Choosing the Right Webbing Material

Cotton Webbing

Cotton webbing is great to use for items that will be touched often because it is very soft on the skin. Cotton webbing feels like cotton clothing, just woven in a different style. Webbing made from cotton is also water absorbent and doesn’t generate a lot of static electricity. While cotton webbing feels softer than other types of webbing, it isn’t quite as strong. Because it is easier to sew, cotton webbing is great for using to make clothing accessories or bags.
 

Nylon Webbing

Nylon is going to be the strongest material your webbing can be made of. A 1 to 1 ½ inch strap can pull 4,200 to 5,500 pounds without breaking. This type of webbing also has a smooth, shiny texture and feel. Nylon webbing can easily be treated to make it water resistant and flame retardant. If you are using webbing for hard, outdoor work, these are features that you will probably want in your webbing. Nylon webbing is typically used for climbing, parachuting, dog care accessories, and other activities like this.

Polypropylene Webbing

Some of the advantages to using polypropylene webbing is that is it waterproof, mildew resistant, and UV resistant.This type of webbing is also stretch resistant--even in water. Polypropylene is a great choice for harnesses, pet leashes or collars, luggage, boat rigging, and so much more. It is slightly less strong than nylon but can still get many of the same jobs done successfully. Webbing made of polypropylene is very easy to clean, making it a great choice to use for children’s items or medical equipment. While all three types of webbing are strong and reliable, consider what other features you are looking for in the your webbing. Whether you need webbing for straps, belts, tape, bags, harnesses, dog leashes, or any other item, make sure you are selecting the material that will be most beneficial to your cause.