How to Start a Clothing Brand: Sourcing Metal Accessories for Your First Collection

Your First Collection Needs the Right Hardware

Starting a clothing brand is exciting, but one often-overlooked detail can make or break your product: the metal accessories. Cheap, generic hardware cheapens even the best fabric, while quality branded accessories elevate your garments and create a professional impression.

Essential Metal Accessories for Different Product Types

If You're Making Jackets and Outerwear

You will need:

• Snap buttons for front closure (8-12 per jacket)
• Rivets for pocket reinforcement (4-8 per jacket)
• Buckles for waist or cuff adjustment (2-4 per jacket)
• Eyelets for drawstring holes (2-6 per jacket)

If You're Making Denim

Essential denim hardware includes:

• Jean buttons (1 per pair)
• Rivets (5-8 per pair)
• Tack nails for button attachment

Read our complete denim accessories guide for detailed information.

If You're Making Casual Wear

Light metal accessories for shirts, dresses, and casual wear:

• Prong snap buttons for easy closures
• Hooks for waistband closures
• Cord ends for drawstrings

If You're Making Bags and Accessories

Bag hardware requirements:

• D-ring buckles for strap attachment
• Slider buckles for strap adjustment
• Spring snap buttons for flap closures
• Rivets for structural reinforcement

How to Choose a Metal Accessories Supplier

Quality Certifications

Ensure your supplier holds relevant certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100. This is often required by retailers and protects you from liability issues with harmful substances.

Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)

As a startup, you need suppliers with reasonable MOQs. At Ata Buttons, standard products are available from relatively low minimum quantities, making them accessible for emerging brands.

Custom Logo Capability

Branded hardware differentiates your products. Look for suppliers that offer custom logo services including die-making, sampling, and reasonable MOQs for custom pieces.

Sample Service

Always request samples before production orders. Test snap function, plating durability, and fabric compatibility on your actual garments.

Budgeting for Metal Accessories

Metal accessories typically cost 3-8% of total garment cost. While it is tempting to save money on hardware, remember:

• Cheap snaps that don't open smoothly frustrate customers
• Poor plating that tarnishes after one wash damages your brand
• Non-certified accessories can result in retail rejection and legal issues

Matching Finishes Across Components

Nothing looks more unprofessional than mismatched metal finishes. When ordering multiple accessory types (snaps + rivets + buckles), ensure they all come from the same supplier and are specified in the same plating finish.

Placing Your First Order

Ready to source metal accessories for your clothing brand? Contact Ata Buttons with your product details and we will recommend the ideal accessories, send samples, and provide competitive wholesale pricing — even for startup quantities.