Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Buttonhole elastic for clothing is a flat elastic with openings knitted in at regular intervals, like buttonholes. It is inserted into the inner casing of the waistband, and its ends are buttoned onto buttons sewn on the inside. By moving the button to another hole, the waist is made narrower or wider. It is used mainly in children’s trousers, jeans, skirts and school uniforms, so that the clothes grow with the child.
How buttonhole elastic for clothing works
Buttonhole elastic is inserted into the waistband casing, usually in the back half or at the sides. On the inside of the waistband there are two small buttons and two slits (buttonholes) in the casing through which the ends of the elastic come out. Each end is buttoned onto the button through one of the holes. If the waist is too big, the elastic is pulled through and buttoned on a further hole. When the child grows, the elastic is let out to a closer hole or removed altogether.
This way the same trouser size fits children with different waists, and the garment is worn for longer. That is why the adjustable waist is standard at many childrenswear brands.
Widths and hole spacing
| Item | Elastic width | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Baby and toddler trousers | 15–20 mm | Soft, knitted elastic |
| Children’s jeans and trousers | 20–25 mm | The most common width |
| Children’s skirts and dresses with a waistband | 15–25 mm | Depending on the waistband height |
| Uniforms and teen trousers | 25–30 mm | Greater adjustment |
| Women’s maternity trousers | 20–30 mm | Adjustable trouser waistband |
The spacing between the holes is usually about 2–3 cm. The smaller the spacing, the finer the adjustment. The holes themselves must be large enough for the button but must not stretch, so the elastic does not slip off.
Buttons for an adjustable waist
Small, flat buttons are used, usually about 15–18 mm (24–28 L), which do not press on the skin from the inside. They must be sewn on securely, because they take the pull of the elastic every time the child sits or bends. They are often sewn on with a backing button on the reverse side or onto a reinforced area of the waistband. You will find suitable styles in the buttons category.
How buttonhole elastic is sewn in
- Form the casing. The waistband must have an inner casing or an inner facing through which the elastic can pass.
- Make the buttonholes in the casing. On the inside, usually on either side of the side seams or in the back half, two buttonholes are made through which the ends of the elastic will come out.
- Sew on the buttons next to each buttonhole, on the inside of the waistband.
- Thread the elastic with a safety pin from one buttonhole to the other.
- Button the ends on suitable holes and try it on.
- Catch the elastic in the centre back with a vertical stitch if the two ends are adjusted separately. This way the elastic is not pulled entirely to one side.
Soft elastic for children’s clothing
Buttonhole elastic is usually a knitted elastic – soft, smooth and flexible, so it does not press and cannot be felt through the waistband. For jeans and heavier fabrics a denser base is used so that it holds. The colour is most often white, and black for dark fabrics so it does not show through. There is an overview of all types in the elastics category.
Advantages for the brand and parents
- fewer sizes in the collection fit more children;
- fewer returns due to inaccurate sizing in online sales;
- the garment is worn for longer;
- no belt needed – convenient for small children;
- easy adjustment, no sewing skills required.
Common mistakes
- Holes too large for the button – the elastic slips off.
- Buttons without reinforcement – they tear off with part of the fabric.
- A casing that is too narrow – the elastic bunches and does not slide.
- Elastic not caught in the centre – it is pulled to one side.
- Stiff elastic in children’s clothing – it leaves marks and irritates the skin.
Safety in children’s clothing
The buttons on the inside must be securely attached and withstand pulling, because small parts are a risk for young children. In the EU there are safety requirements for small parts and cords in children’s clothing. Check the requirements that apply to the age group of your collection and test the attachment strength.
How long a piece of buttonhole elastic to cut
The length depends on which part of the waistband the elastic will adjust. Most often it runs only in the back half, between the two side buttonholes, and its length equals the distance between the buttonholes plus a reserve for adjustment – a few holes on each side. If the elastic runs around the whole circumference, cut it to the waistband circumference plus a reserve. The reserve determines how much the waist can be taken in: the more holes left free outside, the greater the adjustment. In series production the length is specified for each size in the tech pack and checked on trial garments for the smallest and largest sizes.
Buttonhole elastic for adults
Besides children’s clothing, the adjustable waistband is also used in maternity trousers, work trousers and uniforms worn by different people. The principle is the same, but the elastic is wider and denser.
Buttonhole elastic from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, including haberdashery for clothing, based in Sofia. We supply elastics for children’s clothing, including buttonhole elastic in different widths, as well as buttons for adjustable waists, with samples and delivery throughout the EU. Minimum quantities depend on the article. Send an inquiry via the contact page.
