How does VynEL™ compare to EL Wire, EL Tape & LED strip?

VynEL™ sits in a unique position: significantly brighter and more flexible than traditional EL products, but purpose-built for surface integration in ways that LED strip lights are not. VynEL™ delivers 250–400 cd/m² and is washable at 30°C, while standard EL panels deliver 100–150 cd/m² with limited washability, EL Wire delivers ~100 cd/m² with limited washability, and Flexible LED Strip delivers 600+ lm/m but is not washable. VynEL™ is the only technology that illuminates from both sides simultaneously — useful when integrating into pockets, panels, or layered garment constructions. It produces no heat, making it suitable for direct skin-contact applications where LED would be uncomfortable or unsafe. LED strip is better when you need to throw light into a space. VynEL™ is better when the material itself is the light source.

What inverter do I need for VynEL™?

VynEL™ requires an inverter to convert DC battery power to the AC voltage the panels need. The right inverter depends on the total square inches of panel you're running. For up to 30 sq in, use the MEGA100+ EL Inverter powered by a battery pack. For up to 100 sq in, use a Commercial 24V DC inverter (100 sq in model). For up to 150 sq in, use a Commercial 24V DC inverter (150 sq in model). For up to 300 sq in, use a Commercial 24V DC inverter (300 sq in model). Do not use standard EL Wire inverters with VynEL™ HD panels — VynEL™ requires a higher-frequency inverter tuned specifically for the technology. Using an incompatible inverter voids the product warranty. For wearable applications, the Silent Wave Rechargeable Inverter pairs well with small-to-medium panel setups and eliminates battery replacement.

How do I wash a garment with VynEL™ bonded to it?

VynEL™ panels are machine washable at up to 30°C (86°F) on a gentle cycle. Do: disconnect and remove the inverter connector before washing; turn the garment inside-out; use a mesh laundry bag for added protection; lay flat or hang to air dry; re-press bonded edges with an iron (cotton, no steam) if lifting occurs. Don't: wash above 30°C as heat degrades the phosphor layer; tumble dry as high heat shortens lifespan; dry clean as solvents damage the EL coating; wring or twist the panel area; or iron directly over the panel face. With proper care, VynEL™ panels maintain full brightness through dozens of wash cycles. The main wear mechanism is phosphor degradation from UV exposure and high heat — both avoidable in normal use.

Can I order custom VynEL™ shapes, sizes & logos?

Standard retail panels are available in set sizes up to 31" × 64". For anything outside those dimensions — custom shapes, backlit logos, die-cut outlines, non-standard colors — full custom production is available. A $500 one-time NRE (tooling) fee covers screen setup for the lifetime of the project (up to 10 years). There is no minimum order requirement — as low as a single piece. Lead time varies by complexity. Custom options include logos, badges, die-cut outlines, non-rectangular panels, and non-stock color matching. Custom VynEL™ panels are non-returnable and non-cancellable once production begins.

Wearable Electroluminescent Lighting

VynEL™ Flexible Light Panels

NASA-grade electroluminescent material that bonds directly to fabric, bends with movement, and illuminates from both sides. Built for wearables, safety gear, stage, and custom OEM production.

Shop VynEL™ Custom Project → Design Guide →

◬

≤4mm

Flexible &
Ultra-Thin

◎

30°C

Machine
Washable

◈

Sewable

Sew or
Heat-Bond

⬡

Camera‑Safe

Zero flicker,
RF-quiet

VynEL™ vs. Standard EL Wire vs. Flexible LED

A Flat Panel That Bonds to Fabric.

EL wire glows in a line. Flexible LED strip glows off a board. VynEL™ is a flat electroluminescent panel that heat-bonds into textile — illuminating from both surfaces simultaneously, with zero visible hardware.

