Bengaline
A ribbed woven fabric with crosswise cords, typically made from a blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex. Known for its structured stretch and clean drape, popular in trousers and structured garments.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with bengaline
We don't have any garments containing bengaline in our catalog yet. Browse the full synthetic materials or check the product catalog.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from bengaline. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same bengaline feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Good comfort (68) and care ease (72) for casual wear
Good durability (65) and comfort (68) for office wear
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Excellent stretch recovery for a structured fabric
- ✓ Clean drape with body-skimming silhouette
- ✓ Resistant to wrinkles — low maintenance
- ✓ Distinctive rib texture adds visual interest
Cons
- ✗ Poor breathability — can feel clammy in heat
- ✗ Synthetic blend is not biodegradable
- ✗ Can develop shine at stress points over time
- ✗ Limited stretch in the warp direction
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+14 vs Bengaline · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+13 vs Bengaline · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
+12 vs Bengaline · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Avoid high heat to protect stretch fibers
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle
- • Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry
- • Iron on low heat if needed — usually wrinkle-resistant
- • Avoid high heat which can damage stretch fibers
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
High environmental impact