Most elastic sold for sewing contains synthetic fibres and plastic-based components. Our natural elastic is made from 100% plastic-free materials and is fully biodegradable at the end of its life.

Natural elastic is designed to withstand regular wear and washing and, in many applications, performs comparably to conventional synthetic elastic in terms of lifespan.

As with any elastic - natural or synthetic - longevity depends on factors such as the quality of construction, the type of garment it’s used in, and how the finished item is cared for.

For a deeper dive into the durability of natural elastic and tips for extending its lifespan, check out our Natural Elastic Guide.

For most sewing projects, not really. Natural elastic performs the same job as conventional elastic, providing reliable stretch and recovery while being easy to sew with and care for.

Like any elastic, it will gradually lose elasticity over time, but with normal use and proper care it is durable and well suited to everyday garments.

We do recommend pre-washing your elastic before sewing, as the natural fibre components may shrink slightly on the first wash.

Natural elastic offers many of the same practical benefits as conventional elastic, while reducing reliance on synthetic materials. It's a great choice for makers who want to create garments with more thoughtfully sourced components.

Some of the reasons makers choose natural elastic include:

• Fully plastic-free, with no hidden synthetic fibres.
• Biodegradable at the end of its life under the right conditions.
• Reliable stretch and recovery for everyday garment sewing.
• Made by a small, family-run manufacturer in Europe.
• Crafted from carefully selected materials, including Fair Rubber Association certified natural rubber, GOTS certified organic cotton, and TENCEL™ Lyocell.
• Designed to reduce dependence on synthetic materials without compromising everyday performance.

Whether you're sewing a single garment or building a completely plastic-free wardrobe, natural elastic is one more way to make more considered choices.Collapsible row

Natural elastic can be machine washed in cool to warm water. We recommend avoiding excessive heat from hot dryers, as high temperatures can shorten the lifespan of any elastic. Our natural elastic is also suitable for dry cleaning.

As with garments made from natural fibres, less washing is often better. Airing garments between wears is frequently enough to keep them fresh, helping to extend the life of both the fabric and the elastic.

Natural elastic costs more than conventional elastic because the raw materials themselves are more expensive. Rather than relying on low-cost synthetic fibres, Charle elastics are made using carefully selected, premium materials including Fair Rubber Association certified natural rubber, GOTS certified organic cotton, and TENCEL™ Lyocell.

These materials allow the manufacturer to prioritise quality, traceability, and lower environmental impact throughout the supply chain. While the upfront cost is higher than conventional elastic, you're investing in materials that have been sourced with greater consideration for both people and the planet.

We believe the true cost of a product isn't just what you pay at checkout, but how it's made, what it's made from, and the impact it has over its lifetime.

Yes, all our elastics contain latex aka natural rubber.

Choosing the right elastic can make all the difference to the fit and feel of your finished garment. Charle elastics are available in a range of widths, strengths and fibre compositions, making it easy to find the right option for your project.

Each product page includes detailed information about the elastic's characteristics, recommended uses and level of stretch to help you choose with confidence.

If you're sewing a waistband, our guide to choosing the right elastic is a great place to start.

And if you're still unsure, just get in touch - we're always happy to help you find the best option for your project.