Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Dungaree buckles (overall buckles) are a set made of a metal buckle with a slot or hook and a shank button that is fitted to the bib of the dungarees. The buckle is sewn or riveted to the strap, and the length is adjusted by sliding the strap through the frame. Widths of around 30–40 mm are used most often for denim and work dungarees, and narrower styles for children's and women's styles.
How a dungaree buckle is built
The classic dungaree buckle has three elements that work together:
- Slotted buckle – a flat metal plate with a keyhole (a slot with a wider part) into which the button head fits.
- Adjusting bar – part of the buckle or a separate slider through which the strap passes and which sets the length.
- Shank button – a metal button fitted to the bib of the dungarees with a press or a rivet; its head hooks into the slot.
There are also versions with a hook instead of a slot, as well as styles with a snap mechanism that fasten without a button. Children's dungarees sometimes use plastic buckles, which are lighter and safer.
Types of dungaree buckles
Classic denim buckle
Metal, cast or stamped, with an antique brass, antique copper, nickel colour (nickel free) or gunmetal finish. Often with the brand's raised logo. This is the standard for denim dungarees and jumpsuits.
Workwear buckle
Sturdier, with a thicker bar and a durable finish. Used on work dungarees, where the straps are adjusted often and are exposed to friction, moisture and washing at high temperatures. It is important that the button is fitted firmly, with a backing on the inside.
Fashion buckle
Decorative shapes, glossy finishes, crystals or enamel. Used on women's dungarees and pinafore dresses, where function matters but the look comes first.
Plastic buckle
Snap-in or with a hook, for children's and baby dungarees and for sports styles. It does not corrode and is lighter, but it is less durable under intensive use.
Sizes
| Type of dungarees | Strap width | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Baby and children's | 15–25 mm | Light buckle, smooth edges |
| Women's fashion | 20–30 mm | Decorative buckle, smaller button |
| Classic denim | 30–40 mm | Metal buckle with logo, shank button |
| Workwear | 35–45 mm | Sturdy buckle, strong button with backing |
The inner slot of the buckle must correspond to the strap width, and the keyhole to the diameter of the button head and shank. That is why the buckle and button are always ordered as a set from one manufacturer.
Finishes and compatibility with the other metal accessories
On denim garments, the buckle is part of a system: metal buttons for the waistband, rivets on the pockets, a metal zip. All these elements look best in the same finish – for example antique brass or gunmetal. In the wash, finishes from different suppliers age differently, so it makes sense to source all metal accessories from one place.
Attaching the buckle to the strap
- Pass the end of the strap through the adjusting bar of the buckle.
- Fold the strap inwards by 3–5 cm and sew it with a box stitch with a diagonal, or fix it with two rivets.
- Add a keeper or fold the free end if the style allows sliding adjustment.
- Fit the shank button to the bib of the dungarees with a press and a suitable die; use a reinforcing fabric backing on the inside.
- Check the fastening: the button head should enter the keyhole easily but must not come out with movement.
Washing and care
Dungarees, especially workwear, are washed often and at higher temperatures. Metal buckles must have a finish that withstands washing and detergents without rusting or staining the fabric. It is advisable to wash dungarees inside out with the straps unfastened, so that the metal does not knock against the drum. On denim styles with distressing (stone wash, enzyme wash), the metal accessories go through the treatment together with the garment, so the finish is chosen to withstand this process too. Test the sample together with the fabric before starting production.
Length adjustment
A good buckle allows the strap to be adjusted over a wide range without damaging the seams. On the classic style, the free end of the strap passes through the bar and hangs at the front – so it should be finished with a hem or an end tip. On work dungarees, two buttons are sometimes placed at different heights to give more adjustment options.
Common problems
- The buckle comes undone with movement – the keyhole is wider than the button shank.
- The button tears off – there is no reinforcement on the inside or it was fitted without a suitable die.
- The finish darkens unevenly – different suppliers for the buckle and the button.
- The strap slips – the adjusting bar is wider than the strap.
Dungaree buckles with a logo
The buckle is one of the most visible places on dungarees, so brands often use it for their logo. The logo can be raised, recessed or engraved, and the buckle shape can follow your design. The process starts with a vector file, a technical drawing and a sample that is checked on a real strap before production begins. You will find similar solutions for leather and denim belts in the metal buckles section.
Dungaree buckles from Polkom
Polkom manufactures buckles and other metal accessories for denim, workwear and children's clothing. We can prepare a set of buckle and button in one finish, as well as a style with your brand logo. All our metal finishes are nickel free. See the main styles in the buckles category and send an inquiry with the strap width and a photo of the style.
