N42: Technical elastic band for cycling and sportswear

In the panorama of elastic bands for cycling and sportswear, Nastrotex-Cufra’s Versatility 2026 campaign focuses on a selection of essential products that we call must-haves. Among them, our N42 elastic band is the reference for cycling, running and sportswear, where comfort, lightness and customization really make a difference on the finished garment.

N42 presented in Versatility 2026

For Nastrotex-Cufra, versatility is an attitude built over time. Since 1953, we have been developing Made in Italy elastic ribbons with a technical and consultative approach, working with brands and designers to transform a request into a stable, repeatable and customizable product. N42 was born precisely with this logic, as a design basis from which to start variants dedicated to different collections and uses.

What is N42

N42 is a technical elastic tape designed for high-performance sports applications. It is also the lighter alternative to our other items in the same category, such as the elastic 768/2 polyester microfiber tape more suitable for clothing and underwear. N42 maintains high standards of resistance and comfort and allows for extensive work in terms of color development and customization.

N42 is made of super light and thin polyester microfiber. It is available in different heights from 10 to 70 mm and can be developed in many colors, with over 100 colors available per folder.

Technical features that make a difference on the garment

N42 is designed to hold together elasticity, durability and comfort on the skin. In practice it means that it works well when the garment is in motion, does not create unnecessary thicknesses and maintains stability where needed.

Main features

•  lightness and low volume, with quick drying and less thickness on the body.
• high elastic modulus, useful for stabilizing the bottom in bibshorts, the lower leg and the waist.
• softness to the touch, designed for comfortable skin contact even in prolonged use.
• thread dyed, for color fastness and reliability in shades.
• white print suitable for sublimation, for graphic designs and branding on the tape.

Cycling and sportswear applications

N42 is developed for the sporting world and is used in particular for cycling and technical sportswear. The most common applications include suspenders, leg loops, and waist loops, as well as items such as sports tops and leggings.

Availability and variants in the collection

Within the Basic Collection, N42 is available in different versions to differentiate aesthetics and performance based on the project.

Available versions

• N42 Solid color, black and white available at stock service for faster delivery time.
• Two-tone and melange N42, including our frosted N42.
• N42 jacquard, elastic ribbon logo in continuity with the jacquard collection.
• GRS certified recycled N42, rifled N42, reflective N42 and other custom structures.
• N42 grip (coming soon)
• N42 extralight (coming soon)
• N42 High Tech, for developments with high-tech performance yarns.

The N42 grip and N42 EXTRALIGHT are upcoming developments, designed to further expand work on performance and design while maintaining the technical foundation of the must-have.

Customizations, color and workmanship

The strength of N42, in line with Versatility 2026, is customization. We can intervene on color, graphics, printing techniques and finishes to make the elastic ribbon a distinctive element of the garment, also on an aesthetic level.

Customization areas

• Color, with the option to choose a folder of more than 100 colors and dedicated development, here you will find the color folder.
• Graphics and branding, with logos, patterns and writing.
• Printing techniques and functional details, including sublimation, hot stamping, silicone, and refractive yarns.
• Materials and yarns including GRS certified recycled polyester and High Tech performance yarns.

Samples and contacts

If you are developing a cycling, running or technical sportswear collection and want to evaluate N42 as a function of weight, fit, color and workmanship, you can contact us for technical information and samples. Write to info@nastrotex-cufra.it or visit the Contacts page.