ECI Elastic, a Taiwan-based narrow fabrics and elastic tape manufacturer with more than five decades of industry experience, has launched a double-layer hollow woven tape – a new narrow fabric engineered with an integral tubular structure that creates usable storage space inside the tape itself. Developed for activewear, footwear, and functional apparel applications, the tape uses a specialized double-layer weaving process that forms a continuous tunnel-shaped cavity within a flat, lightweight body. The result is a narrow fabric incorporating an internal storage channel while maintaining a flat profile.
Small personal items such as locker keys, access cards, or towels often require separate pockets or attachment systems in performance apparel. ECI developed the double-layer hollow woven tape to integrate storage directly into the narrow fabric. Unlike single-layer tape, the product is woven as a single double-layer piece. It forms a continuous internal channel within a flat woven structure.
According to ECI, it is suitable for multiple categories with potential applications including: fitness apparel; running apparel; technical outerwear; bags and accessories. When it comes to its durability, it is woven from high-tenacity fibers, designed to maintain structural performance after repeated use.
It is skin-friendly and comfortable, with its smooth-finished edges being designed for applications involving skin contact. Highly customizable, its width and elasticity can be adjusted to brand requirements, with the option to add an anti-slip strip on the inner layer. Moreover, its recycled content can be verified through GRS chain-of-custody documentation.
For brands with recycled-content or circular-design programs, the double-layer hollow woven tape is available in recycled polyester made from post-consumer sources. This version can be supplied as GRS certified, allowing the recycled content to be verified and traced through the supply chain. GRS certification is held across ECI’s manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, Vietnam, and China, so brands can source the certified tape from the location that fits their sourcing strategy. As with all ECI sustainability options, recycled-content claims can be confirmed against the applicable certificate scope before use in brand communications.
“This product reflects how we think about narrow fabrics, small components that can provide additional functionality when the structure is designed with intent,” said Haster Li, senior R&D director. “Since 1974, our philosophy has been simple: pursue flexibility, and build everything with sincerity. The double-layer hollow woven tape is a natural extension of that craftsmanship and our vertically integrated development capability.”
ECI supplies elastic tapes, webbing, binding tapes, drawcords, and related trims to global apparel, activewear, footwear, and intimate apparel brands from its facilities across Taiwan, Vietnam, and China. Its vertically integrated model gives it control over development from yarn through weaving, finishing, and quality assurance.
