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If you’re like me, you like making clothes with comfortable waists. You might wonder which is the best elastic for waistbands.
Well, “rubberband” midsections are easier on the gut, and I like knit, sports, and woven elastics. So I’ll tell you about those, and also mention the one I don’t use.
So without much ado, let’s discuss my favorites to put in skirts, pants, and shorts.
1. Knit Elastic
This is my preferred type of elastic around the waistband. Knit elastic has loops when looking closely. It’s soft, flexible, and versatile.
Knit elastic is very comfortable around the waist, and I especially use it for casings in loungewear, skirts, shorts, and pants. You can use it with light to medium-weight fabrics such as rayon, cotton, light denim, and knits.
Anything heavier might not hold… but wait… There are different strengths of knit elastic.
Dritz also has a “heavy stretch” waistband elastic. It can be used with heavier fabrics and comes in a thicker width.
There’s also soft waistband elastic, which has a nice finish and easy stretch. You can wear this directly on the skin and don’t need to put it in a casing. I’m telling you, this is so soft, much softer than the fabric I usually sew with.
Once you start using different brands, you might notice the difference in stretch. I purchased the Dritz knit elastic and love using this in my shorts.
I also purchased a roll of knit elastic online, and it was more stretchy than the Dritz brand. And another brand of knit elastic I used was stronger and thicker.
2. Sportswear Elastic
Oh, this is another favorite of mine, and if I could use it in all my garments, I would. Sportswear elastic is very soft and comfortable, and more flexible than standard knit elastic.
This is my go-to elastic because of the comfort level. I use it in casings for lightweight loungewear, skirts, shorts, and pants.
The thing about this elastic is that it needs to be used with lightweight fabric or a garment with negative stretch on the body. The elastic would provide extra support.
It’s not strong enough to hold many of the medium-weight fabrics that I sew with. And it only comes in widths of 1-1/4 inch (1.25 inch) and 1-1/2 inch (1.5 inch).
This elastic has channels on it in which you can stitch on to keep it in place. For example, I think of spandex bike shorts that might have sportswear elastic in the waistband.
3. Woven Elastic
If you need a strong and durable hold, woven elastic is what you want. It has weaves and ribs in it, so it’s not playing around.
This is my choice for waistband elastic when I can’t use knit or sport elastic. Chances are, I’ll go with non-roll woven elastic because of the weight of the fabric.
You can use it with medium to heavyweight fabrics like denim, twill, and corduroy. Knit and sport elastic won’t hold these fabrics well.
Woven elastic won’t stretch like knit elastic, but it’ll stay in place and won’t roll. You have to keep this in mind when fitting the elastic, because it won’t give a soft, comfy stretch like knit or sport elastic.
On my denim mini skirt, I used woven elastic for the back waistband. Note that I fitted it lower than my natural waist because I didn’t want the waistband to put pressure on my stomach.
4. Braided Elastic
Okay, I know I put 3 types of waistband elastics in the title. Well, here’s the fourth I’d like to discuss.
Some people like to use braided elastic in their waistbands. This type of elastic has braids in it when you look closely.
Although you can use it in casings, I don’t use it for waistbands. When stretched, it narrows and isn’t as flexible as knit elastic.
I save this type of elastic for accessories and other uses. But if you prefer this type, I say go for it, but it’s not one I use on my garments.
The waist is a more sensitive part of the body. So you’ll definitely want to test the elastic to make sure you like it!
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