1. What are clothing rivets? Read its definition and development process in one article
When it comes to metal accessories on clothing, many people think of reinforcements on the waist of jeans and decorative elements on punk jackets - these are actually common forms of clothing rivets. As a key component in the apparel industry that is both functional and decorative, garment rivets are essentially connectors attached to clothing by fastening or inlaying, with a history dating back to the tooling industry in the 19th century. At that time, Levi's in the United States applied metal rivets to the pocket corners of jeans for the first time, solving the pain point of easy wear and tear of cargo pants, and this design is still a classic application case of jeans rivets.
From the perspective of classification logic, the division dimension of clothing rivets is very clear:
- According to the material, it can be divided into metal rivets (copper, iron, aluminum, etc.), plastic rivets (ABS, PC materials) and environmentally friendly rivets (degradable bioplastics, recycled metals);
- According to the function, they can be divided into clothing reinforced rivets, decorative rivets and closed rivets (special models that replace buttons and zippers);
- According to the design style, it can be divided into punk style rivets (pointed, exaggerated shape), retro rivets (aged craftsmanship, matte texture), etc.
2. Materials and manufacturing processes of clothing rivets: Why are some rivets durable and good-looking?
1. Comparison of core materials: Which one should I choose for different scenarios?
Material type | Core strengths | Applicable scenarios | Cost level | Notes: |
Copper rivets | Corrosion resistance and strong texture | High-end workwear, vintage clothing | Middle and high | Avoid contact with acidic substances |
Iron rivets | High hardness and low cost | Mass-produced basic clothing | low | It is easy to rust and needs to be treated with electroplating |
Aluminum rivets | Lightweight and not easy to deform | Outdoor clothing, light fabrics | middle | The load-bearing capacity is weak |
Plastic rivets | Lightweight and rich colors | Children's clothing, casual clothing | low | Poor high temperature resistance, do not expose to the sun |
Eco-friendly rivets | Degradable and in line with new regulations | Sustainable brands, export clothing | Middle and high | Certification standards need to be confirmed |
2. Manufacturing Process Disassembly: 3 key steps from raw materials to finished products
A high-quality garment rivet needs to go through a strict production process control:
- Stamping: Sheet metal or plastic particles are stamped through a mold into the basic form of the rivet, which directly determines the dimensional accuracy of the rivet. The practical data of a Zhejiang factory shows that the size error of rivets produced by precision molds can be controlled within ±0.02mm;
- Surface treatment: Metal rivets need to undergo electroplating rivet process (galvanization, nickel plating, gold plating, etc.), which can not only prevent rust but also improve aesthetics. For example, black nickel plating commonly used in punk style can give the rivets a cool matte effect;
- Assembly inspection: For rivets with bases, the rivets need to be spliced manually or mechanically with the base, and then pass the tensile test (standard requirements: clothing rivets must withstand a tensile force of ≥5N and not fall off) and appearance inspection to eliminate defective products.
3. The function and application of clothing rivets: In addition to looking good, there are also these practical values
1. Three core functions: reinforcement, decoration, and closure
- Reinforcement function: This is the most original use of clothing rivets. In wear-prone areas such as jeans pockets and cargo shoulders, garment reinforcement rivets can disperse the force on the fabric and extend the service life of the garment. A test by a workwear brand showed that pockets reinforced with rivets had more than 3 times more wear resistance than ordinary pockets.
- Decorative Function: In the realm of fashion, decorative rivets have become a key element in creating style. For example, the densely arranged pointed rivets on punk-style clothing and the distressed copper rivets on retro-style jackets can quickly strengthen the visual recognition of clothing;
- Closure function: Some specially designed rivets can replace buttons or zippers, especially for leather clothing and functional clothing, which are both strong and designed.
2. Subdivided scenario application cases: Selection tips for different clothing types
- Jeans rivets: Prefer copper or iron plated rivets, the diameter is recommended to be 6-8mm, and the base should have a non-slip pattern to avoid slipping when worn;
- Tooling rivets: pay attention to load-bearing capacity, recommend iron or copper rivets with high hardness, often used in cuffs, pocket edges, belt buckles and other parts;
- Outdoor clothing rivets: It is necessary to take into account both lightness and firmness, aluminum or high-strength plastic rivets are the first choice, and at the same time meet the lightweight needs of outdoor clothing;
- Children's clothing rivets: Plastic rivets with no sharp angles and no peculiar smell must be selected, and must pass the tensile test to prevent children from swallowing.
