Product & specifications
Q1. Why does reflective piping come in different reflectivity levels?
A: Reflectivity varies depending on three key factors: the reflective technology used (primarily glass-bead construction), the materials and manufacturing process, and the coating structure. We offer a full range of reflective piping—from standard reflective to high-brightness and silver-bright grades—with retroreflectivity values ranging from 1 to 600 CPL. The appropriate grade can be selected to match your specific application and compliance requirements.
Q2. How is the size of reflective piping described?
A: Piping dimensions are defined by three key parameters:
- Reflective visible width: The diameter of the exposed semi-cylindrical reflective surface. Common values: 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm.
- Total width: The reflective section plus the sewing allowance on each side. Common values: 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, etc.
- Cord diameter: The diameter of the inner core (cotton, plastic, or PVC), which determines the three-dimensional profile. Example: 2 mm.
Standard notation on specification sheets
- 13 mm + 16 mm + 2 mm → reflective visible width 13 mm, total width with sewing allowance 16 mm, cord diameter 2 mm.
- 15 mm + 16 mm → reflective visible width 15 mm, total width 16 mm, no inner cord.
Q3. How should I choose the right size? Are there recommendations for specific applications?
A: Size selection is driven by a balance of aesthetics and functional requirements:
- Footwear & fashion apparel: Finer piping (2–3 mm reflective width) creates an elegant, refined finish; wider piping delivers a bolder, more graphic statement.
- Sportswear & outdoor bags: A total width of 15–16 mm is commonly used to minimise added weight while maintaining a streamlined silhouette.
- Safety vests & workwear: Prioritise maximum visibility — a wider reflective face and reinforced edges help prevent edge cracking during extended use.
- Fashion garments & headwear: Creative freedom applies; varied sizes can be combined as a design element.
Q4. What colors are available for reflective piping?
A: We offer a broad color range to suit both functional and decorative applications:
- Bright silver and grey (standard)
- A wide selection of solid colors, including fluorescent yellow, fluorescent orange, and red
- Rainbow / iridescent multi-color effect
- Custom colors available subject to minimum order quantity (MOQ).
Customization & quality
Q1. Can reflective piping be printed with logos or custom patterns?
A: Yes, custom printing is supported. However, please note the following important considerations:
- Wash fastness: Wash fastness at 40 °C cannot be guaranteed beyond approximately 25 wash cycles.
- Design recommendations: We recommend simple, single-color, geometric designs to minimise scrap rate and improve print clarity.
- Reflective surface: A wider reflective surface provides a better substrate for print registration and detail.
Q2. Why does the reflective surface sometimes show mottling or uneven spots?
A: Surface irregularities can result from several causes. The most common are:
- Mechanical abrasion during production: Contact with machine components can damage the delicate reflective layer during manufacturing.
- Incoming material defects: Insufficient inspection of raw reflective fabric may allow minor visual defects to pass through undetected.
- Glass-bead loss after repeated washing: Some variation in bead distribution is normal following multiple wash cycles and is generally within acceptable industry tolerances.
If you encounter quality concerns upon receipt, please contact us with photos or video documentation and we will assess and resolve the issue promptly.
Q3. How do you ensure the delivered length is accurate?
A: All products are wound using equipment with a built-in precision meter counter. As minor splices may occur during production, we apply a small overage to each roll so the actual delivered length always meets or exceeds the nominal length stated on the order.
Ordering & logistics
Q1. How do I request samples? What information is required?
| Parameter | Details to provide |
| Reflectivity requirement | Whether compliance with en ISO 20471, ansi/isea 107, or another standard is needed |
| Base material | T/c (polyester-cotton blend), 100% polyester, or flame-retardant fabric |
| Size specification | Total width, reflective visible width, whether an inner cord is required and its diameter (e.G., 2 MM) |
| Color requirement | Standard silver/grey, or custom color (e.G., fluorescent yellow, orange, or black) |
Q2. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A:
- Standard silver or stock colors: No fixed MOQ. A small documentation and handling fee may apply for very small quantities.
- Custom colors or non-standard specifications: MOQ is aligned with the minimum purchase quantity of the reflective fabric we source. Please share your requirements and we will confirm the exact MOQ and pricing.
