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.

Specifications

Construction Woven fabric with crosswise rib structure
Composition Often viscose/polyester/nylon blend with elastane
Fabric weight Medium, commonly around 200–300 g/m² depending on quality
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

Bengaline

Bengaline is a firm, stretchy woven fabric with a subtle ribbed structure and a smooth, polished appearance. It is known for its comfortable stretch, good shape retention and elegant look, making it especially suitable for trousers, skirts, dresses and fitted garments. The fabric offers more structure than jersey, while still providing enough flexibility for comfortable everyday wear.

One of the main advantages of Bengaline is its combination of stability and stretch. It creates a clean, tailored silhouette without feeling stiff, which makes it popular for slim-fit trousers, office wear, uniforms and smart casual collections. Because the fabric holds its shape well, it is a strong choice for garments that need both comfort and a neat, professional finish.

Go to Bengaline collection

Applications

Slim-fit trousers and stretch trousers
Pencil skirts and fitted skirts
Dresses and fitted garments
Blazers and smart 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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posted on
03/06/2026