4. Design and fashion trends: How to play with clothing rivets in 2025?
1. Interpretation of popular styles: the collision of retro and innovation
- Retro resurgence: Vintage rivets have become popular, with aged copper-colored, oxide-black rivets, paired with denim and leather fabrics to create a nostalgic workwear style. For example, Levi's 2025 vintage collection adopts the classic round-toe copper rivet design of the 1950s;
- Customization trend: Custom rivets are on the rise, allowing brands to engrave logos, patterns, and even design special shapes (e.g., stars, letter shapes) based on clothing themes. A trendy brand once customized heart-shaped rivets for a co-branded series, and sales increased by 20% after launch;
- Simple and sophisticated style: In light luxury clothing, small matte rivets (3-4mm in diameter) have become the new favorite, low-key embellishment of collars and cuffs, with both texture and luxury.
2. Sustainable Design: The Rise of Eco-Friendly Rivets
As environmental policies tighten, such as the EU's REACH regulation on heavy metals, the demand for eco-friendly rivets continues to grow. Rivets made from recycled aluminum, degradable PLA plastic, not only align with the brand's sustainability philosophy but also reduce export risks. Data from a Nordic brand shows that the carbon footprint of its garments has been reduced by 12% after using eco-friendly rivets.
5. Garment rivet procurement and supply chain management: a practical guide to help you avoid pitfalls
1. Supplier selection: 3 key evaluation dimensions
- Qualification certification: Priority is given to suppliers who have passed ISO 9001 quality system certification and SGS environmental protection testing to ensure that rivets comply with export standards such as the European Union and the United States;
- Production capacity: choose a matching factory according to the order volume, small and medium-sized processing plants can be found for small and medium-sized customization, and large-scale purchases are recommended to choose a large-scale factory with a daily output of ≥ 100,000 pieces to reduce unit costs;
- Sample Testing: Always ask for samples before purchasing to test the tensile strength, corrosion resistance (metal rivets can be soaked in salt water for 24 hours to see if they rust), and fit with fabrics.
2. Quality control: 4 core inspection points
- Dimensional accuracy: use calipers to measure the diameter and height of rivets, and the error should be within ±0.1mm;
- Surface quality: no scratches, no paint peeling, uniform electroplating layer;
- Firmness: Tested by a tensile tester to ensure that it can withstand ≥ 5N tensile force and does not fall off;
- Environmental protection indicators: The content of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, etc.) must comply with the GB 18401-2010 standard (textile safety standard).
3. Cost optimization strategy: How to save money while ensuring quality?
- Bulk Purchase: The unit price of wholesale rivets is usually 30%-50% lower than retail, and it is recommended to stock for 3-6 months according to the production schedule;
- Material substitution: non-core parts can be replaced with plastic rivets to reduce costs;
- Supply chain integration: Choose a supplier that can provide one-stop service (e.g., simultaneous production of rivets, buttons, zippers) to reduce logistics and communication costs.
6. FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clothing rivets
- What should I do if the clothing rivets are prone to rust?
- Choose metal rivets with electroplating or painting treatment to avoid direct contact with water with iron rivets. Keep dry when storing, you can put desiccant in the package.
- What are the safety requirements for using rivets in children's clothing?
- It must comply with the GB 31701-2015 children's textile safety standard, the rivet has no sharp angles, no peculiar smell, and the tensile test must be ≥ 7N to avoid accidental ingestion by children.
- How to judge the quality of clothing rivets?
- Look at the surface: no scratches, uniform plating;
- Firmness: Manually pull the rivet, no loosening;
- Check certificates: Suppliers are required to provide environmental protection test reports and quality test reports.
- What is the MOQ for custom rivets?
- Different suppliers have different requirements, with small processing factories typically having a minimum order quantity of 1000 pieces and large-scale factories requiring more than 5000 pieces, which needs to be negotiated with the supplier.