Difference between TPU tape and woven elastic band

Both TPU tape and woven elastic band are common elastic tapes for garment manufacturing. In the realm of garment accessories, elastic bands play a crucial role in providing stretchability and support to various types of clothing. Then what’s the difference between TPU tape and woven elastic band?

1. Composition

TPU elastic tape exclusively composed of TPU material, known for its thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer properties. They boast characteristics such as eco-friendliness, non-toxicity, and have no odor. Woven elastic bands are typically crafted from a blend of polyester and rubber. Unlike TPU tape, woven ones have a more complex composition, often emitting a pungent odor due to inferior rubber materials.

2. Thickness

TPU tape can achieve a thickness as thin as 0.08 millimeters, offering remarkable flexibility and resilience. Woven elastic bands cannot match the thinness of TPU elastic tape due to their construction, which typically results in thicker bands.

3. Appearance

TPU tape usually exhibit a transparent appearance, enabling them to blend seamlessly when sewn onto garments, providing a discreet effect. In contrast, woven elastic bands retain the color of their constituent materials and often require dyeing. While TPU elastic bands can be customized in color, woven ones inherently display the hues of their fabric and rubber components.

4. Elasticity

Narrow and thin TPU tape tend to offer superior elasticity. However, wider and thicker TPU elastic bands may exhibit reduced elasticity. Elasticity in woven bands remains consistent irrespective of their width or thickness, offering reliable stretchability across various dimensions.

5. Application Scenarios

TPU elastic tape find common application in sewing onto the shoulder seams of knitwear, preventing deformation during washing and drying. They are also utilized in swimwear, yoga apparel, and other lightweight, high-stretch garments, prolonging garment lifespan while ensuring wearer comfort. Woven elastic bands are commonly employed in areas of garments that demand higher elasticity, such as waistbands or trouser hems, facilitating ease of wear.