Recommendation for attaching reflective tape to winter coats

December 24, 2024 9:54 AM

I bought some sew-on reflective tape (ribbon) to attach to my winter coats. What is the best way to actually attach it?

Does anyone have experience with attaching reflective tape onto winter coats?

My winter coats are mostly down coats, some with synthetic fill. I had originally thought I would sew the reflective tape on, but sewing it by hand is a pain and may not be sturdy/look good. I do have a sewing machine, but I worry that sewing the tape on the front / bottom back will mess up the insulating properties.

Then I thought I would use iron-on fusible interfacing-type stuff (heat n' bond), but on further reflection I think the outsides of the coats will not put up with hot irons, even through a pressing cloth.

There is stick-on tape (like hem tape) but some of that seems to want to be activated with an iron as well.

These are pretty expensive coats, so I don't want to mess them up. But given how much of the time is dark in the winter where I live (and we just got a new puppy) I'd like the coats to be more visible in the dark.

posted by leahwrenn to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (14 answers total)

Does the stitching of the channels for the down coats go all the way through the coat? If so, I don’t think adding one more line of stitching will change the insulation much. I’d get the repositionable fabric glue for positioning materials you don’t want to pin through, though. Or clips along the bottom edge. That will also make hand sewing easier (hand sewing can be invisible compared to machine sewing, it’s just slower.)

However - is your coat actually cylindrical, or the tape narrow or flexible enough that you don’t have to shape it to match the coat? Don’t want to sew most of the way around and discover a forced pucker. Another advantage of careful pinning/clipping/gluing first.
posted by clew at 10:02 AM on December 24

Alternative approach- you could make a harness/vest shape with the tape and tack it on only at the coat seams (shoulders, side seams, front opening). Vest shape is how work clothing adds reflective tape, and you can’t forget it like a separate vest. More risk of catching on things than a fully sewn on tape ofc.
posted by clew at 10:07 AM on December 24 [8 favorites]

Side note - highly recommend a light-up collar for pup!
posted by gryphonlover at 10:19 AM on December 24

I installed a 1.5" reflective tape binding (with awesome diagonal lines) to the bottom hem of my raincoat recently and I love it. Like you, I was concerned about messing up the main part of the jacket's waterproofing, so I opted to only do the bottom hem. First, I measured out the length of tape I would need. Then, I used A LOT of pins to position the tape along the hem, and hand-basted so I could remove the pins. I only wanted to do one line of stitching, so the needle placement needed to be perfect to catch both layers of tape. It was a bit nervewracking to do the machine stitching but ultimately wouldn't be too hard for an experienced sewingperson. I thought it was easier than doing a quilt binding.

Here's a photo
posted by oxisos at 10:41 AM on December 24 [3 favorites]

Would you consider buying a different tape that is adhesive? I bought 1 or 2 metres of retroreflective tape to put on a helmet and I use the leftover tape to cover small holes in bags and jackets. They haven't come off yet.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 10:46 AM on December 24 [3 favorites]

Here’s a comparison of the appliqué stitches that make the least visible hand sewing. Advantage, you can also keep them in the outer layer of the coat where you’re minimizing heat loss.
posted by clew at 12:05 PM on December 24

I second the recommendation for adhesive tape instead of sew-on tape, especially with insulated coats that have only a thin outer layer. I used reflective Tenacious Tape and it seems to be holding up pretty well - it's very thin, so it flexes with the fabric when it folds instead of coming off. Where I live it's often quite damp and soggy in the winter, and I didn't want to poke any new holes into my jackets where water could get in.
posted by btfreek at 12:40 PM on December 24 [1 favorite]

I have sewn reflective tape onto woolen coats, and also repaired down coats. Sewing onto the quilted down area is not a good idea, as even the smallest holes will allow feathers to escape (there’s truly nothing more annoying than sharp little bits of quill poking at you from seams). As you noted, the shell fabric is generally nylon & cannot hold up to ironing. I agree that your choices here are either (1) adhesive tape, or (2) hand-tacking it down strategically only in areas of trim, hems, or other spots where there’s a different fabric that’s less of a risk to sew through.
posted by ourobouros at 12:59 PM on December 24 [2 favorites]

You could sew the ribbon into a loop or sew velcro on to the ends and wear it as a sash diagonally. That way you can put it over whatever you are wearing at the time.
posted by Sar at 2:54 PM on December 24

Just get an adjustable reflective vest that's big enough to fit over your coat! REI has them, and there are lots on amazon. A lot less hassle.
posted by mareli at 3:29 PM on December 24 [2 favorites]

Stick-on tape peels off of fabric. A sewing machine will affect the loft and warmth. I'd get some fabric glue, and use that, with additional stitching around the edges. A little sewing plus glue will make it quite sturdy.

It doesn't take a lot - reflective fabric really lights up; a friend was walking behind me, and the small amount of reflective thread in my sandals was quite visible when cars passed.

I have some reflective bands used as pants clips for cyclists - works great on the dog's collar. She chewed up the reflective collar, sigh.

I used to have a reflective neck strap for holding a badge, that worked well.
posted by theora55 at 3:58 PM on December 24

theora55's reflective neck strap gives me an idea. How about using the tape to make reflective accessories like armbands, wristbands, or a belt to be worn over your coat? You could just sew the tape onto an equal length/width of softer fabric to make a tube, then thread elastic through, then stitch closed.
posted by Pallas Athena at 4:12 PM on December 24 [1 favorite]

I have used the adhesive-backed reflective fabric tape and it’s fine. It doesn’t hold forever, but it’s good enough.

For walking in the dark, my wife uses these things.
posted by adamrice at 6:22 PM on December 24

I bought some iron-on reflective tape and put it on the shoulders of my LLBean parka. Stuck great!

I bought the stuff off Ali Express, so it's not like it was fancy.

Ironing the coat briefly will warm it up -- I read that this is helpful.

I have a new coat; thanks for the reminder to put reflective tape on it!
posted by wenestvedt at 7:36 PM on December 24