What Is Webbing? Woven Tape Explained
What webbing is, the materials and weaves we run, and how to specify it for bags, straps and pet gear.
Webbing is a strong, flat woven tape — narrow fabric woven from synthetic or natural yarns, with no rubber, so it does not stretch. Polyester and nylon are the most common materials. It is specified by width, material and breaking strength, and is used wherever a load-bearing strap is needed.
We weave webbing in Bağcılar, Istanbul, and have done since 1996. “Webbing” and “woven tape” describe the same thing — a load-bearing woven strip — and this guide explains what it is, what it is made of, and how to specify it. All Tekiş webbing is produced under OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (No: 2019OK0492).
What is webbing?
Webbing is a flat, narrow woven fabric built for strength. Yarns are interlaced as warp and weft on a narrow loom, giving a dense strip that carries load without stretching. It is the strap you see on backpacks, seatbelts, pet collars and cargo gear.
The easiest way to understand webbing is by contrast with the two other narrow tapes we make:
| Tape | Stretches? | Typical material | Main job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webbing | No — load-bearing | Polyester, nylon, PP | Straps, collars, belts |
| Elastic | Yes — has rubber core | PES/PA + rubber | Fit, gathers, waistbands |
| Ribbon | No — decorative | Satin, grosgrain | Trim, finishing, branding |
What is webbing made of?
Most webbing is woven from polyester (UV-stable, low stretch, the all-round default), nylon (the strongest and most abrasion-resistant, but absorbs water), polypropylene (light, low-cost, floats, weaker in UV) or cotton (soft and natural, lower strength). The right fibre depends on load, environment and feel — we cover the trade-offs in detail in our Webbing Materials guide.
What is webbing used for?
- Bags & luggage — backpack straps, handles, cargo tie-downs.
- Pet gear — collars and leashes (see choosing dog collar webbing).
- Apparel & belts — belts, overalls, technical garments.
- Outdoor & industrial — harnesses, slings, lifting and load applications.
How is webbing specified?
Three things define a webbing order: width (commonly 10–100 mm, with 25, 38 and 50 mm the most requested), material (polyester, nylon, PP or cotton) and breaking strength (stated in daN or kg for load-bearing uses). Add color and any printing or jacquard branding. We weave custom widths and colors with private label.