Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Metal bag accessories include rings, buckles, snap hooks, eyelets, rivets, bag feet and metal logo plates. To choose the right metal accessories, start from the strap width, the load and the bag material: the inner size of the ring or buckle must match the width of the strap, and the material and thickness of the metal must match the weight the bag will carry. The finish is chosen to be the same for all visible elements.
Main types of metal bag accessories
Rings
Rings connect handles and shoulder straps to the body of the bag. They come round, D-shaped, rectangular and oval. The D-ring is the most versatile – its straight side keeps the strap flat, while the curved side lets the snap hook move freely. Rectangular rings are used for flat straps and adjusters.
Buckles and adjusters
Buckles close flaps and adjust the length of straps. On women's bags they are often decorative, while on backpacks and travel bags they are functional. An adjuster (slider) is a rectangular frame with a cross bar through which the strap passes twice and is held by friction.
Snap hooks
Snap hooks allow the shoulder strap to be detached. It is important that the spring mechanism is strong and the hook closes tightly, because this is where the greatest load occurs when carrying.
Eyelets and rivets
Eyelets form openings for cords on drawstring bags and backpacks, as well as ventilation holes. Rivets secure handles and corners where stitching alone is not enough, especially on leather and heavy fabrics.
Metal plates and bag feet
The logo plate is the main branding element of the bag. Bag feet protect the base from wear and dirt.
How to choose the size of the ring and buckle
The most common mistake is a ring that is too narrow or too wide for the strap. The rule is simple: the inner width of the ring should equal the width of the strap plus a little clearance, so the strap can pass through without creasing.
| Strap width | Inner width of the ring | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mm | about 20–21 mm | Small women's bags, purses |
| 25 mm | about 25–26 mm | Shoulder bags, tote bags |
| 30–32 mm | about 30–33 mm | Backpacks, sports bags |
| 38–40 mm | about 38–41 mm | Travel bags, luggage straps |
| 50 mm | about 50–51 mm | Heavy holdalls, technical straps |
With leather straps, also take the thickness into account: thick leather with a lining needs a taller inner opening, otherwise the strap bends and wears quickly.
Metal accessories by type of bag
- Women's leather bag: D-rings, decorative buckle, snap hooks, metal plate, bag feet. Finish in gold, light gold or nickel colour (nickel free), often glossy.
- Tote and shopping bag: eyelets for handles, rivets, simpler metal accessories. Strength under load is important.
- Backpack: adjusters, plastic or metal buckles, eyelets, cord stoppers, cord ends.
- Travel bag and holdall: heavy D-rings, swivel snap hooks, rivets on the handles.
- Laptop bag: swivel snap hooks, adjusters and discreet metal accessories in gunmetal or black.
Materials: metal or plastic
Zinc alloy metal accessories are the most common on fashion bags because the alloy allows complex shapes and a raised logo. Steel rings and snap hooks take heavy loads, while brass ones do not rust and age beautifully. Plastic buckles and adjusters are light and are used on sports backpacks and bags that get wet.
If the bag will carry a heavy load, do not choose decorative cast rings with a thin cross-section in the shoulder strap area. If necessary, combine – a solid functional ring on the inside and a decorative element on the outside.
Finish and style
A bag is an accessory seen up close, so the finish is part of the design. Gold and rose gold suit evening and women's styles, nickel colour and antique silver everyday bags, gunmetal and black men's and minimalist styles. Glossy finishes show scratches, so on bags that rub against clothing the metal accessories should be lacquered. All metal elements – rings, buckles, zips and plate – should be in the same tone.
How metal bag accessories are attached
The method of attachment affects strength as much as the metal accessories themselves. Rings and buckles are attached by a loop of strap or leather, sewn with a double or triple-reinforced seam, often in the shape of a box with a diagonal (box-X stitch). Rivets and eyelets are set with a press and die, and on thin leather a washer is added underneath so they do not cut through the material. Metal plates are attached with screws, rivets or bendable prongs through the body – the latter require pre-punched holes at an exact spacing. When ordering a plate, state how it will be attached, as this determines the construction of the back.
Common mistakes when choosing metal bag accessories
- A ring that does not match the width of the strap.
- Decorative metal accessories used for load-bearing elements.
- Different shades of finish between the rings, the zip and the plate.
- No backing or washer under the rivet on thin leather – the rivet tears out.
- A snap hook with a weak spring on heavy bags.
- Ordering without a sample and without a trial attachment on the actual material.
You will find more styles in the bag accessories, rings and metal buckles categories.
Metal bag accessories from Polkom
Polkom manufactures and supplies wholesale metal and plastic accessories to makers of bags, leather goods and accessories across Europe. We can make plates, buckles and zip pullers with your logo, coordinate the finish with the zips and prepare samples for trial attachment. Send us the strap widths, the type of bag and the desired finish via the inquiry form.
