Narrow fabrics can be defined as any textile fabric which isnot more than 45cm in width with two selvedges (uncut edge of the fabric on theright and left hand sides). Trimming, elastic tapes, lace, ribbon, cording, area few to name. They are used to provide communication links between differentelectronic components of a garment. Narrow fabrics are durable, rot resistant,heat resistant, stretchable, and abrasion resistant. From the mouth wateringSwiss chocolate boxes, to heavily reinforced harnesses used in heavy machinery,and artistic theatrical costume embellishments, these fabrics have versatileapplications in our everyday life. Clothing labels, luggage straps, seatbeltsin cars, and machine belts are also a few other examples for narrow fabric applications.


Materials used for making narrow fabrics:


Many types of materials are used in making these fabrics:


  • Cotton: used as wicks, tapes, webbings, etc.
  • Satin: used for making laces, ribbons, tapes etc. They are generally used for decorative purposes, especially in apparels, and are very luxurious.
  • Velvet: Similar to satin in price, and applications, velvet is used as ribbons, and webbings. They give a classic touch and a look of elegance to the outfit.
  • Nylon: These fabrics are durable in nature. Available in many colors and textures, they are used for making tapes, straps, etc which have a wide range of industrial applications.
  • Fiber glass: They are generally used for making wicks. These fabrics are popular due to their chemical properties.
  • Beads: Trims and fringes made of tiny and shining beads of various colors and shapes are now getting popular.


Forms of narrow fabrics:

  1. Labels: Labels are generally used to identify a product. Small pieces of cloth are attached to identify its owner, country, usage, maintenance etc.

    Types of labels:
    • PVC Rubber labels: used on shoes, apparels, handbags, hats etc to enhance their appearance.
    • Leather labels: used as stylish labels in jeans, jackets etc.
  2. Braids: Three or more strands are interwoven to form a braid. It is a rope like structure with a diagonally overlapping pattern. Braids have significant industrial applications, than consumer fabrics. With increasing applications, braiding is one of the major fabrications for industries.
  3. Elastics: Used in waist bands, gloves, suspenders, bra straps, silicon bras, etc. These tapes are suitable for manufacturing underwear, swimwear, sportswear, hats, socks lingerie etc. They are soft, and slim.
  4. Reflective tapes: They are used as brand logos for garments, footwear and bags. Heat transfer and pressure sensitive nature.

Industry Applications:


Narrow fabrics are generally used for decorative purposes. They have a wide variety of home and industrial applications. A broad range of straps and webs with specialist performance functions are made.


  • Garment industry: Maximum usage of narrow fabrics is seen in the garment industry. Safety vests, sports bags/luggage, pet collars/leashes, backpacks, golf cart bag holders, horse halters, athletic equipment, camping equipment, and shoelaces are a few to name.
  • Automotive industry: In the automobile segment, narrow fabrics find its way in making carrier racks, and child restraints.
  • Medical: In the medical field, this fabric is used for making non-elastic straps.
  • Marine: In marine industry, narrow fabrics are used in boat tops, cushions, curtains.


Apart from this, these fabrics are also used for specialty Purposes (elastic and non-elastic), transportation, safety (belts, harnesses), sports, and bags (disposal, duffel, promotional, ski, tote).


Lucrative Applications in Technical Textiles:


Many industries see technical textile sector having strategic significance in existing and future markets. Technical textiles are becoming increasing essential in a wide range of applications. Narrow fabrics find a wide range of applications in this sector. In the area of technical textiles alone, 14 specific areas are identified where narrow fabrics can be used. The value of narrow fabrics in technical textiles is estimated to be around US$ 2.4 billion in 2005. Industry analysts predict a 3.6% year on year growth for these fabrics till 2010.


Textile industry is quickly evolving, and is a right place of aspirations and innovations. Customer expectations of the products are rising all the time. Narrow fabrics are commercially successful in textile sector. In this world, textile and garment industry has been thriving for ages, and innovation needs to be redefined, in the right perspective, to satisfy the needs of the competent industry.


References:


1)       Narrow Fabrics, Pradeep Ahire, Textile Excellence, April 16-30, 2009.

2)       &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(1878)%>" target="_blank">http://www.narrow-fabrics-manufacturers.com/

3)       &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(1878)%>" target="_blank">http://www.technical-textiles.net