Q3. How is reflective piping packaged?
A: Our standard packing is designed to protect the product during transit and storage:
- Roll format: Wound on plastic cores in 50 m, 100 m, or custom lengths to prevent tangling and deformation.
- Moisture and dust protection: Each roll is sealed in a transparent PE film bag.
- Outer packaging: Rolls are packed in woven bags or cartons, typically 10 rolls per unit.
- Labeling: Every package is clearly labeled with color, size specification, and quantity for easy identification.
Logistics & after-sales
Q1. How are the products packaged and shipped?
A: Standard packing is 100 m or 50 m per roll, in PE bags with outer cartons. Custom packaging options — including shrink wrap, header cards, and retail inner boxes — are available on request.
We support sea freight, air freight, and international express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS). Trade terms including FOB, CIF, and DDU are all available.
Q2. How are after-sales quality issues handled?
A: All shipments undergo 100% pre-shipment inspection. In the event of quality issues — such as broken stitching, delamination, or insufficient reflectivity — we ask customers to provide photos or short video documentation. Based on verification, we will promptly arrange replacement, rework, or a partial refund as appropriate.
Reflective Piping products
Regular silver reflective edging piping
- REF: MP0101
- Material: 100% polyester, polyester/cotton.
- Reflectivity: 150-500 cd/lx/m² ( meets EN ISO 20471).
- Color: gray, silver
- Washing: home washing and Industrial washing.
- Applications: It has a large application field, including clothing, backpacks, hats, and outdoor tents that need reflective edge decoration.
Colored reflective piping
- REF: MP0102
- Material: 100% polyester
- Reflectivity: 10–90 cd/lx/m²
- Color: Red, Fluorescent Yellow, Fluorescent Orange, Blue, White, etc.
- Width: The recommended size is 1.3 cm x 2.0 cm x 0.2 cm, but we accept custom sizes.
- Washing: home washing
- Applications: Sportswear (cycling jerseys, running shorts). Children’s safety backpacks and school uniforms.
Rainbow reflective piping
- REF: MP0103
- Material: 100% polyester
- Reflectivity: 100–350 cd/lx/m²
- Size: The recommended size is 1.3 cm x 2.0 cm x 0.2 cm, but custom sizes are also available.
- Washing: home washing
- Applications: Fashion apparel (jackets, sneakers, bags, hats...)
High Luster’s elastic reflective piping
- REF: MP0104
- Material: polyester & spandex
- Reflectivity: 330-420 cd/lx/m²
- Color: gray/silver luster’s
- Size: 15–30mm width(customizable)
- Washing: suggest home washing
- Applications: It has unique elasticity, flexible bending, and high softness, and it is recommended to be used on yoga pants, running tights, and sports bras.
Segmented silver reflective piping
- REF: MP0105
- Material: The backing fabric is 100% polyester or a polyester/cotton blend, while the reflective part consists of TPU heat-transfer vinyl.
- Reflectivity: 300-400 cd/lx/m²
- Color: Gray/silver reflection and different colors of backing fabric.
- Washing: Home washing.
- Applications: The bright color and the design of the segmented strip make the piping more dynamic and fashionable.Sewn on daily fashion garments or other items.
Perforated reflective heat transfer film edging
- REF: MP0106
- Material: The backing fabric is 100% polyester or polyester/cotton, and the reflective part is TPU heat-transfer film with a hole design.
- Reflectivity: 300-400 cd/lx/m².
- Color: Gray/silver reflection and different colors of backing fabric.
- Washing: suggest home washing.
- Applications: Innovative hole design, so that heat transfer and a variety of bright garments combination, can bring fashion and different design concepts, it is recommended to apply to the embellishment of fashion clothing.
Grid style reflective heat transfer vinyl piping
- REF: MP0107
- The backing fabric is 100% polyester woven tape, and the reflective part is TPU heat transfer film with a check design.
- Reflectivity: 300-400 cd/lx/m²
- Color: Gray/silver reflection and different colors of backing fabric.
- Washing: suggest home washing.
- Applications: The relatively stiff web-shaped edge piping can be used in tooling and outdoor settings.
