Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
Metal eyelets for clothing are fitted wherever a cord or lace passes through the fabric – hoods on sweatshirts, waistbands on sports trousers, jacket hems, corsets and shoes – and also as a decorative detail. For clothing, small and medium eyelets with washers in brass or aluminium are chosen, as they do not rust in the wash. The size is determined by the thickness of the cord and the fabric.
Where metal eyelets for clothing are used
Sweatshirts and hoods
Two eyelets on either side of the neckline or hood are the most common application. The drawcord passes through them, and the eyelet protects the jersey from stretching and tearing. Here the size of the eyelet must suit the cord – if it is flat, the hole is larger; if it is round and thin, smaller.
Sports trousers and shorts
On a waistband with elastic and a drawcord, the eyelets are placed at the front of the waistband. Because this area is washed and stretched often, it must be reinforced with interfacing.
Jackets, parkas and windbreakers
Eyelets are placed at the hem and waist for an adjustment cord, and on the hood. With waterproof fabrics, the eyelet must be tightly set so that water does not get in around the hole. Small ventilation eyelets under the arms are also used.
Dresses, corsets and stage costumes
Eyelets for laces on corsets and lace-up dresses must withstand considerable tension. Here eyelets with washers and dense interfacing are chosen, and the spacing between them is small and even.
Decorative eyelets for clothing
A row of eyelets along a sleeve, pocket or hem, eyelets without a cord as a grunge or rock style element, eyelets with a chain threaded through. Here the shape, flange and finish matter more than function.
Eyelet size relative to the cord
| Application | Indicative inner diameter | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thin laces, corsets, lingerie | about 3–5 mm | Small eyelets, often without a wide flange |
| Trouser drawcord | about 5–8 mm | Depending on the cord thickness |
| Sweatshirt and hood drawcord | about 6–10 mm | Flat cords require a larger hole |
| Jacket or parka hem | about 6–10 mm | Eyelet with washer and interfacing |
| Decorative openings | according to design | Flange and shape of your choice |
The hole should let the cord slide freely, but the cord end should not pass easily through the eyelet, otherwise the cord will come out.
Material of metal eyelets for clothing
- Brass – the most widely used for clothing. It does not rust, withstands repeated washing and takes finishes well.
- Aluminium – light, does not rust, suitable for light jersey garments and coloured anodised eyelets.
- Steel – strong, but risky for clothing if the finish is not of good quality: rust leaves stains on the fabric.
When choosing, always ask what the base material of the eyelet is, not just what the finish is.
Eyelets and washing
Clothing with eyelets is washed many times, sometimes at high temperatures. To avoid surprises:
- Choose eyelets with a brass or aluminium base.
- Wash a sample of the finished product several times at the temperature stated on the label.
- Check for stains around the eyelet, darkening of the finish and loosening.
- With light fabrics, also check that the finish does not stain the fabric during wet rubbing.
Eyelets can scratch the drum or other clothes – which is why care instructions often recommend washing inside out.
Coordinating with the hardware
Metal eyelets, cords, cord ends, cord stoppers, zips and buttons on one garment should look like a set. Good practice is:
- all metal elements in one finish – nickel, antique brass, gunmetal, black, gold;
- the cord colour matching the fabric or in a contrast that highlights the eyelets;
- cord ends and eyelets from one batch so the shades match.
Fitting in production
Eyelets for cords are fitted to the piece before the hem or casing through which the cord runs is sewn. The area is reinforced with interfacing on the wrong side. With jersey, interfacing is especially important, because without it the hole stretches over time and the eyelet becomes crooked. Use a press with dies for the specific size so the result is the same on all products.
Eyelets for children's clothing
For children's clothing the requirements are stricter. Eyelets must be firmly set, without sharp edges and with no possibility of coming off, because small children put objects in their mouths. That is why drawcords around the neck and hood are often avoided on children's clothing, and eyelets are used more as a decorative or functional element on trousers, jackets and shoes. Choose light brass or aluminium eyelets with a smooth finish and check the attachment strength on a sample.
Eyelets with logo and coloured eyelets
An eyelet is a small but visible detail – especially on the hood, right below the wearer's face. That is why many brands order eyelets with an engraved or relief logo on the flange, or eyelets in a colour to a sample that matches the fabric or the corporate colour. In larger runs this is an easy way to emphasise the brand without additional labels.
Common mistakes
- Steel eyelets without a reliable finish on garments that are washed.
- No interfacing on jersey.
- An eyelet too large relative to the cord end.
- Different shades of eyelets and zips from different suppliers.
- Fitting an eyelet over a seam, where the thickness is uneven.
Metal eyelets wholesale from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories with over 30 years of experience. In the eyelets category you will find models in various sizes and finishes, as well as custom eyelets with logo. We also offer attachment of accessories. Send an inquiry with the cord size, the type of fabric and the desired finish.
