Gripper band (1) for a gripper weaving machine with a first part (13),a second part (14)and two longitudinal ribs (21), el wherein a thickness of the second part (14) near a centerline (31) of the gripper band (1) is larger than a thickness of the first part (13) near the centerline (31) of the gripper band (1), and in that the gripper band (1) comprising the first part (13), the second part (14) and the longitudinal ribs (21) is one single, integral structure formed of composite material. Gripper unit for a gripper weaving machine with a gripper (2, 3) and such a gripper band (1).