Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The drawstring for a hood is selected based on three parameters: shape (flat or round), thickness matching the eyelet or grommet opening, and length equal to the tunnel length plus the free ends. Sweatshirts typically use a flat cord about 8–12 mm or a round cord 4–6 mm thick, while jackets and anoraks usually have a round cord with a core and stopper. The ends are finished with cord ends or knots to prevent fraying.
Flat or round drawstring for hood
Flat drawstrings lie flat on the chest, do not twist, and give a clean, fashionable look. They are standard for sweatshirts, hoodies, and loungewear. Round drawstrings slide more easily through the tunnel, pass through stoppers better, and withstand frequent tightening, making them preferred for jackets, anoraks, windbreakers, and outdoor clothing. If the hood is adjusted with a stopper, choose a round cord – most stoppers are designed for round cross-sections.
What thickness drawstring to choose for hood
| Garment | Type of drawstring | Approximate thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Children’s sweatshirt | flat or round | flat 6–8 mm / round 3–4 mm |
| Sweatshirt, hoodie | flat | 8–12 mm |
| Oversize hoodie | flat or bulky round | flat 12–15 mm / round 6–8 mm |
| Jacket, anorak, windbreaker | round with core | 3–5 mm |
| Winter jacket with large hood | round with core or elastic | 4–6 mm |
The key rule is compatibility with the opening. The inner diameter of the eyelet or the length of the grommet must be slightly larger than the thickness of the drawstring, so that the cord with the end can be easily threaded during production. If the opening is too large, the cord will slip inside the tunnel; if too narrow, the fabric around the eyelet will stretch.
How to calculate the length of a hood drawstring
- Measure the length of the tunnel along the edge of the hood from one opening to the other on the finished garment.
- Add the free ends on both sides – usually 15–25 cm for adult models, depending on the design.
- Add a few centimetres for a knot or cord end if the ends are finished that way.
- Check on a sample in different sizes – for large production runs, length is determined for each size.
Strict restrictions apply to drawstrings in children’s clothing around the hood and neck area – see the children’s clothing section below.
Drawstring material
- Polyester – durable, colourfast, does not shrink in washing. The most versatile for sportswear and everyday clothing.
- Cotton – soft with a natural look, suitable for cotton sweatshirts; may shrink slightly in washing.
- Mixed and melange – provide texture and match melange fabrics.
- Waxed and coated – stiffer with a clear silhouette; for premium and streetwear models.
A good rule is to choose a drawstring made of the same fibre type as the main fabric or more durable. This ensures even shrinkage during washing and prevents the cord from unevenly slipping out of the tunnel.
Finishing the ends
The raw end of the drawstring frays after the first wash and makes threading difficult. The following are used:
- cord ends – metal for a premium look, or plastic and silicone for everyday wear;
- thermal sealing – for synthetic cords;
- knot – the simplest option that prevents the cord from slipping out of the tunnel;
- sewing in the middle of the back of the hood – the cord cannot be pulled out entirely from one side.
Drawstring for children’s clothing
For children’s clothing in the EU, the EN 14682 standard applies, restricting cords and ties due to the risk of entanglement and strangulation. For the youngest children, cords in the hood and neck area are not allowed, and for older children, they are permitted only under certain conditions – no free ends, no cord ends or knots that can catch. Before producing children’s models, check the current standard requirements for the relevant age group.
Colour and appearance
The drawstring is a visible element and affects the perception of the garment. Tone-on-tone with the fabric gives a clean, minimalist look; a contrasting colour turns the cord into an accent. For brands, the drawstring can be ordered in corporate Pantone colours, with metal cord ends engraved with a logo or woven text. Consider a coordinated set: drawstring, cord ends, eyelets, and stoppers in matching colours and finishes.
Common mistakes
- Drawstring without cord end for an eyelet with a small opening – the frayed end cannot pass during repair or re-threading.
- Cotton drawstring in a polyester garment – different shrinkage distorts the hood.
- Flat drawstring in a stopper designed for round cords – the stopper does not hold and slips.
- Same length for all sizes – ends are too long for smaller sizes.
Drawstrings for hoods from the manufacturer
Polkom is a manufacturer of accessories and haberdashery for clothing based in Sofia. We supply drawstrings for hoods – flat and round, in various thicknesses and colours, with cord ends and as sets with eyelets and stoppers – to clothing manufacturers across the EU. We produce samples and drawstrings in Pantone colours. Minimum order quantities depend on the item – send an inquiry via the contact page.
