Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
Sew-on snap fasteners for dresses and blouses are used where a small, invisible fastening is needed: a neckline that gapes, a lingerie strap holder, a sleeve or skirt slit, a concealed placket and a fastening above a zip. For thin and light fabrics, small clear or white plastic snaps are chosen, and for heavier dresses, small to medium metal models in a shade matching the fabric.
Where sew-on snaps go on a dress
Neckline
One small sew-on snap between the breasts stops a deep neckline or the overlap of a wrap dress from gaping. It is the most common application and saves the wearer from using safety pins.
Above and below the zip
On dresses with a back zip, a small sew-on snap or a wire hook and eye is often placed above the end of the zip to close the top edge of the neckline and stop the zip from opening. If the zip is concealed, use invisible zips and a small snap above them for a clean finish.
Bra strap holder
A small strip with one sew-on snap, sewn at the shoulder of the dress, keeps the lingerie strap hidden. It is a small detail that customers greatly appreciate.
Slits and sleeves
The slit of a pencil skirt or a sleeve can be fastened with sew-on snaps instead of visible buttons and buttonholes. This keeps the line clean.
Folding and adjustable details
Roll-up sleeves, tie belts, detachable collars and scarves – all of them can be secured with sew-on snaps.
Sew-on snaps for blouses
Blouses use the smallest sizes. Typical positions are:
- a concealed placket on a shirt or blouse – instead of visible buttons;
- the neckline between buttons, so that the fabric does not gape when moving;
- cuffs on sleeves made of thin silk;
- the head opening on blouses without front buttons;
- fastening a turned-down collar.
Which size and material
| Fabric and position | Size (approx.) | Recommended type |
|---|---|---|
| Chiffon, georgette, silk – neckline | about 5–7 mm | Clear or white plastic |
| Cotton blouse – concealed placket | about 7–8 mm | Plastic or small metal |
| Jersey dress | about 7–9 mm | Plastic, with reinforcement |
| Heavier dress, crêpe, wool | about 9–12 mm | Metal in a shade matching the fabric |
| Strap holder | about 6–8 mm | Plastic, clear or coloured |
Metal models are stronger, plastic ones lighter and nickel-free. For delicate fabrics, plastic is usually preferred.
Clear snap for a dress – when it is the best choice
A clear sew-on snap is versatile because it takes on the colour of the fabric. It is used on multicoloured and patterned fabrics, where neither a white nor a black snap would blend in. On very thin and sheer fabrics, however, check in the light that the snap does not show – sometimes a white or skin-tone snap is less noticeable.
How to sew snaps on thin fabric
- Reinforce the spot with thin interfacing or a piece of organza on the wrong side.
- Use a fine needle and a thin, strong thread in the colour of the fabric.
- Sew only through the upper layers – the thread must not go through to the right side.
- Make three or four stitches in each hole, without pulling the fabric too tight.
- Fasten and check that the fabric does not pucker around the snap.
With chiffon and silk, it is best to sew the snap to the facing (hem or lining) rather than directly to a single layer of fabric.
Sew-on snaps or wire hooks and eyes
For the top edge above a zip and for waistbands that take horizontal tension, wire hooks and eyes are often more suitable – they are flatter and withstand sideways pull. Sew-on snaps are better where the fastening is pressed perpendicular to the fabric and needs to open easily.
Common mistakes
- A metal snap on thin, light fabric – it shows through and weighs the fabric down.
- Sewing without reinforcement – the fabric tears around the snap.
- The two parts are not exactly opposite each other – the dress twists when fastened.
- A snap that is too strong on a delicate fabric – it is hard to open and pulls the fabric.
Sew-on snaps in series production of dresses
In series production, sew-on snaps are usually attached by hand or with a specialised button-sewing machine in the final finishing stage. To keep the position the same on all pieces, the points for the male and female parts are marked on the pattern – by drilling, chalk or a template. Quality control checks that the two parts line up, that the snap clicks clearly and that the stitching does not show on the outside. Ideally the tech pack also specifies the number of stitches through each hole, the thread type and the reinforcement, so that the result is the same whichever operator does the work.
Combination with other fastenings
A dress often combines several types of fastening: an invisible zip at the back, a wire hook and eye above it, a sew-on snap at the neckline and strap holders. Choose them together so that the shades match and none of them shows on the outside. Thread is also important – with clear snaps it is the only visible element.
Care
Fasten the snaps before washing, wash delicate dresses in a laundry bag and iron on the wrong side without the iron pressing on the plastic snaps.
Sew-on snaps for dresses and blouses from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories with over 30 years of experience. In our sew-on snap fasteners category you will find small clear, white, black and metal models suitable for dresses and blouses. Send an inquiry with size, colour and quantity via our contact page and you will receive samples.
