Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Cords with aglets are cords whose ends are finished with a small metal, plastic or silicone piece. The aglet stops the end from fraying, makes threading through the casing and eyelet easier, weighs the cord down so it hangs straight, and is a visible detail that can carry the brand's logo. The choice depends on the thickness and shape of the cord, the eyelet opening and the style of the product.
Why cords with aglets are the standard
- No fraying – an unfinished end unravels at the very first wash and looks sloppy.
- Easy threading – the stiff end passes through the casing in production and during repair.
- Better look – the aglet finishes the product and underlines its quality.
- Stopper – a wider aglet prevents the cord from being pulled into the casing.
- Branding – an engraved or embossed logo on the aglet.
Types of cord ends
Metal aglets
They are made of brass, zinc alloy or stainless steel and are crimped (pressed) or screwed onto the cord. They come in cylindrical, conical, bullet and faceted shapes and in finishes such as nickel look, bronze, gold, black, gunmetal and matt versions. They suit premium sweatshirts, jackets, sportswear and bags, and allow laser engraving or an embossed logo.
Plastic aglets
The most common in mass-market clothing. They are made as separate pieces fitted by machine, or as heat-shrink aglets – clear or coloured film that shrinks around the cord end with heat. Plastic is light, inexpensive and safe in the wash.
Silicone and rubber aglets
Soft, flexible and pleasant to the touch. They are used in sportswear and childrenswear, where a hard metal aglet could knock or scratch. They come in many colours and can have an embossed logo.
Decorative end pieces
Balls, wooden beads, leather caps, tassels. They are used in boho, children's and accessory collections, when the end piece is more of a decoration.
Comparison of cord ends
| Type | Look and feel | Durability | Logo | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal | premium, heavy | very high | engraving, embossing | hoodies, jackets, bags |
| Plastic | light, neutral | good | limited | mass-market clothing |
| Heat-shrink (film) | discreet | medium | no | tracksuits, shorts, pyjamas |
| Silicone | soft, sporty | good | embossed | sports, childrenswear |
| Decorative | fashion accent | depends on material | depends | accessories, boho |
How to match an aglet to the cord
- Inner diameter or width – the aglet must fit tightly on the cord. Round cords need a round opening, flat cords a flat or specially shaped aglet.
- Outer size – determines whether the cord will pass through the eyelet or buttonhole. If you want the cord to be replaceable, the opening must be larger than the aglet.
- Weight – heavy metal aglets pull thin cords and light hoods down; on lightweight jersey choose smaller aglets.
- Finish – coordinate with the metal accessories on the product: zip, eyelets, buttons, plates.
- Fitting method – crimping, screwing, gluing or heat shrinking; specify whether the cords will arrive finished or the aglets will be fitted in your production.
Aglets for flat cords
Flat cords on sweatshirts and tracksuits need a different approach from round ones. Most often, flat metal aglets that clamp the end like a clip are used, or heat-shrink film aglets that follow the shape of the tape. Cylindrical aglets for round cords are not suitable – the flat cord has to be folded to fit and the end looks bulky. If you want a round aglet on a flat cord, agree this in advance with your manufacturer so that a suitable inner diameter can be chosen.
How aglets are fitted
In series production the cord is cut to an exact length, usually with a hot knife for synthetic cords, and the aglets are fitted by machine or press. Metal aglets are crimped with a tool that presses them evenly onto the cord. With screw aglets, the cord end is screwed into a thread inside the aglet, and some models are additionally secured with adhesive. Heat-shrink aglets are fitted by heating, after which the film shrinks. It is most convenient for the cords to be delivered already cut with aglets fitted – this saves an operation in the factory.
Cords with logo aglets
A metal aglet with a logo is one of the most effective ways of discreet branding – it is visible every time the garment is worn, and the customer touches it every day. The logo can be laser engraved, stamped raised or debossed. For a more complete look, the aglets are combined with metal logo plates or badges in the same finish. You will find more on ready-made aglets in the cord ends category.
Common mistakes
- A heavy metal aglet on lightweight jersey – the hood distorts and the cord gets pulled out.
- An aglet larger than the eyelet – the cord cannot be replaced or repaired.
- Loose crimping – the aglet falls off in the wash.
- Mismatched finishes – a gold aglet and a nickel-look zip on one product look uncoordinated.
- Aglets on childrenswear without checking the requirements – in some areas free ends with aglets are not permitted under EN 14682.
Cords with aglets from Polkom
Polkom is a Sofia-based manufacturer of haberdashery and accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, with over 30 years of experience. We supply flat and round cords in various colours, with metal, plastic and silicone aglets, as well as custom logo aglets. We send samples quickly and deliver across the EU. Minimum quantities depend on the article – send an inquiry.
