Covered Snap Button

Definition and Overview

A covered snap button is an accessory in which the fastening part of a snap button is covered with fabric. By using the same fabric as the outer fabric or a similar color, the metal part is less noticeable even when attached to front openings or cuffs, creating a softer impression. It is sometimes also called a silk snap.

It opens and closes by pressing the female and male sides together. It is often sewn in place, combining decorative appeal visible from the front with the practicality of opening and closing without making a buttonhole.

Materials and Structure

In general, it consists of the female and male snap body and the fabric covering that wraps it. The body is often made of metal parts, and depending on the product, it may have a sewn edge or a tape-like base fabric. The covering fabric is selected to match the product’s outer fabric or another fabric.

The fabric on the surface plays a major decorative role, while fastening strength depends mainly on the structure of the snap body and the sewing condition. Therefore, it is necessary to check not only the appearance, but also specifications suited to the frequency of opening and closing and the thickness of the fabric.

How Size Is Expressed

Size is often expressed in millimeters as either the outer diameter of the snap or the finished diameter after covering. However, the measurement point and naming vary by product, so when placing an order, confirm not only the diameter but also the thickness, the male-female combination, and the shape of the sewn section.

Even with the same stated diameter, the appearance and fastening feel change depending on the thickness and pile of the covering fabric. Before mass production, make samples with the actual outer fabric to be used and check the overlap at the front opening, ease of opening and closing, and how the surface lies.

How to Attach and Main Applications

The female and male sides are positioned at matching points such as the front opening, and each sewn section is fixed by hand sewing or by sewing methods according to the specification. Because force is concentrated when opening and closing, the stitches should not only catch the fabric lightly, but should be fastened to a stable layer that includes interfacing or reinforcing fabric as needed.

They are used in dresses, formal wear, blouses, innerwear, stage costumes, and other items where the fastening should be kept discreet. They are also suitable for specifications in which decorative buttons are attached on the front side while the actual opening and closing is done with covered snap buttons.

• Opening and closing on the inner side of a placket or overlapping section
• Auxiliary fastening around the neckline, cuffs, and sleeve openings
• Front-placket-like specifications combined with decorative buttons

Selection and Precautions

With thick, stiff, or highly stretchy fabrics, the thickness of the fabric may prevent the female and male sides from engaging sufficiently, or the sewn section may be damaged by the load during opening and closing. Based on the fabric thickness, number of layers, and direction of pull, reinforce as needed.

For specifications that include metal, rust or discoloration may occur depending on humidity, storage conditions, washing, or dry-cleaning conditions. Confirm whether a surface treatment suitable for the usage environment or a nickel-free specification is necessary. For products that go through needle detection, also confirm in advance whether they are needle detector compatible and how they are to be operated.

A cloth button is a button wrapped in fabric and fastened through a buttonhole. A covered snap button, on the other hand, fastens by pressing the female and male sides together, so it does not require a buttonhole. Another feature is that its surface blends into the fabric more easily than a standard sewn snap button.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can covered snap buttons be used with thick fabrics?

Yes, but if the covering fabric or the overlap at the front opening is too thick, the female and male sides may not engage sufficiently and may come undone easily. With thick fabrics, it is important to check the size, the thickness of the body, and the fastening position, and to verify the feel of opening and closing as well as the strength of the sewn section through a prototype using the actual layered fabric.

How do you choose between a covered snap button and a cloth button?

A cloth button is suitable when you want a button design visible on the front side and want to open and close it through a buttonhole. A covered snap button is used when you want the fastening part to be inconspicuous and want to open and close by pressing. There is also a method of attaching a cloth button as decoration and using a covered snap button for the practical opening and closing on the inside.

Are covered snap buttons subject to needle detection?

Covered snap buttons that include a metal body may react to a needle detector. Because needle detection standards and equipment settings vary by production site and sales destination, confirmation in both the component state and the finished product state is necessary before adoption. If needle detector compatible specifications are required, confirm the specification sheet and inspection procedure together.