Standard

EL Wire

Flexibility Bends — round wire

Washability Limited — spot only

Thickness 1–3mm wire diameter

Heat output None — EL tech

Sewability External attach only

Lifespan ~3,000 hrs

Standard

Flexible LED Strip

Flexibility Linear only — PCB

Washability No — adhesive strips

Thickness 3–8mm with PCB

Heat output Moderate — warm

Sewability Not sewable

Lifespan 25,000–50,000 hrs

VynEL™ Wins

VynEL™

Flexibility Full-panel, any shape

Washability 30°C machine wash

Thickness ≤4mm — barely felt

Heat output None — skin-safe

Sewability Sew or heat-bond

Lifespan 7,000+ hrs rated

Application Showcase

How It Gets Used.

From Paris runways to safety vests to OEM garment production — VynEL™ works wherever fabric meets light.

✨

Fashion & Runway

Wearable Gowns, Jackets & Editorial

VynEL™ panels bond flush to chiffon, silk, neoprene, and leather — glowing from inside the garment without visible hardware. Used in Paris and NYC runway shows, music video production, and editorial fashion shoots where other lighting tech would destroy the silhouette.

Dual-sided glow Iron-on bonding No visible hardware Custom shapes

⚫

Cosplay & Costumes

Theatrical, Film-Safe & Disney-Approved

Zero RF interference, zero flicker on any camera shutter speed, and no heat against skin. The choice for film productions, Broadway, Disney Live, and competitive cosplay where you need reliable, camera-transparent illumination under stage lighting.

Camera-safe RF-quiet Zero heat Skin-contact safe

🛡

Safety Apparel

Hi-Vis Workwear That Glows All Night

Survives a 30°C machine wash cycle and bonds to high-vis polyester and reflective tape without adhesive failure. Active EL illumination in low-light environments — for road workers, emergency responders, warehouse staff, and cyclists who need to be seen.

Machine washable Weatherproof 360° visibility No battery bulk

⚙

OEM & Technical

Garment Manufacturers & Production Runs

Five-layer screen-printed construction is inherently repeatable at scale. Custom shapes, die-cut logos, and non-standard colors are produced for athletic brands, military contractors, and performance textile OEMs — from single-piece prototypes to 10,000+ unit production runs.

1 to 10,000+ units Custom die-cut Color matching CE & FCC certified

Common Questions

Everything You Need to Know.

VynEL™ sits in a unique position: significantly brighter and more flexible than traditional EL products, but purpose-built for surface integration in ways that LED strip lights are not. Here's how they compare side-by-side.

Technology	Brightness	Best For	Washable
VynEL™	250–400 cd/m²	Wearables, safety, OEM, stage	Yes — 30°C
Standard EL Panel	100–150 cd/m²	Signage, low-light display	Limited
EL Wire	~100 cd/m²	Outlines, accents, cosplay	Limited
Flexible LED Strip	600+ lm/m	Architectural, task lighting	No

VynEL™ is the only technology in this group that illuminates from both sides simultaneously — useful when integrating into pockets, panels, or layered garment constructions. It produces no heat, making it suitable for direct skin-contact applications where LED would be uncomfortable or unsafe.

LED strip is better when you need to throw light into a space. VynEL™ is better when the material itself is the light source.

VynEL™ requires an inverter to convert DC battery power to the AC voltage the panels need. The right inverter depends on the total square inches of panel you're running. Undersizing causes dim output; oversizing can shorten panel life.

Total Panel Area	Recommended Inverter	Input
Up to 30 sq in	MEGA100+ EL Inverter	Battery pack (AA/AAA)
Up to 100 sq in	Commercial 24V DC (100 sq in)	24V DC
Up to 150 sq in	Commercial 24V DC (150 sq in)	24V DC
Up to 300 sq in	Commercial 24V DC (300 sq in)	24V DC

Important: Do not use standard EL Wire inverters with VynEL™ HD panels. VynEL™ requires a higher-frequency inverter tuned specifically for the technology. Using an incompatible inverter voids the product warranty.

