...and what elastic to choose for your waistband.
Elastic waist garments don’t always get the credit they deserve.
Often dismissed as purely a comfort feature, the humble elastic waistband is actually a surprisingly thoughtful design choice—particularly when it comes to sustainability.
Sewing patterns featuring elastic waists offer a flexible fit that adapts as our bodies naturally fluctuate. When clothes are comfortable and adaptable, we tend to wear them more often. And the more we fill our wardrobes with garments we truly love and reach for again and again, the fewer new clothes we actually feel the need to buy or make.
This also allows us to invest in better quality fabrics and trims, creating garments that naturally last longer—another important win for the planet.
Until recently, elastic waist garments almost always relied on synthetic elastics. These can stretch out when sewn, melt or distort under high heat when ironing, and once they lose their stretch there’s no real way to dispose of them responsibly.
They are also fully reliant on non-renewable resources and produced using chemical processes that may leave residues in the final product (without testing or certifications it's impossible to know if that's the case).
But now there is a better alternative.
Charle Premium Haberdashery spent years developing 100% natural, biodegradable elastics using natural rubber, GOTS certified organic cotton and Tencel™ fibres.
Rubber is naturally strong and heat resistant (it is used to make tyres after all), so it can tolerate high ironing temperatures and being sewn through on the machine. The organic cotton and Tencel™ fibres used are biodegradable and Oeko-Tex certified, meaning they are safer for both people and the planet.
At the end of their life these elastics can be returned to the soil, where they can break down and become nutrients for other living organisms—something conventional synthetic elastics simply can’t offer.
If you're planning an elastic waist garment, choosing the right elastic can make all the difference to comfort, durability and performance.
All of the elastics we recommend for waistbands are woven, which makes them sturdy and resistant to rolling.
When you find an elastic you love, we recommend stocking up so that you always have it handy in your sewing kit. This makes it far less likely you'll make a last-minute panic purchase of a synthetic elastic when you need something urgently. We also offer volume discounts to support you in creating your always-ready plastic-free toolkit.
A Note on Sewing Patterns
Patterns are often drafted with a specific elastic width in mind, but that doesn’t mean you’re locked into it.
Altering a pattern to accommodate a different elastic width is usually very simple, and it gives you the freedom to choose the elastic that suits your personal preference—whether that’s for comfort, fit or the look of the finished garment.
Choosing the Right Elastic
25MM STRONG
Often used in patterns for casual trousers, shorts and skirts. Not too wide and not too narrow, this elastics sit beautifully in between. Slightly firmer due to its higher rubber content, it is great for a more secure waistband in mid to heavy weight fabrics.
25MM LIGHT TENCEL™
A beautifully soft and smooth elastic made of Tencel™ Lyocell and natural rubber, it is perfect for light or delicate fabrics such as batiste, poplin, voile or silk. It is particularly suited for garments that come into contact with sensitive skin such as the waistband of underwear and briefs.
Available in White.
28MM LIGHT
Another very versatile elastic, this is our most popular style. With a slightly lower rubber content than the 25mm it has a lighter feel and is perfect for light to medium weight fabrics.
40MM LIGHT
A soft and versatile waistband elastic, perfect for most trousers, shorts and skirts made with light to medium weight fabrics.
40MM STRONG
Our firmest elastic option. Ideal for more utilitarian style garments or when the waistband needs to support extra weight such as heavier fabrics, large garment volume, pockets or tools.
44MM SEGMENTED
This unique elastic is extremely soft and flexible. With our highest organic cotton content it is particularly comfortable against the skin and ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch around the waist. Recommended for light to medium weight fabrics, pyjamas and lounge wear.
Available in Ecru.
50MM LIGHT
We specially imported this elastic width for our sewing community as it's frequently called for in indie sewing patterns. A versatile and comfortable elastic for skirts, trousers and shorts where a statement waistband is desired. This elastic is similar in strength to our 40mm Light.
Available in Ecru.
BUTTONHOLE
An underused innovation when it comes to creating a flexible waistband.
Usually seen in children’s clothing, this technique can easily be adapted for adult skirts or trousers. By pairing buttonhole elastic with buttons inside the waistband, you can adjust the fit as needed—allowing for different levels of compression depending on the day or situation.
Available in 15mm Ecru and 18mm Black.
A Small Choice That Makes a Big Difference
Elastic waistbands are a great reminder that thoughtful garment design and material choices often go hand in hand.
By choosing better materials such as natural elastics, we can create garments that are comfortable, adaptable and built to last, yet designed to leave no trace.