Cuff fabric is a knitted stretch fabric used to finish garment edges. It is commonly used for cuffs, waistbands, neckbands and sleeve hems where the fabric needs to stretch and recover. The ribbed structure helps the fabric sit neatly around the body without feeling too rigid.
Cuff fabric is usually more elastic and compact than standard jersey. It is selected for functional finishing, but it can also add texture or colour contrast to a garment.
Cuff fabric is usually based on a rib knit, in which alternating knit and purl columns create visible vertical ribs. This construction provides considerably more crosswise elasticity than many regular jersey constructions and is therefore particularly useful for fitted garment edges. Elastane can further improve recovery, helping the cuff return towards its original dimensions after stretching. The compact knitted structure also gives cuff fabric enough body to stabilise openings without making them rigid.
Cuff fabric usually feels soft, compact and noticeably elastic. The ribs create a lightly structured surface, while the knitted construction allows the fabric to flex easily around wrists, waists and necklines.
Cotton-rich qualities have a soft, familiar hand feel, while elastane gives the fabric a firmer sense of recovery. Wider or heavier rib constructions can feel more substantial than standard fine-rib cuff fabric.