For wearable applications, the Silent Wave Rechargeable Inverter pairs well with small-to-medium panel setups and eliminates battery replacement. Browse all inverters →

VynEL™ panels are machine washable at up to 30°C (86°F) on a gentle cycle. Follow these guidelines to get the most from your panels:

30°C Gentle Cycle Cold Water OK Mild Detergent Lay Flat to Dry

Disconnect and remove the inverter connector before washing
Turn garment inside-out
Use a mesh laundry bag for added protection
Lay flat or hang to air dry
Re-press bonded edges with iron (cotton, no steam) if lifting occurs

Don't

Wash above 30°C — heat degrades the phosphor layer
Tumble dry — high heat shortens lifespan
Dry clean — solvents damage the EL coating
Wring or twist the panel area
Iron directly over the panel face

With proper care, VynEL™ panels maintain full brightness through dozens of wash cycles. The main wear mechanism is phosphor degradation from UV exposure and high heat — both avoidable in normal use.

Standard retail panels are available in set sizes up to 31″ × 64″. For anything outside those dimensions — custom shapes, backlit logos, die-cut outlines, non-standard colors — we handle full custom production.

Custom Option	Details
NRE Fee	$500 one-time tooling fee covers screen setup for the lifetime of the project (up to 10 years)
Minimum Quantity	As low as a single piece — no minimum order requirement
Lead Time	Varies by complexity; contact us before ordering if you have a deadline
Custom Shapes	Logos, badges, die-cut outlines, non-rectangular panels
Non-Stock Colors	Available with custom run; color matching on request

Custom VynEL™ panels are non-returnable and non-cancellable once production begins. If you're unsure whether your design is feasible, contact us first — we're happy to review specs before you commit.

VynEL™ is currently in production across athletic apparel, safety gear, automotive, military, and trade show applications. The material is manufactured using a screen-printing process — five layers per panel — which makes it highly repeatable at scale.

CE & FCC Certified Inverters 5-Layer Screen Printed Production from 1 to 10,000+ units

Standard off-the-shelf sizes are available immediately. For OEM production, we work with you on custom dimensions, shapes, color matching, and connector specifications. Our design team is based in Portland, Oregon; production facilities are in China and Taiwan.

If you're evaluating VynEL™ for a production run, the fastest path is to start a project inquiry with your target size, quantity, and application — we'll respond with specs and pricing within one business day.

Fashion Brands & Designers

Built for the Studios Behind the Shows.

Whether you're a single designer building a collection or a production house ordering 5,000 units — we've supported both. Our design team handles full OEM development from brief to production, with no minimum order requirement.

Start a Free Design Consultation Download Design Guide

🛒

Bulk Pricing Available

Volume discounts start at 10 units. Pricing scales favorably for 100+ and 1,000+ unit orders — contact us for a custom quote.

⚖

Custom Shapes & OEM Production

Logos, die-cut badges, wide-format panels, and non-standard colors. $500 NRE covers screen setup for the life of the project.

💬

Free Design Consultation

Tell us your project, timeline, and target quantity. We'll respond with specs, feasibility, and pricing within one business day.

Markets & Industries

A Panel for Every Market.

Wearable Art

Bonds to any textile. Glows from both sides. Used in runway shows, music videos, and editorial fashion worldwide.

VynEL™ HD Panels

Film & Stage

Camera-safe, RF-interference-free, zero heat output. The choice for film productions, Broadway, and Disney Live.

VynEL™ — camera safe

Safety Apparel

High-visibility workwear and safety vests that glow in low-light environments without battery packs or added bulk.

VynEL™ — washable

OEM & Technical

Heat-bond at scale. Custom shapes, production quantities, and branded panels for performance garment manufacturers.

Custom OEM — free quote

Automotive Interior

Thin enough to laminate behind headliners and seat panels. Camera-safe for in-cabin video and zero heat near occupants.

VynEL™ HD — custom die-cut

Live Performance

Festival, concert, and touring performers rely on VynEL™ for full-night battery run time and zero interference with wireless systems.

VynEL™ LT + Kits

Wearable Technology Guide

VynEL™ or SewGlo™?

