15 mm | Children’s wear, light waist gathers |
| 20–25 mm | Skirts, pyjamas, loungewear |
| 30–40 mm | Trouser & skirt waistbands |
| 50–80 mm | Sportswear, outerwear, shapewear bands |
Which elastic width for a waistband?
For most trouser and skirt waistbands, 30–50 mm is the sweet spot — wide enough to hold without digging in. Use a woven elastic so the band keeps its width and does not roll; see Elastic Types for why woven holds flat.