Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
Cord thickness for clothing is chosen according to the product and the opening it passes through. Round cords of 3–5 mm are standard for jackets, anoraks and backpacks, flat cords of 8–12 mm for sweatshirts and joggers, and thin cords of 2–3 mm for children's clothes, pouches and decorative ties. The inner diameter of the eyelet should be slightly larger than the cord, and the cord stopper chosen for the same diameter.
How cord thickness is measured
For round cords the diameter in millimetres is given, measured with a calliper in a relaxed, unstretched state. For flat cords the width in millimetres is given, and sometimes the thickness of the tape. It is important to measure without squeezing the cord, because soft braided cords flatten easily and show a smaller value.
If you buy cords wholesale, also state the tolerance in your inquiry – soft braided cords vary by a few tenths of a millimetre between batches, which is normal but must be taken into account when choosing cord stoppers with a narrow hole.
Chart: cord thickness by product
| Product | Cord type | Approximate thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Sweatshirt, hoodie – hood | flat | 8–12 mm |
| Sweatshirt, hoodie – hood | round | 5–8 mm |
| Joggers, shorts – waist | flat or round | flat 8–10 mm / round 4–6 mm |
| Pyjamas, swimwear – waist | round or flat | 3–5 mm / 6–8 mm |
| Jacket, anorak – hood and hem | round with core | 3–5 mm |
| Windbreaker, light gilet | round or elastic | 2.5–4 mm |
| Drawstring gym bag | round | 4–6 mm |
| Backpack – closing the opening | round with core | 4–6 mm |
| Jewellery pouch, packaging | thin round, satin | 1–3 mm |
| Hang tag | waxed or thin cord | 0.5–1.5 mm |
The values are approximate. The look of the style may call for a thicker or thinner cord – for example an oversize hoodie with a chunky cord or a minimalist jacket with a very thin one.
Compatibility with eyelets
Eyelets shape and reinforce the opening through which the cord exits. The key rule: the inner diameter of the eyelet must be larger than the cord thickness, so that the cord can be threaded through – often together with the cord end – in production and during repair.
| Cord | Recommended eyelet inner diameter |
|---|---|
| round 3 mm | about 4–5 mm |
| round 4 mm | about 5–6 mm |
| round 5 mm | about 6–8 mm |
| round 6–8 mm | about 8–10 mm |
| flat 8–12 mm | about 8–10 mm (a flat cord folds when threaded) or a buttonhole |
If the cord has a metal cord end, measure the cord end too – it is often thicker than the cord itself. With flat cords, a vertical or horizontal buttonhole slightly longer than the cord width is often used instead of an eyelet.
Compatibility with cord stoppers
Cord stoppers are made for a specific cord diameter. If the cord is thinner, the stopper does not hold it and slips; if it is thicker, it does not pass through the hole or the spring is overloaded. When ordering, always state the cord diameter and test the stopper with the actual cord. Flat cords generally do not work well with standard stoppers for a round cross-section.
How to determine the thickness for a new style
- Start with the function – purely decorative cord, adjustment or load-bearing element.
- Choose the shape – flat or round – according to the look and whether there will be a stopper.
- Determine an approximate thickness from the chart.
- Choose an eyelet, buttonhole or stopper with the matching opening.
- Order samples in two or three close sizes and try them on the prototype.
- Wash the prototype and check whether the cord shrinks differently from the fabric and runs smoothly in the channel.
- Fix the thickness, colour and accessories in the style's tech pack.
It is good to have one standard cord–eyelet–stopper combination for most styles in the collection. This makes orders larger and more economical, and production more predictable.
Compatibility with cord ends
Cord ends are chosen by their inner diameter or width relative to the cord. Metal cord ends are crimped onto the cord, so they must fit snugly without cutting the sheath. Plastic cord ends are applied by heat moulding or by machine directly onto the cord.
What affects the choice besides the product
- Look – a thicker cord is more visible and becomes a fashion detail.
- Fabric weight – heavy fabric and large hoods need a thicker cord so it does not look insignificant.
- Load – backpacks and outdoor products need a cord with a core.
- Safety in childrenswear – for the youngest children cords in the hood and neck area are not permitted; check the EN 14682 standard.
- Channel – the width of the channel must allow the cord to slide freely.
Thickness and length together
A thicker cord takes up more space in the channel and gathers the fabric less tightly when drawn. So with chunky cords the channel must be wider and the free ends slightly longer, to be tied comfortably. With thin cords it is the reverse: the channel can be narrower, but the cord must be strong enough not to break when drawn tight.
Common mistakes
- Ordering eyelets and cord separately without checking compatibility.
- Measuring a soft cord while squeezing it – the value comes out smaller.
- A flat cord in a stopper made for a round one.
- A cord end thicker than the eyelet hole – the cord cannot be replaced.
- A narrow channel – the cord jams and does not gather evenly.
Cords, eyelets and stoppers from one supplier
Polkom is a manufacturer and wholesaler of haberdashery and garment accessories from Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We offer cords for clothing in various thicknesses and colours together with eyelets, cord stoppers and cord ends, so you get a compatible set. We send samples quickly so you can test on the prototype. Send an inquiry with the product and the desired thickness.
