Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Hood cord ends are the small metal or plastic tips on the ends of the cord that tightens the hood of a sweatshirt, hoodie or jacket. They keep the cord from fraying, make it easier to thread through the eyelets and channel, and are one of the most visible details of the style. The choice depends on the thickness of the cord, the inner diameter of the eyelet, the brand's style and the age of the wearer.
Why hood cord ends are so important
On a sweatshirt the hood cord hangs right under the chin – where the buyer looks first. A clumsily frayed end or a cheap-looking plastic tip lowers the perceived quality of the whole garment. Conversely, a solid metal cord end in the colour of the eyelets or with an engraved logo immediately signals a higher class.
Besides the look, the cord end has a practical role:
- it protects the cord from fraying during wear and washing;
- it prevents the cord from being pulled entirely into the hood channel;
- it adds weight so that the ends hang evenly;
- it makes it easier to thread the cord during assembly in the workshop.
Metal or plastic cord ends for hoodies
Metal cord ends
Metal cord ends in brass, zinc alloy or aluminium are the standard on premium sweatshirts and streetwear collections. They come in nickel, black nickel, oxidised, gold, matt and gloss, and a logo can be engraved or embossed on them. The downside is weight – with very long cords the metal ends swing and can hit the face during sport.
Plastic cord ends
Plastic cord ends are lighter, quieter and do not rattle in the washing machine. They suit sports and children's styles and mass-market runs. They come as moulded plastic tips, clear heat-shrink tubes and dipped ends.
Silicone and rubberised ends
In sportswear, silicone or rubberised cord ends are often used – soft, pleasant to the touch and in a colour matched to a sample. They are a good compromise between the look of metal and the lightness of plastic.
What size cord end for the hood cord
The size is determined by two parameters: the thickness (or width) of the cord and the inner opening of the eyelet through which the cord passes. The cord end must be slightly narrower than the eyelet opening, otherwise the cord cannot be replaced or threaded during assembly.
| Hood cord | Typical use | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Round, thin | Light sweatshirts, children's styles | Narrow cord end, threads easily |
| Round, medium | Classic hoodies | The eyelet opening should be wider than the cord end |
| Flat | Sports and streetwear styles | A flat or oval cord end is needed |
| Thick, dense | Oversize styles, jackets | Heavy cord end – check the balance |
The surest option is to send a sample of the cord and the eyelet. The exact measuring steps are described in the article on cord end sizes.
How cord, cord end and eyelet are combined
The three elements work as a system. It looks best when the cord end and the eyelets are in the same finish – for example matt black or antique brass. Choose the cord so that its colour is in tone with the fabric or deliberately contrasting.
- Eyelet and cord end in the same metal finish – a classic, finished look.
- Tone on tone with the fabric – a minimalist look; the cord end is purely functional.
- Contrasting cord with a metal cord end – an accent on plain styles.
Hood cord ends on children's clothing
In childrenswear, cords in the hood and neck area are regulated by the European standard EN 14682 on the safety of cords and drawstrings on children's clothing. For the youngest children no cords are allowed in this area, and for older children there are restrictions on free ends and decorative elements on them. Before planning a cord with a cord end for a children's style, check the current requirements of the standard and of the retail chain you produce for. Often the safer solution is a hood without a cord or with elastic.
Fitting in series production
Metal cord ends are usually crimped with a press around the end of the cord, and some models are glued. Plastic ones are heat-moulded or fitted as a tube and shrunk with heat. The detailed steps are in the article on how to fit a cord end. In series production it is important that:
- the cord is cut to an exact length with a hot cut or a sealed end;
- the cord end is crimped to the same depth on every piece;
- a pull test is carried out – the cord end must not come off by hand;
- it is checked after one wash before the whole run is released.
Logo cord ends for sweatshirts
A branded cord end is a relatively inexpensive way to emphasise the brand. The logo can be laser-engraved, embossed in the die or applied as enamel. There is more on the options in the article on custom logo cord ends. The price depends on the material, shape, type of marking, finish and quantity – for specific terms a request for a quote is needed.
Common mistakes
- The cord end is wider than the eyelet opening and the cord cannot be threaded.
- The metal of the cord end does not match the tone of the eyelets.
- A heavy cord end on a very long cord – the ends swing and knock.
- No pull test, and the cord ends fall off at the first wash.
Hood cord ends from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories with over 30 years of experience. In the cord ends category you will find metal and plastic models that you can combine with cords and eyelets from the same supplier. We also make logo cord ends to your design. Send a sample or a description of the cord via our contact page and we will suggest a suitable model and samples.
