Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The main types of fasteners for clothing, bags and shoes are: buttons, zips, snap buttons (press studs), hooks and eyes, trouser hooks and bars, buckles, hook and loop (Velcro), magnetic closures, cord stoppers and eyelets with laces. Each type of closure has its place. The button is the classic on shirts and jackets, the zip on outerwear and bags, the snap button on childrenswear and workwear, and the buckle on belts, backpacks and shoes. In this guide you will find a short description of each fastener, a comparison table and tips on choosing.
Types of closures – overview
| Fastener | Clothing | Bags | Shoes | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons | Shirts, jackets, coats, trousers | Rarely, decorative | Rarely | Classic look, easy to replace |
| Zips | Jackets, trousers, dresses | Main compartments | Boots | Fast, secure closure |
| Snap buttons | Childrenswear, workwear, denim, shirts | Flaps, wallets | Rarely | Fast, strong |
| Hooks and eyes | Dresses, blouses, lingerie | No | No | Invisible |
| Trouser hooks and bars | Trousers, skirts | No | No | Flat, strong on the waistband |
| Buckles | Belts, dungarees | Straps, backpacks | Sandals, boots | Length adjustment |
| Velcro | Childrenswear, sportswear, workwear | Flaps | Kids' and sports shoes | Easy for everyone |
| Magnets | Rarely, outerwear | Flaps, tote bags | No | Hidden, effortless |
| Cord stoppers and cords | Hoods, hems | Drawstring bags | Sports shoes | Quick tightening |
| Eyelets and laces | Corsets, sportswear | Bags | Shoelaces | Strong hole for cord |
Buttons
The oldest and most widespread fastener. Buttons have holes (2 or 4) or a shank, and come in many materials – polyester, horn, corozo, mother-of-pearl, wood, metal. The choice is both functional and aesthetic. You will find a wide range in our buttons section.
Zips
A zip gives fast, secure closure. There are four main types: nylon coil, metal, moulded plastic and invisible. By opening, a zip is closed-end (trousers, bags) or open-end (jackets), including two-way. See all our zips.
Snap buttons
Press studs consist of two halves that click into each other. They are attached with a press, without sewing. They are used on childrenswear, western-style shirts, workwear, denim, wallets and bag flaps. They can carry a logo on the cap. See our snap buttons.
Hooks and eyes
Small metal hooks that catch on an eye or wire loop. They stay invisible and are used on dresses, blouses, corsets and lingerie – most often above an invisible zip. See our wire hooks and eyes.
Trouser hooks and bars
A flat metal hook with a bar, fitted to the waistband of trousers or a skirt. It withstands tension better than a button and is not visible from the outside. See our trouser hooks and bars.
Buckles
Buckles adjust length and close straps. On clothing they are found on belts and dungarees, on bags on straps and backpacks, on shoes on sandals and boots. They are made of metal, plastic or polyester, including with a logo. See our buckles.
Velcro
Hook and loop has two tapes – one with hooks and one with loops. It opens and closes in a single movement, so it is ideal for children's clothes and shoes, sports and tactical gear. See our Velcro tapes.
Magnetic closures
Two magnetic discs hidden in a flap or between fabric layers. They are used mainly on bags, wallets and cases, and on clothing on some outerwear and adaptive clothing. They are not suitable where the fastener has to withstand high tension.
Cord stoppers, cords and eyelets
A cord stopper tightens a drawcord in a hood, a jacket hem or a bag. Eyelets reinforce the hole the cord or lace runs through. The two are combined on sportswear and outdoor clothing. See our cord stoppers and eyelets.
Fasteners for shoes
On shoes, fastening has to withstand walking, flexing and moisture. The most common are laces with eyelets, zips on boots, buckles on sandals and Velcro on children's and sports models. Metal parts on shoes should be nickel-free, as they are close to the skin and often get wet. On leather shoes, eyelets and buckles are chosen according to the leather thickness, and the zip according to the boot height.
Combining several fasteners
Many products use more than one fastener. A jacket has an open-end zip and snap buttons on the flap, trousers have a zip, a button and a trouser hook, a dress has an invisible zip and a hook and eye, a backpack has a zip, buckles and cord stoppers. When all metal parts are in one finish colour, the product looks complete.
How to choose a fastener
- Load – waistbands and straps need a trouser hook, buckle or metal zip.
- Visibility – if the fastener must be hidden, choose an invisible zip, hooks and eyes or a magnet.
- User – for children and people with limited mobility, Velcro, snap buttons and magnets are easier.
- Washing and ironing – metal and urea withstand high temperatures, some plastics do not.
- Attaching in production – snap buttons and eyelets need a press, buttons a button-sewing machine.
- Branding – buttons, snap buttons, buckles and zip sliders can carry a logo.
If you are torn between hidden fasteners for dresses and trousers, see the comparison hooks and eyes, trouser hooks or snaps.
Polkom – manufacturer of fasteners and haberdashery
Polkom is a manufacturer of garment accessories with over 30 years of experience. We manufacture and offer every type of fastener in this article in standard models and with a logo, OEKO-TEX® certified, with nickel-free metal parts. See our full haberdashery range or send a request for a quote or sample for your collection.
