Magnetic Snap

Definition and Overview

A magnetic snap is an apparel accessory that fastens by the attraction of opposing magnets rather than male-female interlocking. Because it closes simply by bringing the parts close together and opens by pulling them apart, it tends to combine ease of use with a neat appearance.

“Hidden magnetic” is often used to refer to a specification in which the fastener is placed inside the outer fabric or facing so it is less visible from the outside. However, because it does not uniformly indicate the product shape or installation method itself, the position and finish should be confirmed in the specification sheet.

Materials and Structure

In general, it is a paired structure in which the magnet itself is covered by a metal cover or receiving part. There are also press-in types that combine a visible metal fitting on the front side with a washer or reinforcing component that supports the fabric on the back side, and the combination of parts varies by product.

Sew-on types are fasteners in which the holes or tape portion around the fastener are stitched in place with thread. Compared with press-in types, they can be attached without making large holes in the textile, but holding strength depends on the stitching and the fabric reinforcement method.

• Metal cover / receiving part: protects the magnet and forms the appearance.
• Magnet body: attracts the matching part.
• Washer: a part used in press-in types to support the back side of the fabric and prevent pullout.
• Reinforcing interlining / pressing cloth: used to distribute force in thin or stretchy fabrics.

How to Attach and Key Sewing Points

For press-in types, use the specified setting tool or hand press to pass the legs of the main body through the fabric and secure them with the washer. Since the compatible setting tool differs by part, substituting another tool can cause deformation, damage, or poor fastening. Be sure to perform trial setting on the same fabric construction before mass production.

For sew-on types, fix the holes or sewn areas evenly, taking into account the direction of the force applied when opening and closing. On thin fabrics, knits, and pile fabrics, reinforce with interfacing or pressing cloth, and also check whether the outline of the fastener shows through on the surface.

If the centers of the paired parts on the left and right or top and bottom are misaligned, sufficient attraction may not be obtained, or the front opening or flap may become distorted when closed. It is important to determine the position including the pattern placement, seam allowance, and thickness, and to confirm opening and closing at the temporary fastening stage.

Main Applications and Selection

They are used for coat and jacket front openings, pockets and flaps, and bag openings. They are suitable for areas where you want to fasten without making the metal fitting visible from the outside, or where you want easy one-handed opening and closing.

When selecting one, confirm the overlap amount of the fastening area, fabric thickness, pull direction, and the required ease of opening and closing. In addition to attraction force, consider the outside diameter and thickness of the part, its effect on the outer fabric, and handling conditions during washing or dry cleaning according to the specification.

Points to Note and Differences from Similar Terms

A magnetic snap may not provide sufficient strength, depending on the application and installation conditions, when used as the main fastener for areas that are continuously subjected to strong tensile load. Evaluate the actual product not only by opening and closing tests, but also for fabric tearing, washer pullout, and broken sewing thread.

A sewn snap is a fastener that physically engages the male and female parts using a spring structure or similar mechanism, and its fastening method differs from that of a magnetic snap, which closes by magnetic attraction. Press fasteners and spring hooks also have press-in types, but they usually open and close through mechanical engagement.

Because it contains magnets, it may affect the settings and operation of metal detectors. For products that require needle detector compatibility, confirm in advance the pass-through check with the detector used, the management method in the production process, and the client’s standards, and clearly state the presence of the magnet in the specification sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can magnetic snaps be attached to thin fabrics?

Yes, but on thin fabrics, force may concentrate on the washer or sewn section, causing the fabric to tear or the shape to show on the surface. Reinforce with fusible interlining or pressing cloth, and make a prototype using the actual specification with the outer fabric, lining, and interlining layered together to confirm opening and closing and appearance.

What is the difference in use between magnetic snaps and sewn snaps?

Magnetic snaps are suitable when you want easy attraction-based opening and closing, or when you want the hardware to be less visible with a hidden specification. Sewn snaps, on the other hand, are chosen when a clear clicking feel from mechanical engagement is desired. Decide by comparing the required holding strength, fabric thickness, and needle detector conditions.

Can products using magnetic snaps be checked with a metal detector?

Because they contain magnets, problems may arise during ordinary needle detection processes that detect needles. Whether this is possible depends on the fastener structure, the type and settings of the detector, and the client’s standards. Perform actual machine testing before adoption and confirm the inspection procedure with all parties involved.