Flexible pipe body, comprising: a layer comprising a first elongate tape element and a further elongate tape element , the first and further tape elements suitable for being alternately wound in a helical manner such that each first tape element winding lies between further tape element windings, the first tape element having a cross sectional profile including a central body extending from a radially inner edge to a radially outer edge and first and further side lobes extending from the central body outwards along the radially inner edge , wherein the first tape element further comprises a first and further hooked portion respectively extending from each of the first and further side lobes , the further tape element having a cross sectional profile including a central body extending from a radially inner edge to a radially outer edge and first and further side lobes extending from the central body outwards along the radially outer edge , wherein the further tape element further comprises a first and further hooked portion respectively extending from each of the first and further side lobes , wherein each of the said hooked portions of the further tape element is shaped to be engageable with a respective one of the hooked portions of the first tape element , wherein a first side wall portion of the central body of the further tape element is provided in continuous sliding contact with the further side lobe of the first tape element , wherein the first side wall portion of the further tape element is provided at an oblique angle (θ 4 ) to the radially inner edge of the further tape element , wherein, upon bending of the pipe, the first side wall portion of the further tape element slides against the further side lobe of the first tape element , and wherein the first and further tape element are shaped such that the first side wall portion of the central body of the further tape element can slide along the further side lobe simultaneously along radial and axial directions. a layer comprising a first elongate tape element and a further elongate tape element , the first and further tape elements suitable for being alternately wound in a helical manner such that each first tape element winding lies between further tape element windings, the first tape element having a cross sectional profile including a central body extending from a radially inner edge to a radially outer edge and first and further side lobes extending from the central body outwards along the radially inner edge , wherein the first tape element further comprises a first and further hooked portion respectively extending from each of the first and further side lobes , the further tape element having a cross sectional profile including a central body extending from a radially inner edge to a radially outer edge and first and further side lobes extending from the central body outwards along the radially outer edge , wherein the further tape element further comprises a first and further hooked portion respectively extending from each of the first and further side lobes , wherein each of the said hooked portions of the further tape element is shaped to be engageable with a respective one of the hooked portions of the first tape element , wherein a first side wall portion of the central body of the further tape element is provided in continuous sliding contact with the further side lobe of the first tape element , wherein the first side wall portion of the further tape element is provided at an oblique angle (θ 4 ) to the radially inner edge of the further tape element , wherein, upon bending of the pipe, the first side wall portion of the further tape element slides against the further side lobe of the first tape element , and wherein the first and further tape element are shaped such that the first side wall portion of the central body of the further tape element can slide along the further side lobe simultaneously along radial and axial directions. <EOS>