Design Points for “Safety, Comfort, and Independence” Using Buttons and Zippers

*translated by Haruna from a blog written by Kimura, an ApparelX Domestic Delivery team member. See the original in Japanese, here.

Lately, I’ve been arranging many colorful, pop-tone materials, and they often remind me of children’s clothing.
A bit of background—during college, I worked for about three years as a sales associate for a brand that offered both womenswear and kidswear.

Drawing on memories of customer feedback from that time, today I’d like to introduce key design points for brands and designers who are considering adding a kids’ line and wondering:
“What are the differences from adult apparel? What should we pay attention to?”
Here’s what to keep in mind when designing children’s clothing through the lens of Safety, Comfort, and Independence.

Before You Start

Designing a kids’ line involves much more than just adjusting proportions or aesthetics.
For brands that currently only handle womenswear or menswear, this is often the first big hurdle.

From my experience listening to parents on the sales floor, clothing for ages 2–6 (85–120 cm) often has very clear requirements:
“I want something easy to use every day at daycare.”
“I’m looking for a dressy outer layer for a recital or wedding, but it needs to be washable.”

The purchase purpose and required functionality tended to be very specific.

What Specifications Do Parents Actually Want?

*Translator Note, this is based off of shared knowledge and experience in Japan.

1. Hooded Outerwear: Mostly not Allowed—but Detachable Hoods Are Often Allowed

Many preschools prohibit hoods due to the risk of getting caught on playground equipment, which can lead to choking hazards.

However, many parents told us:
“Hoods are allowed if they’re detachable.”

✔ Recommended: 2-way detachable hoods

Use zippers or snap buttons to create an easy-on, easy-off design.

● Recommended Zipper for Detachable Hoods

Open-end zipper is essential for this purpose.

5CIFOR Coil Zipper – Size 5 – Open-End

Coil zippers use resin materials such as polyester. Because the elements are formed in a spiral, they offer greater flexibility than metal or VISLON® zippers.
They’re lighter than metal zippers, making the hood less heavy for young children.
For an even lighter option, size 3 coil zippers also work well.

● Recommended Snap Button for Detachable Hoods

SUN GRIP SG600 (Cap/Spring/Socket)

These plastic snaps offer excellent durability and strength, with firm horizontal resistance and smooth but sturdy fastening. They’re used for sportswear and outdoor gear.

They also received the 2012 Good Design Award for balancing durability with aesthetics.

They can be used to attach the hood to a stand collar, or for windbreakers where the hood can be folded and stored into the collar.

Detachable hoods rank highly among parents because policies differ across childcare facilities. A 2-way design helps avoid safety issues while offering flexibility.

For heavier fall/winter outerwear like mods coats, metal zippers or metal snaps can be used to create multi-way removable designs—including hoods, fur trims, or liners.

2. Choosing Buttons and Zippers That Support Independence

In kidswear—especially preschool clothing—“I can do it myself!” is an important part of the design concept.

Small details in trim selection influence how easily a child can dress on their own.

✔ Recommended design points:

Use larger buttons – Easier for small hands to grasp and practice with
Match the button and buttonhole colors –
For example: “The red button 🔴 goes in the red hole ⭕️,” giving children easy visual cues
Choose larger zippers (size 5+) –
Coil or VISLON® zippers slide smoothly, making them easier to open even with weak finger strength

💡 On the sales floor, parents often said,
“Hard-to-slide zippers make kids frustrated.”
Parents frequently checked zipper usability themselves and had children try dressing independently during fitting.

3. Strings and Cords Aren’t Allowed — Outerwear Without Drawcords Is in High Demand

Another common item in kidswear that is often restricted is drawcords and strings.

Parents often said:
“I want a windbreaker for outdoor play, but there surprisingly aren’t many without cords.”
“I want adjustable cuffs, but the school said cords are prohibited…”

✔ Recommended: Designs without any drawcords

Use elastic-only designs or hook-and-loop fasteners instead for safe adjustability.

● Recommended Elastic for Cuff Gathers

OGC Corded Elastic (Lycra blend)

A standard ApparelX item. Works well for lightweight outerwear where flat elastic may feel too stiff.

● Recommended Hook-and-Loop Fastener

4QNN-N QUICKLON® Q-Mate® Hook-and-Loop

This YKK hook-and-loop tape combines both hook and loop in one woven tape, so there’s no left–right distinction, making it especially easy for children to use. It also doesn’t corrode from sweat or dust like metal components.

And because hook-and-loop fasteners tend to collect lint, the easy maintenance is an added bonus for kidswear.

Recommended Materials on ApparelX for Kids’ Apparel

Here are a few items that feel particularly “perfect for kidswear” from our kid-oriented category.

■ 174-101 Lame Crest Buttons

A decorative button often used as a cufflink-style accent on shirts.
Perfect for recitals, special outings, and dressy children’s outfits.

■ VE9489 Polyester Resin 2-Hole Button

A glossy 2-hole polyester resin button, dyeable for broad use.
Available in small sizes (8 mm / 10 mm), great for decorative placement around the chest.

■ VT9969 Colorful Buttons for Shirts & Polos

Bright polyester buttons ideal for shirts, polos, and knits.
The rich rim color variations make it fun to intentionally mix colors on one garment.

■ PLEASANT Vinyl Leather

A cost-effective, standard PVC leather from Shinko.
Available in 46 colors, making it ideal for colorful kids’ items.

All colors now feature:

Antibacterial performance
Alcohol resistance
Resistance to sodium hypochlorite*

This makes it great for kids’ apparel and goods where easy cleaning is essential—just wipe with a wet sheet on the go.

Summary

Kids’ apparel design—especially for preschool-aged children—requires balancing:

✔ School safety standards
✔ Parents’ practical needs
✔ Children’s own sense of accomplishment (“I did it!”)

Designing with the mindset of “cute + safe + supports growth” will help brands earn long-term trust and repeat customers.

During my sales days, many parents chose different clothes for daily wear and special occasions because stylish designs aren’t always practical.
Since children grow quickly, having garments that include clever 2-way or adjustable features helps extend wear time—great for parents and great for brands.

ApparelX carries a wide range of materials beyond what was introduced today, so be sure to explore our full selection.

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