Metal studs for clothing and decorative rivets turn an ordinary denim jacket, leather belt or bag into a piece with attitude, from rock and punk to a delicate line of small domes along a lapel. They look simple, but the type you choose, how it is attached and where it is placed decide whether the decoration survives hundreds of wears or starts falling off after the first wash. This guide covers the four main types of metal decoration, how to fit each on denim and leather, how to plan the layout and how to care for the garment afterwards.
The four main types
| Type | How it attaches | Tool | Strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prong studs | 2–6 metal prongs pierce the fabric and fold inwards | None or a simple tool | Medium | Denim, heavy cotton, leather; quick DIY projects |
| Rivet studs | Cap + post closed with a press or hand setter | Press or setter with a die | High | Jackets, belts, bags, production runs |
| Screw-back spikes | A screw through a punched hole; the spike screws on from the front | Awl or hole punch | High on leather | Leather jackets, belts, tall cone spikes |
| Hot-fix | Adhesive on the back activated by heat | Iron or heat press | Low to medium | T-shirts, light fabrics, flat decorations |
Metal eyelets PE 0001 dome
CAP RIVER Luxury Metal Rivets – 12.5 mm Gun Metal
JEANS 2 buttons – 17 mm antique brassHow to choose the type
- Will the garment be washed often? Rivets or screw-backs. Prong studs and hot-fix loosen over time.
- Working with leather? Screw-backs or rivets; prongs can cut leather.
- Thin or stretchy fabric? Only light decorations, always with reinforcement inside. Heavy spikes will droop.
- Production run? Rivets set with a press give the same result every time.
- Children's clothing? Better without metal decoration, especially under age three; small parts are a hazard.
Fitting, step by step
Prong studs
- Mark the position with chalk or a water-soluble marker.
- Push the stud through from the front until the prongs come out at the back.
- Turn the garment over and fold each prong inwards towards the centre with a flat screwdriver or dedicated tool.
- Press flat with padded pliers so the prongs don't scratch the skin.
Decorative rivets
- Punch a hole; its diameter should equal the post, not exceed it.
- Pass the post through from the inside out.
- Place the cap on top.
- Close it with a press and suitable die, or with a hand setter on a hard surface. The cap should sit tight and not rotate.
Screw-back spikes
- Make a small hole with an awl.
- Pass the screw from the inside out; on fabric, add a small leather or textile washer behind it.
- Screw the spike on and add a drop of thread-locker if the garment will see active wear.
Hot-fix
- Arrange the decorations on the transfer film.
- Place them on the fabric, cover with a thin cloth and press with an iron or heat press for the time and temperature the manufacturer specifies.
- Let them cool before peeling the film, and don't wash for 24–48 hours.
Tip: always test on an offcut of the same fabric. You will see whether the fabric tears around the stud, whether the cap closes properly and how the decoration looks after one wash.
Layout and design
- Template. For repeating patterns, cut a card template with holes and mark through it. That guarantees even spacing.
- Spacing. Leave at least 3–5 mm between decorations so they don't rub and weaken the fabric.
- Flex zones. Avoid elbows, knees and the waistband fold; metal breaks or tears the fabric there.
- Sitting and leaning zones. Studs on back pockets or across the back scratch furniture and car seats.
- Weight. Fifty metal pieces across the shoulders of a jacket can change how it hangs. Spread them out or choose lighter models.
- Reinforcement. On knits and thin fabrics, fuse interfacing inside before fitting.
Eyelets as a decorative detail
Don't overlook metal eyelets. A row of eyelets along a hem, lapel or bag strap gives an industrial look without the risk of protruding spikes that snag. Eyelets are set with a press or hand tool, have a smooth top and stand up to washing. Pairing eyelets with small decorative rivets in the same finish is a calm but striking way to add metal to a garment without it looking like a costume.
Care and washing
- Turn the garment inside out and fasten all buttons and zips.
- Wash at 30 °C on a delicate cycle, ideally in a mesh laundry bag.
- Avoid the tumble dryer; heat and knocks loosen prongs and hot-fix adhesive.
- Iron from the inside without pressing directly on the metal.
- Check prongs and screws every few washes and tighten as needed.
- For leather, don't wash; clean with a damp cloth and leather cleaner.
Frequently asked questions
Will the studs rust?
That depends on the metal. Brass and aluminium don't rust but can tarnish. Plated steel rusts once the plating is scratched.
Can I remove a stud later?
Prong studs and screw-backs, yes, though they leave holes. Rivets are hard to remove and usually damage the fabric.
How much do metal decorations weigh?
A small 5–7 mm rivet weighs under a gram, but cone spikes and large domes can weigh several grams each. Weigh a sample before planning dozens of pieces.
Decorative rivets and eyelets from Bul-tex
The Bul-tex range includes decorative metal rivets from 5 to 12.5 mm in antique nickel, gunmetal and other finishes, as well as metal eyelets, domed, flat and oval, which also work as a decorative detail. Screw-back spikes and cone studs are not part of our standard range. If you are planning a collection with metal decoration, get in touch and we will confirm what we can offer. Read more about metal hardware in our eyelets and snaps category.
