PURPOSE: To obtain longer service life than that of the conventional latch needle by making a latch bearing part constituted so as to be less in wear.

CONSTITUTION: In respect to a latch needle for a textile machine of a type in which a needle stem 1 having a needle hook 2 at one end and a latch 4 pivotably disposed within a latch longitudinal slit 3 of the needle stem and having a bearing bore 9, are provided and the latch is supported at bearing members held within the needle stem side walls 7 restraining both flanks of the latch longitudinal slit of the needle stem via the bearing bore, the bearing bore 9 of the latch 4 is surrounded by a raised ring bead 15 on at least one side and the ring bead has a substantially nearly semicircular cross section.