Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Haberdashery for childrenswear has to be soft against the skin, withstand frequent washing and, above all, be safe: no long cords around the neck, no decorative ribbons that can be torn off, and no threads or loops that can trap a little finger. The core materials are narrow knitted elastic, hook and loop, soft ribbons and cotton lace. Cords in hoods and waists are covered by the European standard EN 14682.
What makes children’s trims different
Children’s clothes are worn actively, washed often and put on and taken off many times a day. Children pull, bite and snag anything that sticks out. So trims that are perfectly acceptable on adult garments may be unsuitable for a children’s collection. Three things guide the choice: safety, comfort and durability.
Safety: cords and drawstrings under EN 14682
The European standard EN 14682 governs the safety of cords and functional drawstrings in children’s clothing. The main principles are as follows; the exact requirements must be checked in the current version of the standard:
- on garments for young children, cords and drawstrings are not allowed in the hood and neck area;
- for older children, cords in this area must not have free hanging ends;
- the length of free ends at the waist and hem is limited;
- knots, cord ends and decorative elements that can snag are not attached to the ends;
- cords running through a casing must be secured so they cannot be pulled out completely on one side.
The practical solution for small sizes is to replace the cord with elastic in a casing, hook and loop or buttons. For older children, flat soft cords are bar-tacked at the centre back so they cannot be pulled out.
Elastics for childrenswear
Elastic is the most widely used trim in children’s garments – in trouser and skirt waistbands, cuffs, ankles, underwear and pyjamas. Knitted elastic is preferred for children’s clothes because it is softer and does not dig in. Some guidelines:
- for babywear – narrow, soft elastic, often with a plush (brushed) inner side;
- for children’s trouser waistbands – 20–30 mm, moderately stretched so it does not leave marks;
- the waistband elastic should be fully covered with fabric or have its soft side towards the skin;
- avoid excessive tension – the child grows and the garment must stay comfortable.
Hook and loop – convenient, but fitted correctly
Hook and loop is the preferred fastening for children’s shoes, jackets, bibs and clothes for children who are just learning to dress themselves. It is important that the stiff hook side does not rest against the skin and that its corners are rounded. Sew the hook and loop around the entire perimeter and check that it does not scratch the chin or wrist.
Ribbons and lace
Decorative ribbons and lace are popular on girls’ dresses and baby sets, but they need care:
- secure bows with stitching, not just a knot – a loose bow can come undone and be torn off;
- avoid long hanging tie ends;
- choose cotton or soft synthetic lace without a rough edge;
- check the lace for long thread floats and loops that could trap a finger;
- finish ribbon ends against fraying.
Metal details and small parts
Metal accessories in prolonged contact with the skin must comply with the nickel release restrictions of the REACH regulation. Small parts – buttons, snap buttons, decorative elements – must be firmly attached, because a small detail that comes off can be swallowed. For childrenswear it is therefore wise to check attachment strength with a pull test and to avoid glued-on decorations.
Comfort and washing
Children’s clothes are washed often and at higher temperatures. The trims must last at least as long as the fabric:
| Material | What to check |
|---|---|
| Elastic | recovery after repeated washing, no puckering of the fabric |
| Cord | colour fastness, no pilling or lint |
| Lace | softness after washing, no shrinkage relative to the fabric |
| Ribbons | no fraying or fading |
| Hook and loop | grip after washing, no build-up of lint |
It is advisable to close the hook and loop for washing so it does not collect fluff or snag other garments in the drum. Add this instruction to the consumer care information.
Checklist for a children’s collection
- No cords in the hood and neck on small sizes.
- Free tie ends are within the permitted length.
- All decorative ribbons are stitched on, not just tied.
- Elastics are soft and covered.
- Hook and loop does not scratch the skin.
- Small parts have been tested for attachment strength.
- Samples have been washed several times together with the fabric.
Trims for childrenswear from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, headquartered in Sofia with over 30 years of experience. In the haberdashery category you will find soft elastics, ribbons, cords, cotton lace and hook and loop suitable for children’s collections, and we produce to order in the brand’s colour and with its logo. We make samples quickly and deliver across the EU. Send a description of your children’s collection via the inquiry form, and we will suggest suitable materials.