The two most powerful wearable lighting technologies — here's how to choose

▶

VynEL™

Iron-on flat EL panels

A flexible flat-panel electroluminescent material that heat-bonds directly to fabric. Both sides glow uniformly, washable at 30°C, powered by 5V USB. Zero heat, zero flicker — invisible hardware.

Best for

Fashion statements & full-panel glow
Safety gear & hi-vis workwear
Architectural surfaces & OEM textiles
Film, stage & cosplay costumes

Shop VynEL™

◆

SewGlo™

Electroluminescent thread

A machine-compatible EL thread that sews directly into fabric just like standard embroidery thread. Delivers a subtle, refined glow along every stitch — no bonding, no panels, no hardware visible on the surface.

Best for

Embroidery detail & fine textile work
High wash-count garments
Subtle accent glow along seams & stitches
Production sewing & commercial embroidery

Shop SewGlo™

○

EL Wire

Round wire, outline lighting

Flexible electroluminescent wire that traces outlines, curves, and accent lines on any surface. The classic choice for props, costumes, and vehicles when you want a clean glowing edge rather than a surface-fill glow.

Best for

Costume & prop outlines
Accent lines & trim details
Automotive & motorsport accents
Signage & display borders

Shop EL Wire

Quick Decision Guide

Bonding panels to fabric?

VynEL™

Sewing glow into fabric?

SewGlo™

Outlining shapes & accents?

EL Wire

Planning Tool

Not sure how much VynEL™ you need?

The Garment Light Planner calculates exactly how much material you need for any wearable project — outlines, panels, performance costumes, and more. Takes 2 minutes.

Plan My VynEL™ Project →

Custom & OEM

Working on something bigger?

Custom shapes, production quantities, backlit logos, or OEM integration — our design team has been doing this for 15+ years. Tell us what you need.

Start a Project →

Applications

What Will You Illuminate?

From costumes to commercial spaces — find the right Ellumiglow technology for your project.

Wearable

Illuminated Costumes

VynEL panels bond to fabric, SewGlo threads through your sewing machine. Stage-ready glow that lasts the entire run.

VynEL™ SewGlo™ Custom Quote

Automotive

Car Interior Glow

EL Wire outlines dashboards, doors, and footwells. Battery-powered, cool to the touch, no interference with electronics.

EL Wire Battery Packs

Signage

Custom LED Signs

Pixel-Free LED in aluminum channels creates premium-grade signs without visible hotspots. Custom lengths available.

Pixel-Free LED Custom Quote

Architectural

Architectural Cove Lighting

Seamless cove lighting, under-cabinet strips, and linear fixtures. CRI 95+ options for residential and commercial.

Explore Custom Quote

Stage & Events

Stage Props & Sets

EL Wire and TruEL outline props with zero RF interference. Battery-powered for full cordless operation on stage.

TruEL Wire EL Wire

Stage & Events

Event Displays

LED strips, Pixel-Free LED, and EL Tape for trade show booths and immersive event installations. Custom fabrication available.

Pixel-Free LED Custom Quote

DIY/Craft

DIY Art & Crafts

EL Wire starter kits, battery packs, and connectors. Plug in, glow instantly. No soldering, no expertise required.

EL Wire Battery Packs

Safety

Safety & High-Vis

VynEL heat-bonds to safety vest fabric. Battery-powered, machine-washable, meets high-vis requirements.

VynEL™ Custom Quote

No applications in this category

Technology Comparison

Not Sure Which Technology Is Right?

See how all Ellumiglow product lines compare side-by-side — and find the right fit for your project.

Electroluminescent Wire

EL Wire

Classic Glow

The original thin, glowing wire. Flexible, available in 11+ colors, battery or wall powered. Perfect for outlines, lettering, cosplay, and anywhere a thin line of glow is needed. Low heat, low power, camera-safe.

