Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Quality cord ends (aglets) survive washing if they are chosen correctly and crimped to the right depth. Brass and aluminium cord ends do not rust, and plastic ones tolerate normal home washing temperatures. Problems – falling off, rust, cracking – most often come from the wrong material, the wrong size or no testing before series production.
Cord ends and washing: what can go wrong
The cord end falls off
During washing the cord is pulled, twisted and knocked against the drum. If the cord end has not gripped the cord properly, it slips off. Typical causes are a cord end with too large an inner diameter, insufficient crimping or no adhesive on slippery synthetic cords.
The metal rusts or tarnishes
Iron and steel with a damaged finish can rust and stain the fabric. Brass and aluminium do not rust, but a cheap or thin finish can tarnish or wear off.
The plastic cracks or deforms
Plastic cord ends tolerate normal washing, but at high dryer temperatures or when ironed they can soften or deform. Thin plastic tubes crack over time and fall off.
The cord frays under the cord end
If the end of the cord is not heat-sealed or glued before fitting, the fibres keep moving under the cord end and unravel over time.
How different materials behave
| Material | Rust | High temperature | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plated brass | Does not rust | Tolerates | Most reliable for frequently washed garments |
| Aluminium | Does not rust | Tolerates | Light, the finish can rub off |
| Zinc alloy | Does not rust | Tolerates | Suitable for relief and shapes |
| Steel | Risk if the finish is damaged | Tolerates | Avoid for frequent washing |
| Plastic | Does not rust | Care in the dryer and with the iron | Light and quiet |
| Silicone | Does not rust | Usually tolerates | Soft, does not scratch |
Tests before series production
For brands and factories, a few simple tests save complaints:
- Pull test. The cord end must not come off by hand. For production runs, a set number of pieces from each batch is checked.
- Wash test. Wash a finished garment several times at the temperature on the care label and check the cord ends after each cycle.
- Dryer test. If the label allows tumble drying, test plastic cord ends specifically in the dryer.
- Visual inspection. Look for rust, tarnishing, cracking and stains on the fabric around the cord end.
- Comparison with the sample. The tone of the finish should stay close to the approved one.
How to choose cord ends that last
- Choose the exact inner size for the actual cord.
- For frequently washed garments, prefer brass, aluminium, zinc alloy or quality plastic.
- Finish the end of the cord – heat-sealing or glue – before fitting the cord end.
- Control the crimping depth on every piece.
- Match the cord end to the other metal details – cord stoppers, eyelets, zip – so they react to washing the same way.
Plastic cord ends and heat
Plastic cord ends are practical but have one weakness – heat. Most of them tolerate washing at 30–40 °C without problems, but they can soften on direct contact with a hot iron or during prolonged high-temperature drying. For sportswear that is rarely ironed this is not an issue. For garments that are ironed often, choose metal or silicone cord ends, or state in the care instructions to iron on the reverse and away from the trims.
Do metal cord ends rust
Brass, aluminium and zinc cord ends do not rust in the true sense of the word. They can tarnish or lose the shine of their finish with aggressive detergents and bleach. Rust appears mainly on steel parts with a damaged finish, which is why they are avoided in apparel.
Care tips (for the end consumer)
- Wash the garment inside out and pull the cord tight so the cord end does not knock against the drum.
- Use a mesh laundry bag for sweatshirts with metal cord ends.
- Do not use bleach unless the label allows it.
- Iron away from plastic cord ends.
- Do not leave wet garments in the machine for long.
Dry cleaning and industrial laundering
If the products will go through dry cleaning or industrial laundering – for example workwear, uniforms or hotel textiles – the stress is greater than in home washing. Dry-cleaning solvents can damage some plastics and lacquer finishes, and industrial machines run at higher temperatures with stronger mechanical action. In these cases, test the cord ends using the same process by which the product will be cared for, and prefer metal models with a durable electroplated finish.
What to record in the specification
To avoid misunderstandings with the supplier, describe in the technical specification:
- the material and finish of the cord end;
- the type and thickness of the cord;
- how the product will be cared for – washing temperature, dryer, dry cleaning;
- the pull and wash test requirements you will apply;
- the permitted deviation in the finish tone from the sample.
The care label and cord ends
Care symbols under ISO 3758 are set for the whole product, including the trims. If the cord ends cannot take the dryer or high temperatures, the label must reflect this. That is why tests with trims are done before the care label is finalised.
Durable cord ends from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags with over 30 years of experience. In the cord ends category you will find metal and plastic models for sweatshirts, joggers, footwear and bags. Send an inquiry with a description of the cord and how the product will be washed via the contact page, and we will offer samples for testing.
