Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Plastic cord stoppers are light, resistant to cold and moisture and are the standard for sportswear, jackets, backpacks and outdoor gear. Metal cord stoppers are heavier, look more premium and are chosen when the stopper is a visible design detail. Both types work on the same spring principle, so the choice depends mainly on the product, the conditions of use and the desired look.
Plastic cord stoppers – materials and properties
Most plastic cord stoppers are made of polyacetal (POM) or polyamide (PA). Both materials are engineering plastics with good strength and low friction.
- Polyacetal (POM) – hard, smooth, with very good dimensional stability. The buttons move easily and do not stick.
- Polyamide (PA) – slightly more flexible and tough; it withstands impact and bending.
The advantages of plastic cord stoppers are low weight, resistance to corrosion, the option of dyeing to a colour sample and quiet operation – they do not rattle in the washing machine drum or clink when moving. Plastic does not get cold or hot like metal, which matters for winter and summer outdoor products.
Metal cord stoppers – materials and properties
Metal cord stoppers are usually die-cast from zinc alloy and then receive an electroplated or lacquer finish. The spring is steel, most often stainless.
- greater weight and a sense of value in the hand;
- a wide range of finishes – nickel colour (nickel free), gunmetal, black nickel colour, gold, antique, matte and polished;
- the option of an embossed or engraved logo with high detail;
- visual consistency with the collection’s metal cord ends, eyelets and buttons.
The drawbacks are the greater weight, the higher price and the fact that the finish can wear with heavy friction. Metal also rattles in the washing machine and can mark neighbouring garments if they are not fastened and turned inside out.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Plastic cord stoppers | Metal cord stoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Very light | Heavier |
| Cold and moisture | Resistant, do not corrode | Resistant with a quality finish |
| Washing | Quiet, no marks | Rattle; the finish may wear |
| Look | Functional, colourful | Premium, fashion |
| Colours and finishes | Colour to sample | Electroplated and lacquer finishes |
| Logo | Relief or print on some models | Relief, engraving, detailed logo |
| Typical use | Sport, outdoor, backpacks, children’s clothing | Fashion collections, premium outerwear |
When to choose plastic cord stoppers
- Ski, hiking and sports clothing worn in cold, rain and snow.
- Backpacks, bags and cases where weight matters.
- Children’s clothing – light, without cold metal parts and without any risk of rust.
- Workwear that is washed often and at higher temperatures.
- Collections where the stopper must be in the colour of the fabric or of the cord.
When to choose metal cord stoppers
- Fashion jackets, sweatshirts and trousers where the stopper is a visible detail.
- Collections with metal accessories in one finish – buttons, eyelets, cord ends and stoppers in gunmetal or gold.
- Products with a logo on the stopper, where the depth and detail of the relief matter.
- Higher-end bags and accessories.
Sustainability and environmental considerations
More and more brands ask for cord stoppers made of recycled plastic or for models without metal parts, which make it easier to recycle the garment at the end of its life. A single-material plastic stopper is easier to sort, while a metal one lasts longer and rarely breaks. If sustainability is part of the collection’s positioning, state it in your inquiry – this way you will receive a proposal for the available options and will not have to change the accessories after the samples are approved.
Combined solutions
There are also mixed versions: a metal body with a plastic plunger, a plastic stopper with a metallised finish or a metal stopper with a rubber coating for a softer touch. They combine the look of metal with the lower weight of plastic. Such a model is worth choosing when you want a premium look but the product will be washed often or used in the cold.
Price and the factors that determine it
The price of a cord stopper does not depend on the material alone. The shape and size of the body, the number of holes, the type of spring, the finish on metal models, colour matching on plastic ones, a logo and the need for a new mould all play a part. For standard models from stock the costs are lower, while a stopper to your own design adds tooling. For a specific quote, send an inquiry with the model, material and approximate quantity.
Care and washing
Plastic cord stoppers tolerate normal washing and drying without problems, as long as the temperature does not exceed that on the garment’s care label. Metal cord stoppers are best washed with the garment turned inside out and the cord pulled inside, so that they do not hit the drum. For products that are washed very often, test the samples in real conditions: several wash and dry cycles and repeated pressing of the button.
You will find the full range of plastic and metal models in the cord stoppers category.
Plastic and metal cord stoppers from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, based in Sofia, with over 30 years of experience. We offer plastic cord stoppers in colours matched to a sample and metal cord stoppers in various finishes, including with a custom logo. Send us a description of the product, the cord and the desired look via the inquiry form and we will offer samples.
