Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Metal snap buttons are stronger, withstand higher loads and give a premium look, so they are the standard for jackets, denim, workwear and bags. Plastic ones are light, do not rust, come in many colours and are convenient for babywear, bibs and lightweight products. The choice depends on the load, the fabric and how the product is washed.
Metal snap buttons: materials and finishes
Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It does not rust, tolerates washing well and is easy to stamp, so it is the classic material for caps with a relief logo. The spring in the socket is usually steel or a stainless material, as it needs to be elastic.
Steel
Steel parts are strong and more economical, but if the finish is damaged they can rust, especially on garments that are washed often or worn in damp conditions. Steel is suitable for products with moderate load and a well-chosen finish.
Stainless steel
It is used when high corrosion resistance is required – marine and hiking clothing, outdoor products.
Finishes
Caps can be nickel-look, black oxide, antique brass, bronze, gold, matt or gloss, lacquered in colour or enamelled. For items in direct and prolonged contact with the skin, nickel-free finishes are preferred – under the REACH regulation, nickel release from such items is restricted. All Polkom metal finishes are nickel free, including the nickel-coloured finish, so they are also suitable for childrenswear and lingerie.
Plastic snap buttons
Plastic snap buttons are most often made of polyacetal (POM) – a hard, wear-resistant plastic with good spring properties. They consist of a cap with a prong, a socket, a stud and a second cap. The prong pierces the fabric and is spread with pliers or a press. Since there is no metal, the buttons do not rust and do not release nickel.
Characteristic advantages:
- very low weight – they do not strain thin and knitted fabrics;
- a wide range of colours, including clear and pastel;
- suitable for washing at high temperatures within the limits of the plastic;
- easy attachment with simple tools.
Limitations:
- lower holding force – not suitable for heavily loaded areas;
- fewer options for a detailed logo;
- they cannot be ironed at high temperature directly on the button;
- the look is functional rather than premium.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Metal | Plastic (POM) |
|---|---|---|
| Strength and holding force | high | moderate |
| Rust | brass and stainless steel – no; steel – if the finish is damaged | no |
| Weight | higher | very low |
| Colours | metal finishes, lacquer, enamel | wide range, clear |
| Logo | relief, engraving, enamel | limited |
| Ironing | tolerates it | not directly on the button |
| Attachment | press and an exact die | pliers or press |
| Typical products | jackets, denim, workwear, bags | babywear, bibs, cloth nappies, light accessories |
Which to choose for which product
- Jackets, windbreakers, down products – metal, with a long post and a stronger spring.
- Denim and workwear – metal in brass or with a durable finish, combined with rivets in the same tone.
- Baby bodysuits and pyjamas – nickel-free metal prong snaps or plastic; both options are common.
- Bibs, cloth nappies, towels – plastic, light and colourful.
- Bags, cases, leather goods – metal, with a cap for the logo.
- Home textiles – plastic or metal depending on the load and washing.
Branding: where metal has the advantage
If the button needs to carry the brand logo, metal snap buttons offer the most options. The cap can be stamped in relief, laser-engraved, filled with enamel or combined with different finishes – for example a matt cap with a glossy logo. Plastic buttons can be in the corporate colour, but a detailed logo is hard to achieve on them. That is why many brands use metal buttons in visible places (front, pockets, cuffs) and plastic or simpler metal ones in hidden places.
Tests before a production run
Whatever you choose, run a test: attach buttons to a sample of the real fabric, snap and unsnap them many times, wash several times according to the product's process and check for rust, loosening and colour change. The test takes little time but protects against complaints.
Do snap buttons rust?
Rust appears mainly on steel parts with a damaged finish – after scratching during attachment, with aggressive detergents or prolonged moisture. To avoid it, choose brass or stainless steel for products that get wet often, use an exact die that does not damage the finish, and do not leave garments to dry folded up for long. If you see rust marks around the button, the problem is most often the socket spring.
What about sew-on snaps?
Besides buttons that are set with a press, there are also small metal or plastic snap fasteners that are sewn on with a needle and thread. They are convenient for concealed closures, dresses and lingerie – see the sew-on snap fasteners category. If you are looking for classic metal buttons, browse the metal buttons.
You will find press-on styles in a range of materials, sizes and finishes in the snap buttons category.
Advice and samples from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of snap buttons and metal accessories with over 30 years of experience. We will help you choose the material and finish according to the product, washing and load, and send samples. Write to us via the contact page.
