Overview
A grosgrain ribbon that reads as plain black in daylight and turns iridescent when light hits it. Used as a trim line on sportswear, caps and bags where the reflective effect is wanted without a silver band across the design.
Why it suits fashion-led trims
- Black by day, rainbow under headlights or a phone torch
- Grosgrain base holds a crisp edge on caps and structured panels
- Narrow widths 2 x 1.5 cm and 2 x 5 cm, or to spec
- Sewn on, so no press equipment is needed on the line
- Width and colour of the base webbing made to order
Specifications
| Code | RS-F-RB-05 |
| Daytime colour | Black |
| Reflected colour | Rainbow |
| Base | Grosgrain tape |
| Width | 2 x 1.5 cm, 2 x 5 cm, or to spec |
| Attachment | Sew on |
A ribbon is where the spectrum is easiest to see
On a narrow ribbon the returned spectrum reads as one moving colour rather than a spread, which makes the effect sharper and the colour matching harder. Approve against a physical reference at the angle the wearer will be seen from.
What to confirm before ordering
- Measured coefficient and test method: a figure without its method is not comparable between suppliers.
- Wash cycle: domestic or industrial - the adhesive changes with the cycle.
- Substrate or shell fabric: send it, so the bond can be matched rather than assumed.
- Width and slitting: state the finished width, since slitting changes the edge.
Compliance note
Colour and effect layers sit in the optical path and absorb most of the returned light, so this surface does not reach the 330 cd/(lx·m²) that EN ISO 20471 requires for retroreflective material, at any grade. It is specified for appearance, not for a certified hi-vis claim.
Where a garment needs a claim, a plain silver element has to carry it. Colour for design and silver for performance can sit on the same garment - they just have to be planned together.
Related formats
Related builds: Reflective Ribbon with Heat Transfer Face, Sew-On High Visibility Reflective Ribbon. Overview at Reflective Materials.
Samples and lead time
A4 swatches are free so your team can check colour and hand feel before committing. Standard lead time is 2–4 weeks from order confirmation.
