Magnets are generally well-known for their industrial applications, but did you know they might be the next showstopper on red carpets too? That’s right, the fashion industry is finally starting to capitalize on magnets as reliable replacements for traditional buttons and clasps in clothing and jewelry, as you may have seen in some of our tutorials.  So, how do magnets make the lives of fashion designers and distributors easier?

Magnets in Jewelry: Simplifying Beauty

Thanks to magnets, your fingers no longer need to fumble with tiny hooks and clasps. Instead, the attractive power of magnets can be used, even holding up when used with the densest fabrics!  Earrings Magnetic earrings eliminate the need for body piercings. By using small neodymium magnets, earrings quickly attach, and removal is simple. In fact, some people simply pull them off their lobes with one hand, as the magnets will keep the earring fronts and backs together. You don’t have to worry about losing one side in the process! Clasps for Bracelets and Necklaces The tiny clasps on necklaces and bracelets are often difficult to operate and connect, often needing a helping hand from a friend. Sometimes you’re working solo and one-handed, or maybe you’re blindly trying to attach the two ends behind your head. Regardless, when clasps are replaced with magnets, the process becomes almost comically simple. You’ll laugh at all the time you spent fumbling with jewelry in the past. You might consider using our 6 mm x 2 mm disc magnet, or the even more discreet 3 mm x 2 mm disc magnet.

Magnets in Clothing: A Simple Solution for a Two-Handed Task

Magnets are showing up in clothing more and more as part of a long trend of fashion updates. Over time, we needed new and improved ways to clip, snap, and zip our clothes together. First, buttons came about during the 1400s. Next, the zipper appeared on the scene in the 1930s. Velcro was popularized during the space race between the 1950s and the late ‘70s. Could it be time for yet another fashion update? Is it time for magnets to take to the runway? Like Velcro and zippers before them, magnets make excellent replacements for buttons and simplify the act of getting dressed. However, designers and distributors shouldn’t expect to just use any old magnet. For a reliable hold that withstands regular movement, you need powerful neodymium magnets. But that choice also comes with a few hurdles. For one, neodymium alone isn’t terribly durable. In fact, neodymium is brittle, making a tough coating required. Our sewing magnets, for example, are coated in zinc and protected by a PVC pouch. This protects the magnet against sudden impact while also resisting corrosion—especially important for when the article of clothing goes through the wash. Another factor to consider is heat. Traditional neodymium magnets begin to lose their magnetism around 176°F (80°C). While most dryers reach about 130°F during a typical load, some may exceed 170°F. If temperatures are sustained at 176°F or higher for an extended period of time, it’s very likely that the magnets will lose strength and possibly may even become completely demagnetized if subjected to higher temperatures. However, the heat won’t interfere with zinc coating or plastic casing. If you’ve ever run a pocket filled with loose change and Chapstick through the laundry, you know that metals and plastics hold up well. To simplify the shopping process, we offer a selection of zinc-coated sewing magnets that are perfect for your next fashion venture. 

Smart Solutions from Apex Magnets

Apex Magnets carries sewing magnets for clothing and jewelry clasps that are ideal for earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. If you have any questions, contact us! We’re always standing by, ready to help.