Diameter

1.0 – 5.0mm

Power

Battery or AC

Colors

11+

Best for

Outlines, props

Cosplay Film props Automotive Costumes

Shop EL Wire → How it works

High-Brightness EL Wire

TruEL™

2× Brighter

TruEL™ is Ellumiglow's proprietary high-output EL wire — roughly 2× brighter than standard EL at the same gauge. Same flexibility and color options, significantly better visibility in ambient light. The upgrade for professional installs where standard EL looks dim.

Brightness

2× standard EL

Power

Battery or AC

Colors

11+

Best for

Pro installs

Stage Architecture Events Signage accents

Shop TruEL™ → TruEL vs EL Wire

Illuminated Sewable Thread

SewGlo™

Fabric-Integrated

EL-based illuminated thread that can be sewn directly into fabric using a standard sewing machine or by hand. Creates a glowing seam or pattern that is fully integrated into the textile — no surface-mount hardware. Machine washable with proper inverter storage.

Form

Sewable thread

Integration

In-seam

Washable

Yes (IP67)

Best for

Fashion, dance

Wearable art Dance Fashion week Costumes

Shop SewGlo™ → Tech Specs

EL Wearable Panels

VynEL™

Heat-Bondable

Flat EL panels that bond permanently to fabric using a household iron — no sewing or adhesive needed. Glows from both sides with a uniform surface glow. Available in standard and custom shapes. OEM production runs available. Used in Broadway, Disney Live, and runway fashion.

Form

Flat EL panel

Adhesion

Iron-on bond

Glow sides

Both

Best for

Wearables, OEM

Broadway Safety vests OEM wearables Cosplay

Shop VynEL™ → VynEL vs EL Wire

Zero-Pixel LED Strip

Pixel-Free LED™

No Hotspots

LED strip technology engineered to eliminate visible LED dots ("pixels") even in shallow channels. Produces a perfectly smooth, uniform glow across the entire run — looks like neon but performs like LED. The professional choice for channel letters, architectural coves, and any visible-edge LED application.

Hotspots

Zero

Power

12V or 24V DC

Colors

White + tunable

Best for

Signage, coves

Channel letters Cove lighting Under-cabinet Retail signage

Shop Pixel-Free LED™ → How it works

Standard LED Strip

LED Strip Lights

General Purpose

Standard flexible LED strip for general lighting applications — under-cabinet, accent, color wash, and indirect illumination where pixel visibility is not a concern. Available in single-color, CCT tunable, and RGB. Pairs with dimmers, controllers, and smart home systems.

Hotspots

Visible in shallow channels

Power

12V or 24V DC

Colors

White, RGB, CCT

Best for

General accent

Under-cabinet Accent lighting Color wash DIY projects

Shop LED Strip → Find the right one

Feature	EL Wire	TruEL™	SewGlo™	VynEL™	Pixel-Free LED™	LED Strip
Technology	Electroluminescent	EL (high-output)	EL thread	EL panel	LED (diffused)	LED
Form factor	Flexible wire	Flexible wire	Thread	Flat panel	Flexible strip	Flexible strip
Sewable / fabric-safe	△ Not directly	△ Not directly	✓ Yes — in-seam	✓ Iron-on bond	✗ No	✗ No
Camera-safe (no flicker)	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✓ Yes (DC)	✓ Yes (DC)
Zero visible pixels	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✓ Yes (by design)	✗ Visible in channels
Battery powered	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	△ With 12V battery	△ With 12V battery
Custom shapes / OEM	△ Custom lengths	△ Custom lengths	△ Custom patterns	✓ Full OEM / die-cut	✓ Custom profiles	△ Custom lengths
Outdoor / waterproof	△ With sealing	△ With sealing	✗ No	✗ No	✓ IP65/IP67 options	✓ IP65/IP67 options
Brightness	Low-medium	Medium (2× EL)	Low	Low-medium	High	High
Colors	11+ standard	11+ standard	Limited	Standard + custom	White / tunable	White, RGB, CCT
Dimming	△ Via inverter	△ Via inverter	△ Via inverter	△ Via inverter	✓ PWM dimmer	✓ PWM dimmer
DMX / smart home	✗	✗	✗	✗	✓ Via controller	✓ Via controller
Best for	Outlines, cosplay, props	Pro installs, stage	Fashion, performance	Wearables, OEM	Signage, architecture	General accent
Shop	EL Wire →	TruEL™ →	SewGlo™ →	VynEL™ →	Pixel-Free LED™ →	LED Strip →

