Overview
Piping built on segmented reflective heat transfer film with a coloured tricot backing. The reflective face is broken into strips rather than one solid band, so the trim flexes and breathes at the seam.
On a piping the segmenting does double work. The fold already concentrates stress on one line; breaking the film into strips means no single strip spans the crease, so the reflective layer is never loaded along its full width. The tricot backing then drains the movement into the seam instead of into the film.
Specification
- Code: RS-F-SP-05
- Daytime colour: Customized
- Backing: Colourable tricot fabric
- Reflective material: Segmented reflective heat transfer film
- Reflectivity: up to 330 cd/(lx·m²)
- Width: 1.3 cm to 3 cm (customizable)
Backing colour is a matching job, not a stock choice
The tricot sits behind the reflective strips and shows through the gaps, so its colour is visible and becomes part of the design rather than a hidden lining. That means it has to be matched to the garment rather than selected from a small palette — and matched before the sample, because changing backing colour after the strips are bonded means a new build rather than a substitution.
Typical use
Sportswear, vests, shoes, hats, caps and luggage where a reflective edge has to follow a curve without stiffening it.
It is also used where the trim will be seen from both sides of the fold, since a solid reflective band and a segmented band read very differently at the crease.
What to confirm before ordering
- Measured value on your build: up to 330 is at the floor, not above it — confirm the tested figure rather than the ceiling.
- Backing colour: the tricot shows through the gaps, so it is a design choice; supply the garment colour.
- Finished width: 1.3–3 cm after folding, made to spec.
- Segment pattern: sets both flex and reflective area; agree it on the sample.
- Wash cycle: domestic or industrial — the adhesive differs.
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 plain piping on the same backing, see Silver Reflective Piping on Spandex; for a perforated film edging, Perforated Reflective Film Edging.
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.
