Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Round elastic cord for clothing (shock cord) is a stretchy cord with a round cross-section that combines the function of an elastic and a drawstring. It tightens hoods, jacket hems, sleeves, sports bags and face masks without the need for a complex construction. Thanks to its flexibility, round elastic cord is one of the most versatile materials in garment production. In this article we explain how it is made, what it is used for, how to choose the thickness and which accessories to combine it with.
What round elastic cord is
Round elastic cord consists of a core of elastic threads – rubber or elastane – covered by a braided sheath of polyester or polyamide yarns. The sheath protects the core from wear, gives the colour and determines the appearance: smooth, matte, shiny or textured. The result is a cord that stretches considerably and returns to its original length.
Unlike flat elastic, round elastic cord is not stitched along its whole length. It is threaded through a channel, eyelets or holes and secured at the ends with a cord stopper, a cord end or a knot.
Standard thicknesses: from 3 to 7 mm
Round elastic cord is most often available in thicknesses of 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 mm. Each has its typical use:
- 3 mm – face masks, light children's clothing, jewellery and jewellery accessories, hang tags, fine decorative ties;
- 4 mm – sleeves, cuffs, light windbreakers, dresses and summer clothing;
- 5 mm – hoods, sweatshirts, sports jackets, the hem of outerwear;
- 6 mm – winter jackets, backpacks, sports bags, hiking wear;
- 7 mm – heavy products, bags, tents and accessories under greater load.
Specific thicknesses can also be made on request. If you are not sure which thickness is right, go by the opening of the eyelet or cord stopper the elastic will pass through.
Where round elastic cord is used
Sportswear and outerwear
Hoods, jacket hems, the waist of windbreakers and anoraks – anywhere the wearer needs to tighten or loosen the garment quickly. Round elastic cord with a cord stopper is the standard solution.
Casual clothing
Tracksuits, shorts, leggings and summer trousers sometimes use round elastic cord as an extra tie in the waistband or as a decorative detail.
Children's clothing
Round elastic cord allows adjustment without buttons and zips, which is convenient for young children. Here it is especially important that the ends are securely fixed.
Bags, backpacks and accessories
Closing drawstring bags, criss-cross cords for attaching gear, lid holders – round elastic cord is indispensable in accessories.
Face masks, home textiles and decoration
Mask ear loops, cushion covers, throws, packaging and decorative elements also often use thin round elastic cord.
Colours and appearance
Round elastic cords are produced in practically any colour – from the basic white, black, navy and grey to red, green, yellow, pink, purple, orange and neon tones. The colour can be matched to the fabric from a sample or a Pantone code.
Besides solid colours, melange, striped, reflective-thread or shiny versions are available. Reflective round elastic cord is a practical choice for sportswear, childrenswear and workwear because it increases visibility in the dark.
Cord stoppers and cord ends – the finished solution
Round elastic cord is rarely used on its own. To work properly and look good, it is combined with accessories:
- Cord stoppers – spring-loaded locks with one or two holes that allow tightening and locking without a knot. They are made of plastic or metal in various shapes and sizes.
- Cord ends – metal or plastic caps that cover the end of the elastic, protect it from fraying and give a finished look.
- Eyelets and metal openings – reinforce the point where the elastic exits the channel and protect the fabric.
The advantage of sourcing the elastic and the accessories together is that the sizes are guaranteed to fit. The opening of the cord stopper must match the thickness of the elastic – an opening that is too large does not hold, while one that is too small makes adjustment difficult.
Working with round elastic cord in production
A few practical tips from sewing factories make working with round elastic cord easier:
- cut the elastic under slight tension and seal the ends by heat or with a cord end so the sheath does not fray;
- leave enough length for a knot or a cord stopper – the end must stay outside even at maximum tightening;
- when threading through a channel, use a large-eye needle or a special tool;
- avoid ironing directly on the elastic, because high temperatures damage the elastic threads.
How to choose the right round elastic cord
- Determine the load – how strongly will the elastic be stretched in use?
- Match the thickness to the accessories – the cord stopper, cord end and eyelet must be for the same diameter.
- Think about the appearance – will the elastic be visible, and should it match the fabric colour or contrast with it?
- Test washing – check colour fastness and elasticity after several cycles.
- Think about safety – on children's clothing the ends must be firmly secured.
Round elastic cord or non-stretch cord
It is sometimes hard to decide whether a product needs round elastic cord or an ordinary cord. Elastic is the right choice when the garment has to adapt to movement and return to its original position by itself – for example a hood or a jacket hem. Non-stretch cord is more suitable when a fixed length and greater tensile strength are needed, for example for trouser and bag drawstrings. You will find both types in the elastics and cords categories.
Wholesale round elastic cord from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer based in Sofia with over 30 years of experience in haberdashery and accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags. We offer round elastic cord in thicknesses from 3 to 7 mm and in a wide range of colours, on reels for convenient use in production. We can also supply matching cord stoppers and cord ends, so you get the complete solution from a single source.
We deliver across the European Union and make samples quickly. Minimum quantities depend on the article – send an inquiry to info@polkom.com or call +359 876 76 60 50 (also WhatsApp and Viber).
