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Bengaline

What is Bengaline?

Bengaline is a woven fabric with a characteristic crosswise rib effect. Traditionally, this rib structure was created by combining different yarn types, but modern Bengaline is often made from blends such as viscose, polyester, nylon and elastane. The elastane content gives the fabric its comfortable stretch and recovery.

Unlike knitted stretch fabrics, Bengaline keeps a more structured and tailored appearance. This makes it ideal for garments that need to follow the body without losing shape. Bengaline is often used in fashion for trousers, pencil skirts, fitted dresses and workwear pieces where comfort, stretch and structure are equally important.

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Specifications

  • Construction Woven fabric with crosswise rib structure
  • Composition Often viscose / polyester / nylon blend with elastane
  • Fabric weight Within the Nooteboom Textiles range, we mainly see Bengaline around 225–270 g/m²
  • Stretch Good stretch, usually widthwise; more recovery when elastane is added
  • Abbreviations CV = viscose, PES = polyester, PA = polyamide / nylon, EL = elastane
  • Appearance Smooth, firm, slightly ribbed, polished and structured

What are the properties of Bengaline?

Bengaline is characterised by fine ribs running across the width of the fabric. Its woven construction gives it more stability than jersey, while elastane in many modern qualities provides additional stretch and recovery. Viscose contributes softness, while polyamide or polyester can improve strength and dimensional stability. The exact balance between structure, flexibility and surface appearance depends on the fibre blend and construction.

How does Bengaline feel?

Bengaline usually feels firm, compact and smooth with a subtle ribbed texture. It has more body than a fluid woven fabric but can still feel flexible when elastane is included.

Viscose-rich qualities tend to feel softer, while polyamide or polyester can make the surface feel slightly more stable and resilient. The result is a fabric that generally holds a clean silhouette without feeling rigid.


Applications

  • Slim-fit trousers and stretch trousers
  • Pencil skirts and fitted skirts
  • Dresses and fitted garments
  • Blazers and casual jackets
  • Office wear and uniforms
  • Workwear with stretch
  • Comfortable formalwear

Care Instructions

Washable at 30°C on a delicate programme, depending on the composition. Wash inside out to protect the surface and preserve colour. Do not bleach. Avoid high-temperature tumble drying, as elastane can be damaged by heat. Iron on the inside at low to medium temperature if needed.

Certifications

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 may be available depending on the specific article. For workwear, uniforms or children’s clothing, always check the certification and technical requirements per fabric.

Practical Tip

Use Bengaline for garments that need a clean, tailored look with extra comfort. Always pay attention to the direction of the stretch when cutting pattern pieces, as most Bengaline fabrics stretch mainly across the width. This helps ensure the best fit and wearing comfort.

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Written by

Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

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