Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
A cord lock for a hood is chosen based on the cord type, the exit point of the cord, and the wearing conditions. For sweatshirts, small spring cord locks with a single hole at each end are most common, while winter and ski jackets use cord locks with two holes or toggle models that can be easily pressed with gloves. At the waist and jacket hem, the cord lock is usually hidden inside or exits through an eyelet in the pocket.
How hood adjustment works
The hood cord passes through a tunnel along the front edge. Its ends exit through two eyelets or sewn-in loops at the bottom of the hood near the neck, or through openings at the back of the hood for volume adjustment models. The cord lock holds the cord and allows the hood to be tightened around the face without tying. A properly selected cord lock keeps the hood snug in the wind and releases with one press.
Which cord lock to choose for the hood
Sweatshirts and light jackets
For sweatshirts, the cord is often decorative and rarely adjusted. Small cylindrical or conical cord locks with a single hole, placed at each end, work well here. They are lightweight and do not weigh down the hood. If the cord lock is a visible detail, it can be metal in the same finish as other accessories.
Winter, ski, and outdoor jackets
For functional jackets, hood adjustment is important for protection against wind and snow. Larger spring or toggle cord locks made of polyacetal are used; they do not break in cold and can be pressed with gloves. Cord locks are often placed inside the collar, with the cord exiting through an eyelet to prevent it from swinging in front of the face.
Back volume adjustment of the hood
Some outdoor jackets have a third cord at the back of the hood to tighten it from behind. Here, a small single-hole cord lock is used, often flat to avoid pressing on the head.
Cord lock for waist and jacket hem
Adjusting the waist and hem prevents cold air from entering and shapes the silhouette. There are three options:
- External cord lock – cord ends exit outside at the side seam or front. Quick adjustment but the cord lock is visible.
- Internal cord lock – cord exits inside the lining. Clean exterior look but adjustment requires unzipping the jacket.
- Cord lock in pocket – cord exits through an eyelet inside the pocket. Adjustable with one hand and not visible.
For the hem, a two-hole cord lock is often used when both ends exit from the same point, or two single-hole cord locks when adjusting from both sides.
Placement and combination with eyelets
The cord exit point from the tunnel must be reinforced. Usually, these are metal or plastic eyelets, less often sewn-in loops. The internal diameter of the eyelet should allow the cord with the cord end to pass through if the cord is replaceable, or at least the cord itself. The cord lock is placed after the eyelet so that when the hood is loose, it does not touch the eyelet, and when tightened, there remains a comfortable length to grip.
- Match the finish of eyelets, cord locks, and cord ends if metal.
- Choose a cord length that reaches the cord lock when the hood is fully loose, plus some reserve.
- Check that the cord lock does not hit the zipper or buttons during movement.
The cord is half the solution
Hoods use round braided cords, flat cords, and elastic cords. Round braided cords work best with standard spring cord locks. Flat cords are trendy for sweatshirts but require a cord lock with a suitable hole or are better left without a cord lock. Elastic cords are practical for outdoor garments because they keep the hood tight while the head moves. Suitable hood cords are available in our catalogue.
Children's jackets and hoods
For children's clothing, cords around the head and neck area are regulated by European standard EN 14682. For the smallest sizes, cords and functional hood ties are generally not allowed, and for older children, there are limits on the length of free ends. Therefore, children's jackets often use elastic, hook and loop, or fixed cords without free ends and without cord locks that could catch. Check the requirements for the specific size before planning a cord lock on a child's hood.
Common mistakes
- Small cord lock on a ski jacket that cannot be pressed with a glove.
- Heavy metal cord lock on a light sweatshirt that pulls the hood down.
- Eyelet with too small an opening that does not allow the cord end to pass.
- Cord lock that holds when still but slips during washing because the hole is too large for the cord.
- Visible external cord locks that hit the face in the wind.
How to test a hood cord lock
Before bulk ordering, sew one sample with the chosen cord lock and cord. Tighten the hood fully and pull sharply as if in wind. Wash the garment at least two to three times according to the label and check if the cord lock has loosened or if the cord has shrunk. For winter garments, leave the cord lock in the cold and check pressing with a glove. These simple tests prevent complaints during the season.
You can browse cord lock models for hoods, waists, and hems in the cord locks category.
Cord locks for jackets by Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear, and bags based in Sofia. We offer cord locks, cords, eyelets, and cord ends that can be selected as a matching set in the same colour or finish, including with logos. Send us your jacket or sweatshirt model and cord type via the contact page, and we will send you samples.
