Ripstop is a type of woven fabric characterized by a grid of reinforcement threads interwoven at close intervals. This construction helps prevent rips and tears, which also makes it waterproof.
Ripstop nylon is often used in camping gear, tents and other items that may be subjected to extreme conditions or rough use. It is also often treated to repel water and resist fire.
Ripstop fabric is a woven polyester that has a special coating on both sides to make it water and stain resistant. It is a good fit for making luggage, backpacks and other gear that needs to stand up to the elements and the abuse of modern life. The best part is that it can be purchased by the yard or in bulk. It comes in a variety of colors and designs to meet your specific needs. It can also be paired with our other snazzy fabrics to create custom bags, cases and accessories. For more information about this fabric, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable staff!
Characteristics
Ripstop fabric is made using a woven pattern with thick reinforcement threads. This crosshatch pattern interlocks the threads resulting in a very strong fabric that's tear-resistant and holds up well against everyday wear and tear.
This ripstop material is often coated with a water repellant or UV-resistant finish for additional protection against the elements. It's a popular choice for outdoor use and is commonly used in tents, tarps, and rainwear.
Most tactical gear manufacturers use ripstop because it's one of the few textile fibre-weaving techniques that's proven to stop rips from spreading. This is because a ripstop fabric uses a weave technique with thick yarns that are positioned at regular intervals (five mm to eight mm, or 0.2 to 0.3 inches).
Applications
Ripstop fabrics are made by weaving a thicker thread into the fabric at regular intervals to create a barrier against tearing. They can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, silk, and polyester.
They are also available in light, medium, and heavy weights. They may be water-resistant, fire-resistant, or have zero porosity (will not allow air or water to penetrate).
Parachutes, hot air balloons, wingsuits, kites, and lightweight camping equipment often use ripstop because of its tear-resistant qualities. They are also incorporated into heavier fabrics that require extreme durability, such as army combat uniforms and Nomex protective clothing for firefighters.
Tarpaulins made from ripstop fabrics are commonly used in industrial paint overspray, abrasive blasting, lead abatement, and fireproofing overspray applications. They are typically a high-strength, ripstop pattern woven nylon fabric with a PVC coating for impermeability. They are usually manufactured to SSPC Class 1A containment standards. They are often supplied with reverse overlaps, opposite-side overlaps, or same-side overlaps on the outer edges for secure containment.
Pricing
Ripstop fabric is a heavy duty, water repellent, and UV resistant material that can be used to sew anything from pants to coats to hats. It is also a great choice for making tarps and other outdoor gear. This ripstop polyester is also lightweight and easy to transport from one project to the next. It is available in an array of colors to complement any outdoor enthusiast’s color palette.
Pricing is not a problem as this top quality ripstop polyester is offered in both standard and bulk sizes. As with any textile, the price is determined by the quantity ordered and the weight of the fabric excluding the seams. The best way to ensure you get the most bang for your buck is to order a sample pack to try out before you buy. The sample pack is also a great way to see if this fabric is the right fit for your project. Make sure to take the opportunity to ask your sales associate any questions about this fabric that may pop into your head.