Fastenings & trims

The best haberdashery and fastenings for 2026

Fastenings are where a garment fails first. We compare zips, buttons, snaps and their pliers, eyelets, binding and elastic — on durability, and on which of them need a tool you do not yet own.

What we recommend

1. 

   Prym Vario Creative Tool

   One plier body with interchangeable dies for press studs, rivets and eyelets. One reference on every Amazon store we checked.

   Fits

   Snaps, rivets and eyelets (manufacturer)

   Dies

   Interchangeable

   Amazon reference

   B0BSLHTJYQ (all six markets)

   • Squeeze pressure is even and repeatable — a hammer is neither
   • One body covers three different fastening types
   • Dies are sold per fastening size, so the tool is the start of the spend

   Check price on Amazon
2. 

   Prym Eyelet Tool Set 4/5 mm

   Eyelets with the tool to set them properly, and the washers that stop them pulling out. One reference on every Amazon store we checked.

   Sizes

   4 mm and 5 mm

   Includes

   Setting tool and washers

   Amazon reference

   B08SBRRHMQ (all six markets)

   • Washers included — an eyelet without one tears out of fabric
   • One reference on all six markets
   • Hammer-set rather than plier-set, so pressure is less even

   Best for: Drawstring bags, lacing, curtain headings and belt holes

   Check price on Amazon
3. 

   Prym Standard Elastic 10 mm × 5 m

   General-purpose waistband and cuff elastic. One reference on every Amazon store we checked.

   Width

   10 mm

   Length

   5 m

   Amazon reference

   B005FQPJAU (all six markets)

   • 10 mm suits cuffs, necklines and light waistbands
   • Five metres is a working quantity
   • Too narrow for a trouser waistband that carries weight

   Best for: Cuffs, sleeve heads, light waistbands and casings

   Check price on Amazon