Common Questions

TruEL™ is Ellumiglow's proprietary high-output EL wire — it uses the same connectors, inverters, and power requirements as standard EL wire, but produces roughly 2× the brightness at the same wire gauge. For most casual applications (cosplay, bedroom décor, party lighting) standard EL wire works great. For professional applications where the wire needs to be visible under ambient lighting — stages, venue installs, tradeshows — TruEL™ is the clear upgrade. Read the full TruEL vs EL Wire comparison →

It depends on the look you want. EL Wire sits on top of fabric and creates a glowing wire outline — you can coil it, spiral it, or tack it along seams. SewGlo™ is illuminated thread that stitches into the fabric, creating a glowing line that's part of the garment's structure rather than sitting on top of it. For costumes where the glow should look like a glowing seam or pattern, SewGlo™ wins. For costumes where you want clearly visible wire outlines (like a circuit-board aesthetic), EL wire is easier to work with. Use the Product Finder to get a personalized recommendation.

VynEL™ is a flat electroluminescent panel (not a wire), and it bonds to fabric using a household iron — no sewing or adhesive. EL wire is a flexible wire that you attach to the surface of fabric using stitching, tape, or hot-glue. VynEL™ creates a glowing surface; EL wire creates a glowing line. VynEL™ is also available in custom shapes (logos, die-cut outlines) for OEM production runs. Read the full VynEL vs EL Wire guide →

Standard LED strip has visible individual LED "pixels" — in a diffused channel you see a dotted line, not a smooth glow. This is fine for under-cabinet lighting behind a diffuser, but it looks bad in shallow channels, channel letters, or anywhere the strip is viewed edge-on. Pixel-Free LED™ was engineered specifically to eliminate those visible hotspots — even in very shallow (under 1") channels. If you're building channel letter signage, illuminated architectural profiles, or any application where the LED edge is visible to the viewer, use Pixel-Free LED™. Read the Pixel-Free LED overview →

For cosplay, the most popular options are EL Wire (for outlines and wire-form shapes), VynEL™ (for glowing panels that iron onto fabric), and SewGlo™ (for glowing seams sewn into the costume). EL wire is the most DIY-friendly and has the widest color range. All EL-based products are camera-safe (no flicker) and run cool. The LED Product Finder will help you narrow it down based on your specific costume design.

EL Wire, TruEL™, SewGlo™, and VynEL™ are all electroluminescent (EL) technologies and require an inverter to convert DC (battery) power to the AC voltage EL needs. Pixel-Free LED™ and standard LED strip are DC-powered and use a power supply or battery pack — no inverter required, but they do need a matching voltage power source. Use the Power Calculator to size your power correctly for any product.

Still Not Sure?

Take the 60-Second Product Finder

Answer 5 questions about your project and we'll match you to the right technology — or connect you with our team for a custom build.

Start Product Finder → Talk to an Expert

VynEL™ Flexible Light Panels

A Flat Panel That Bonds to Fabric.

How It Gets Used.

Wearable Gowns, Jackets & Editorial

Theatrical, Film-Safe & Disney-Approved

Hi-Vis Workwear That Glows All Night

Garment Manufacturers & Production Runs

Everything You Need to Know.

Built for the Studios Behind the Shows.

A Panel for Every Market.

VynEL™ or SewGlo™?

What Will You Illuminate?

Illuminated Costumes

Car Interior Glow

Custom LED Signs

Architectural Cove Lighting

Stage Props & Sets

Event Displays

DIY Art & Crafts

Safety & High-Vis

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