Elastic (notion)

High-quality elastic is able to be stretched to twice its original length and then return to its unflexed state without showing appreciable wear.

Stitching or piercing this kind of elastic causes it to quickly lose its ability to return to its original shape (a ball-point sewing needle will minimize this damage).

It does not narrow when stretched, and piercing it with a needle does not affect its ability to return to its original shape.

The most common elastics, however, are made from latex-based rubber and polyester fibers— these forms tend to hold up well to being worn and washed regularly.

Other elastics are made with cotton, which tends to shrink slightly after being worn and washed but is very versatile and is an all-natural alternative to man-made fibers.