Webbing is one of those products that appears in far more places than you might realise. From rucksack straps and bags to boat covers, tie-downs and outdoor equipment, it provides a simple way to create strong straps, handles, loops and adjustable fastening systems.

But when you start looking for webbing, you’ll quickly find there’s more than one type to choose from.

Polypropylene, polyester or nylon? 20mm or 25mm? Traditional weave or herringbone? And which buckles and fittings will actually work with it?

In this guide, we’ll explain the main types of webbing and what to consider when choosing the right one for your project.

What is webbing used for?

Webbing is a strong woven material commonly used anywhere a strap, loop or adjustable fastening is needed.

Typical applications include rucksacks and bags, luggage straps, camera and binocular straps, outdoor equipment, marine applications, tie-downs and roof-rack straps.

It can be sewn directly onto fabric or combined with buckles, adjusters, D-rings and other fittings to create an adjustable fastening system.

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is the width.

What width webbing do I need?

Webbing comes in a wide range of widths, from narrow options of around 12mm through to much wider webbing of 100mm or more.

For many general-purpose projects, widths such as 20mm, 25mm, 40mm and 50mm are particularly common.

The important thing to remember is that webbing is generally sold by its nominal width.

That means a piece of 25mm webbing may not measure precisely 25mm across. Small manufacturing tolerances are normal. More importantly, webbing sold as 25mm is intended to work with fittings designed for 25mm webbing.

So, if you’re buying webbing and buckles together, match their stated sizes rather than worrying about tiny differences in the physical measurement.

Polypropylene, polyester or nylon webbing?

The material the webbing is made from can affect its strength, feel, stretch, water resistance and suitability for different environments.

Three of the main options you’ll come across are polypropylene, polyester and nylon.

Polypropylene webbing

Polypropylene webbing is a good general-purpose choice and is widely used for bags, straps and other everyday applications.

It is lightweight, available in plenty of colours and isn’t affected by moisture in the same way as some other fibres. Polypropylene webbing also floats, which can make it useful for certain outdoor and waterside applications.

For many projects where you need a practical and economical webbing, polypropylene is a good place to start.

Polyester webbing

Polyester webbing is particularly useful when the finished product is going to spend a lot of time outdoors.

It has good dimensional stability, performs well when exposed to moisture and offers good resistance to weathering and UV exposure. It also tends to retain its colour well.

Unlike nylon, polyester does not significantly stretch when it becomes damp, making it a useful option where maintaining tension is important.

This makes polyester webbing particularly well suited to marine, outdoor and long-term exterior applications.

Nylon webbing

Nylon webbing offers excellent strength and abrasion resistance, which is why it is widely used for demanding straps and equipment.

One characteristic to be aware of is that nylon can stretch when wet. If a strap needs to remain under consistent tension in rain or a marine environment, polyester may therefore be the more suitable choice.

As with any webbing, the best option depends on what you are making and the conditions it will be exposed to.

Does the weave of webbing matter?

You may also see webbing described by its weave, including traditional weave, herringbone and V-twill.

The weave changes the appearance and feel of the webbing and can also affect how easily it bends and folds.

Traditional webbing is a versatile option for general straps and fastening systems.

Herringbone webbing tends to be softer and flatter, making it easier to fold. Its distinctive woven pattern can also be chosen for aesthetic reasons where the webbing will remain visible on the finished product.

The important thing is not to choose purely on appearance. Think about how the webbing needs to behave as part of your finished project.

How thick is webbing?

Many standard webbings are around 1mm thick, although this varies considerably depending on the material, weave and intended use.

Thickness becomes particularly important if the webbing needs to pass through a buckle or adjuster.

A thicker webbing may technically be the correct width but still be difficult to feed through a fitting designed for a thinner strap.

If you are buying webbing and fittings for the same project, it’s therefore worth checking that they are compatible.

What is tubular webbing?

Unlike standard flat webbing, tubular webbing is woven as a tube.

This creates a hollow centre, allowing another component to be passed through it where required.

Its construction also gives it different handling characteristics from conventional flat webbing, making it useful for more specialised applications.

What is jackstay webbing?

Jackstay webbing is designed for demanding marine applications where strength and outdoor durability are particularly important.

It is typically a heavier and more substantial webbing than the types you might use for a bag or general-purpose strap.

If you're choosing webbing for marine use, it's advisable to look at products specifically designed for that environment rather than assuming all webbing will perform in the same way.

What thread should I use to sew webbing?

A strong polyester sewing thread will be suitable for many webbing projects.

For items that will remain outside permanently or be exposed to significant sunlight, a UV-resistant thread is worth considering.

Remember that the finished item is only as reliable as its weakest component. There is little benefit in choosing a durable outdoor webbing if the stitching holding it in place deteriorates prematurely.

How do you stop webbing from fraying?

Cutting woven webbing leaves an exposed end that may begin to fray.

If the end is being permanently attached, one simple solution is to fold it back and stitch it, enclosing the cut edge.

For synthetic webbing, a hot knife can cut and seal the edge at the same time. It is also possible to carefully heat-seal some synthetic webbing after cutting.

If using heat, work carefully in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling fumes from melting synthetic fibres.

Which webbing should I choose?

Start with the application, rather than simply choosing the colour you like best.

Think about where the webbing will be used, whether it will regularly get wet, how much sunlight and weather it will encounter, whether it needs to hold its tension, the width and thickness required, and what buckles or fittings you intend to use.

Once those practical requirements have been established, you can choose the weave and colour that best suit the finished project.

Point North Profabrics stocks a wide selection of polypropylene, polyester and nylon webbing, alongside compatible buckles, adjusters and other fittings.

Not sure which webbing is right for your project? Our team is happy to offer practical advice and help you choose the right combination of webbing and fittings for the job.