Metal Chains for Garments – Coat Hanger Chain, Connecting Chain and Decoration

Polkom · 5 min read
Metal Chains for Garments – Coat Hanger Chain, Connecting Chain and Decoration

A metal chain is a small accessory with three different roles: a hanging loop that lets a coat or jacket hang on a hook, a link between two edges of the garment, and a purely decorative detail. Polkom is a manufacturer of metal chains with sew-on ends – square, round, with two holes or with a metal plate that can carry the brand's logo. We also offer a decorative metal connecting element with D-rings in gold, rose gold, gunmetal and nickel colour (nickel free) for coats, bags and shoes.

Metal hanger chain for coats and jackets

The most common use is the hanging loop – the chain sewn to the inside of the collar. It replaces the fabric tape loop and is much stronger: the coat can hang on a hook in a wardrobe, restaurant or office without the loop tearing or stretching. A metal chain also signals the quality of the garment at the first look inside – which is why we find it on coats, jackets, blazers and parkas in the mid and upper segment.

The chain is sewn on through the holes in the two end pieces so that it stays slightly slack and is easy to grab. The ends can be hidden under the lining or remain visible as a detail.

Metal coat hanger chain (hanging loop) with square ends – gunmetal
Metal hanger chains with square ends in gunmetal.

How to sew on a hanger chain

  1. Choose the position – usually in the centre of the back collar, on the inside, just below the collar seam.
  2. Leave some slack – the distance between the two ends is shorter than the chain length so that it forms an arc a hook can slip into.
  3. Sew on the ends – with several stitches through each hole, catching the interfacing of the collar and not just the lining.
  4. Check the load – hang the finished garment and make sure the collar does not distort under the weight.

Chain or fabric hanging loop

A fabric tape loop is cheap and light, but over time it stretches, wears or tears – especially on heavy wool coats and parkas. A metal chain keeps the same shape throughout the life of the garment and gives the inside a more finished look. That is why brands that want their garments to look good inside too increasingly choose a metal chain.

Types of chain ends

The end pieces determine how the chain is sewn on and how it looks inside the garment. We offer four types:

End pieceHow it is attachedWhen to choose it
Squaresewn through the holes in the end piececlassic hanging loop for coats and jackets
Roundsewn through the round openingsofter look, women's styles
With two holessewn through the two holesmore stable attachment on heavy garments
Metal platesewn through the holes in the platewhen you want a logo or brand mark
Metal coat hanger chain (hanging loop) with round ends – gold and gunmetal
Chains with round ends in gold and gunmetal.
Metal coat hanger chain (hanging loop) with two-hole ends – gunmetal
Chains with two-hole ends in gunmetal.

Chain with a metal logo plate

When the end piece is a metal plate, the chain becomes a branded detail. The plate can carry the brand's logo, name or monogram and is seen every time the garment is hung up. It is an easy way to make the metal accessories in a collection look like one system – with the same mark as on the metal logo plates of the garment or bag. How plates are attached and which sizes are suitable can be found in the articles attaching metal plates and metal plate sizes for garments.

Metal coat hanger chain (hanging loop) with sew-on metal plates – gunmetal
Hanger chains with sew-on metal plates in gunmetal.
Metal coat hanger chain (hanging loop) with sew-on metal plate – detail
Detail of a sew-on metal plate – space for a logo or brand mark.

Chain connecting two edges of a garment

The chain's second role is to connect. Sewn between the two edges of a collar, cape, cardigan or cloak, it keeps the garment together without fully fastening it. The style stays loose but does not fall open. A similar detail is found on knitted cardigans, boleros and women's jackets, where buttons would weigh the fabric down. On these styles the chain is visible from the front, so its colour should match the other metal accessories – buttons, buckles and rings.

With a connecting chain, the length is part of the design: a shorter chain keeps the edges close together, while a longer one leaves the garment open and hangs freely as decoration. That is why it is a good idea to send a sketch or photo of the style with your enquiry.

Decorative metal element with D-rings

In addition to classic chains, we also make a decorative metal connecting element with D-rings at both ends. The middle part consists of geometric links, and the D-rings allow the element to be attached to a strap, a leather tab or directly to the garment. It is available in gold, rose gold, gunmetal and nickel colour (nickel free).

Decorative metal connecting element with D-rings – nickel colour (nickel free), gunmetal, rose gold and gold
Decorative metal connecting element with D-rings – nickel colour (nickel free), gunmetal, rose gold and gold.
  • Coats – as a collar closure or as a decorative link between the two lapels.
  • Bags – on the flap, on the strap or as an accessory on the handle. More ideas for metal details on bags are in the article metal rings for bags.
  • Shoes – as decoration on loafers, ballet flats and boots; see also the shoe accessories.
Decorative metal connecting element with D-rings – rose gold and gold
The decorative element in rose gold and gold.

Colours and combinations

The chains in the gallery are in gold and gunmetal, and the decorative element with D-rings in gold, rose gold, gunmetal and nickel colour (nickel free). All Polkom metal accessories are nickel free – "nickel" refers only to the silver colour of the finish. A good rule is for the chain to repeat the colour of the buttons and zip: gunmetal for dark coats and jackets, gold for styles with brass details, rose gold for women's collections in warm tones. You can read more about rose gold in the article rose gold in metal accessories, and about choosing rings for garments in metal rings for garments.

How to order metal chains

So that we can prepare a quote and a sample, include in your enquiry:

  • the use – hanging loop, connecting two edges or decoration;
  • the type of end pieces – square, round, with two holes or metal plate;
  • the colour of the metal chain;
  • the logo, if the end piece is to be a logo plate;
  • the approximate quantity and the garment, bag or shoe the chain is for.

Price, minimum quantity and lead times depend on the model, finish and volume, so contact us for a quote.

Metal chains from the manufacturer

Polkom is a manufacturer of buttons and accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags with over 30 years of experience. We make metal chains with various end pieces – including a metal logo plate – and decorative metal elements with D-rings for coats, bags and shoes. Browse the metal chains in the gallery and send us your enquiry.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a metal chain on a coat used for?
Most often as a hanging loop – it is sewn to the inside of the collar and lets the coat or jacket hang on a hook. A metal chain is stronger than a fabric tape loop and does not stretch. It is also used to connect two edges of a garment and as a decorative detail.
What end pieces can the chains have?
We offer chains with square ends, round ends, two-hole ends and with a metal plate. All four types are sewn on through the holes in the end piece.
Can the chain carry a logo?
Yes. When the end piece is a metal plate, it can carry the brand's logo, name or monogram. The hanging loop then becomes a branded detail that is seen every time the garment is hung up.
What is the decorative element with D-rings?
It is a metal connecting element with geometric links and a D-ring at each end. It is used as decoration and as a link on coats, bags and shoes and is available in gold, rose gold, gunmetal and nickel colour (nickel free).
Do the metal chains contain nickel?
No. All Polkom metal accessories are nickel free. "Nickel" refers only to the silver colour of the finish.
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Looking for a specific model, colour or size?

Send us an inquiry with a description or photo – you will receive an offer, samples and a production lead time.