Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Black cord ends in a black oxide finish (Black Oxide, code BO) are deep black, with a glossy surface and a clean metallic glint on the edges. They are a favourite of streetwear and sportswear brands, of monochrome collections and of anyone who wants the metal detail to look modern and austere. At Polkom all 64 cord end styles are available in black oxide.
What black oxide cord ends look like
Black Oxide is the darkest glossy finish in the range. Unlike Gun Metal, which is dark grey and “metallic”, black oxide is almost pure black – the metal gives itself away only through the highlights on the edges and curves. That is why on geometric shapes such as a cube or hexagon the effect is especially graphic.
On black fabric the cord end blends into the item and remains a fine, shiny detail. On white or coloured fabric it is a clear contrasting accent. The tone in photos is indicative; a sample shows most accurately how the finish looks next to your fabric.
Which brands and items choose black oxide
- Streetwear and urban fashion – hoodies, cargo trousers, jackets and gilets with drawcords, where black metal accessories are part of the aesthetic.
- Techwear and functional clothing – windbreakers, jackets with sealed seams, trousers with adjustable hems.
- Sportswear – training kits, joggers and shorts, especially on black and navy bases.
- Bags and backpacks – drawstrings on bags, straps and flaps, matching black buckles and snap buttons.
- Sneakers and shoes – “all black” styles, where a plastic aglet would look cheap.
- Furniture and interiors – drawstrings on covers and cushions in a minimalist interior with black metal legs and handles.
Black cord ends and cord colour
Black oxide is very versatile, but it is strongest in three scenarios:
- Tone on tone – black cord with a black cord end. The cleanest solution for monochrome collections.
- Contrast – white, grey or beige cord with a black cord end. The detail looks considered and graphic.
- Accent – neon, orange or reflective cord. The black metal “calms” the bright colour.
Pastel and romantic palettes are less suitable – there black metal can look harsh. Consider light gold or rose gold instead.
A black cord end is also a practical choice for brands with a wide range of cord colours. It does not clash with any colour, so one style in black oxide can serve several items in the collection – from white sweatshirts to olive cargo trousers.
Styles that look best in black
Clean lines and crisp edges bring out the gloss of black oxide. Here are our recommendations – the code opens the style card with sizes, profile and all colours.
| Code (Black Oxide) | Style | Ø / width × length | Opening | Why in black oxide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NK-501-BO | Cube | 8 × 8 mm | ≈ Ø 2.8 mm | cube – a graphic streetwear detail |
| NK-502-BO | Square tube, short | 6.87 × 12.05 mm | ≈ Ø 4.1 mm | short square tube |
| NK-505-BO | Square bar, long | 6.3 × 29.55 mm | ≈ Ø 2.5 mm | long square bar – a strong accent |
| NK-510-BO | Hexagon | 9.27 × 9.23 mm | ≈ Ø 4.2 mm | hexagon with clean edges |
| NK-109-BO | Conical with hexagonal opening | Ø 12.8 × 11.76 mm | ≈ Ø 10.2 mm | cone with hexagonal opening |
| NK-107-BO | Conical, large | Ø 14 × 16.84 mm | ≈ Ø 11.9 mm | large cone for thick cords |
| NK-605-BO | Tube, thin, long | Ø 6 × 15.09 mm | ≈ Ø 4.2 mm | thin long tube for sneakers |
| NK-305-BO | Flat, wide | 19.21 × 8.51 mm | slot for tape | wide flat style for tapes |
| NK-401-BO | With four ribs | 19.21 × 8.51 mm | slot for tape | with four ribs – a technical aesthetic |
The full list with indicative openings is in the size table.
Black oxide as a set: eyelets, cord stoppers, buttons
A black cord end is rarely the only metal detail. On a hoodie the cord runs through eyelets, on joggers often through a cord stopper too, and the jacket has a zip and buttons. If all these details are in black, the item looks unified and considered. If one of them is silver or Gun Metal, the difference is noticed immediately. So when you send an inquiry, list all the metal accessories of the style – we will help you match them in one tone and send samples to compare together on the fabric.
Care and durability
On dark finishes scratches are easier to see, because the lighter metal shows through underneath. Here is what helps:
- choose a style whose shape does not constantly knock against hard surfaces – for bags, shorter cord ends are more practical;
- recommend washing inside out or in a laundry bag;
- avoid bleach and abrasive detergents;
- before a run, test a sample on the item using the real washing and drying regime.
Natural lightening on the edges after long use is normal for any dark metal detail, and in streetwear it is often accepted as part of the item’s character.
How to order black cord ends
Choose a style from the cord ends catalogue and add the code BO, for example NK-510-BO. The minimum quantity is 1,000 pcs per style and colour. Send a sample or the cord diameter – the openings in the tables are indicative and we confirm them with a sample. The geometric and flat styles are also convenient for an engraved logo.
Polkom – black metal accessories for modern collections
Polkom manufactures accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags and has over 30 years of experience. To go with the black cord ends you will find cords, snap buttons and eyelets in a close tone, as well as custom logo versions made to order. Send an inquiry and we will send you a sample.
