Overview
Edging made from perforated reflective heat transfer film bonded to a coloured tricot. Holes are punched through the film before bonding, so the openings stay clean and the trim still passes air.
The process order is the specification. Punching after bonding tears the adhesive line around each hole and leaves a raised burr that catches on the needle; punching first means the film is cut while it is still flat and supported, and the bond is then made around holes that are already clean.
Specification
- Code: RS-F-SP-06
- Daytime colour: Customized
- Backing: Colourable tricot fabric
- Reflective material: Perforated reflective heat transfer film
- Reflectivity: up to 330 cd/(lx·m²)
- Width: 1.3 cm to 3 cm (customizable)
What the holes cost you in reflective area
Every hole is a hole in the reflective surface, so a perforated edging always has less reflective area than a solid band of the same width. The trade is real and predictable: more open area means better airflow through the seam and a lower effective reflective coverage. On a narrow piping the percentage matters more than it does on a wide panel, because there is less width to absorb the loss — agree the hole diameter and spacing against the requirement rather than choosing the most breathable option.
Typical use
Breathable outerwear, sportswear and vests where a solid reflective band would make the seam the hottest part of the garment.
It is also used on footwear and luggage trim, where air movement matters less than keeping the edging soft and light along a curve.
What to confirm before ordering
- Hole diameter and spacing: sets both airflow and reflective loss — agree against the requirement, not by feel.
- Effective reflective area: below the nominal width because of the perforation; confirm it still meets the design intent.
- Measured reflectivity: up to 330 is the floor — confirm the tested figure on your build.
- Backing colour: visible through the holes, so supply the garment colour.
- Wash cycle: domestic or industrial.
Compliance note
The stated figure is up to 330 cd/(lx·m²) — at the EN ISO 20471 floor rather than above it. That makes the build a per-order question rather than a general claim: the construction and the tested sample have to agree before a garment is put forward for certification.
The standard certifies the finished garment, not the trim. Confirm the measured value on the actual build and the area and placement of the reflective elements before committing the programme.
Related formats
For a segmented (not perforated) piping, see Segmented Reflective Piping Tape; for perforated fabric rather than edging, Perforated Reflective Fabric.
Samples and lead time
A4 swatches are free so your team can check colour, flex and hand feel under your own lighting before committing. Standard lead time is 2–4 weeks from order confirmation.
