Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
Jacket accessories are the hardware that makes a jacket comfortable and recognisable: cord stoppers and cord ends for the hood and waist drawstrings, eyelets for the openings, zip pullers, snap buttons for flaps and cuffs, and a metal or rubber logo plate. The choice depends on the type of jacket, the thickness of the fabric and whether the style is urban, sporty or technical. Below is a full overview of the elements and practical advice on choosing them.
Which accessories a jacket needs
A typical hooded jacket contains more accessories than it seems at first glance. Here is the full list that should appear in the tech pack:
- main zip and pocket zips;
- a puller for each zip;
- snap buttons for the storm flap over the zip, the pockets and the cuffs;
- eyelets for the hood and waist drawstring exits;
- cord, cord stoppers and cord ends;
- hook and loop for the cuffs (on sports styles);
- a metal, rubber or leather logo plate;
- hanging loop (tape) and labels.
Cord stoppers and cord ends for jackets
A cord stopper locks the cord in the desired position and lets the hood or waist be tightened with one hand. When choosing one, check the hole: it must match the thickness of the cord, and the spring must hold firmly enough without being hard to press with gloves on. Single-hole stoppers go on one cord, double-hole stoppers on both ends at once.
Cord ends protect the ends of the cord from fraying and give it a finished look. Metal cord ends with a logo are a popular branding detail on urban jackets, while plastic and silicone ones are used on sports styles. You will find more models among our cord stoppers and cord ends.
Eyelets for hood and waist
An eyelet reinforces the opening through which the cord exits. Without it the fabric frays and the opening tears. The main parameters are:
- Inner diameter – slightly larger than the cord thickness so that it runs freely.
- Post length – according to the total thickness of the layers (fabric, interfacing, lining).
- Material – brass or aluminium for washable jackets; plastic for light windbreakers.
On down jackets and membrane jackets, place the eyelet in a reinforced area rather than directly into the thin fabric.
Zip pullers
A puller makes the zip easier to open, especially with gloves, and carries the brand at the same time. It can be metal with a raised logo, rubber (PVC or silicone), a textile tape or a cord with a cord end. For ski and outdoor jackets choose a larger puller that is easy to grip. For urban styles, a smaller metal element matching the rest of the hardware.
Snap buttons for jackets
Press-on snap buttons are used on the storm flap, pockets, cuffs and detachable hoods. When choosing them, pay attention to the snapping force: on thin fabrics a snap that is too strong tears the fabric when opened. On heavy fabrics a weak snap opens by itself. The cap can carry a logo or be in the colour of the jacket.
Table: accessories by type of jacket
| Jacket type | Main accessories | Recommended finish |
|---|---|---|
| Parka | Eyelets, cord stoppers, cord ends, snap buttons, pullers | Antique brass, gunmetal |
| Windbreaker | Plastic stoppers, small eyelets, rubber pullers | Matt, colour-matched |
| Ski jacket | Large pullers, hook and loop, cord stoppers | Black, colour-matched |
| Denim jacket | Metal buttons, rivets, plate | Antique brass, antique silver |
| Leather jacket | Metal zips, pullers, belt buckles | Nickel, gunmetal |
| Down jacket | Snap buttons, cord stoppers, pullers | Matt, black |
How to choose a hardware style
A jacket's hardware should look like one set. Start with the zip – it is the most visible metal element – and choose eyelets, snap buttons, cord ends and pullers in the same finish. On technical jackets matt black or gunmetal looks good, on urban styles antique brass or nickel, and on children's jackets coloured plastic accessories. If the jacket has leather or rubber details, repeat the logo on the puller and the plate.
Common mistakes with jacket accessories
- An eyelet directly in a membrane. Without reinforcement the membrane tears around the eyelet and water gets in through the opening.
- An eyelet too narrow for the cord. The cord is pinched, pulls with difficulty and wears quickly.
- A cord stopper with too weak a spring. The hood loosens by itself in the wind and with movement.
- Metal cord ends not tested in the wash. In a drum they strike the glass and can scratch the fabric or be damaged.
- Different tones on the zip and buttons. Even a small difference in shade shows in a prominent place such as the front placket.
- No spare buttons. On higher-end jackets the brand often attaches a spare snap or button to the label – plan for them in the quantity.
Attachment and testing
- Attach trial eyelets and snap buttons to the actual fabric with all its layers.
- Check the snapping force and that the snap does not tear the fabric.
- Wash the sample according to the care label and check the finish.
- Tighten the cord stopper repeatedly and check that the cord does not slip.
- Test the puller with gloves on.
Browse the full range in our jacket and garment accessories category.
Jacket accessories from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories with more than 10,000 articles and over 30 years of experience. We supply cord stoppers, eyelets, cord ends, zip pullers and plates to brands and factories across Europe, including with a logo and a finish matched to your sample. Send a description of the jacket and a list of the accessories you need via our contact form and we will propose a set with samples.
