Rivet Types Explained: Capped, Nipple, Resistor and Specialty Rivets

The Complete Guide to Textile Rivets

Rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners that join two or more layers of material by deforming the rivet body. In the textile industry, rivets reinforce stress points, add decorative elements, and provide structural attachment. This guide covers every rivet type Ata Buttons manufactures.

Capped Rivets

Capped rivets consist of a decorative cap and a tubular post. When pressed together, the post expands inside the cap, creating a permanent joint. They are the most versatile rivet type.

• Applications: Jeans pockets, bag reinforcement, leather goods, decorative studs
• Cap sizes: 6mm to 12mm diameter
• Post lengths: 4mm to 12mm (select based on fabric thickness)

Nipple Rivets

Nipple rivets feature a characteristic raised center point on the cap, giving them a distinctive vintage appearance. They are the classic rivet style seen on traditional jeans.

• Applications: Denim reinforcement, vintage-style garments, leather goods
• Advantage: The raised center provides additional strength at the stress point

Engraved Nipple Rivets

Engraved nipple rivets allow brand logos or decorative patterns on the raised center area. This turns every rivet into a branded element.

Belt Rivets

Belt rivets are designed specifically for leather belt construction. They feature larger caps and longer posts to penetrate thick leather layers. Often used where the belt strap meets the buckle hardware.

Cap Rivets for Jacket Collars

Collar cap rivets are small-diameter rivets designed for jacket collar points, cuff tips, and other locations where standard rivets would be too large or heavy.

Stone Rivets

Stone rivets feature a faceted crystal or rhinestone setting as the cap. They combine structural reinforcement with decorative sparkle, popular in:

• Women's denim
• Fashion jackets
• Evening wear accents
• Dance and performance costumes

Resistor Rivets

Resistor rivets are a double-capped design where both the cap and the back piece have finished surfaces. Used when both sides of the rivet will be visible, such as on reversible garments or thin leather goods.

Rivets for Socks

Sock rivets are micro-rivets (3-4mm) used to attach brand labels, decorative tags, or functional elements to socks and other knitted goods without creating uncomfortable pressure points.

Stainless Steel Rivets

Stainless cap and inner rivets and stainless capped rivets offer the ultimate corrosion resistance for outdoor, marine, and medical applications.

Rivet Metal Backs

Rivet metal backs (posts/tubular rivets) are sold separately from caps, allowing manufacturers to mix and match cap styles with appropriate post lengths for different fabric thicknesses.

Choosing the Right Rivet

Wholesale Rivets

Browse our complete rivet catalog or contact us for samples and wholesale pricing on all rivet types.