Three Alternatives To Velcro (Hook & Loop Fastener)

Velcro is often used as a fastening for clothing, but there are many other options available that can be used if velcro is not your thing.

I know that when I’ve received something with velcro as a fastener, I quickly look for something that I can replace it with.

Mostly because the loop tape ends up catching on other garments and ruining them, so it makes sense for me to swap it out with a velcro alternative.

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What Is Velcro

Velcro – often called hook and loop tape – is provided as a strip of tape that is locked together. When you pull them apart to separate them, you’re left with two strips. One is full of ‘loops’, the other has ‘tiny hooks’.

Velcro can be quite stiff and structured or more flexible and soft. The latter is the one that is usually used as a clothing fastener.

For some people, the problem with velcro is that it can be difficult to use. The little hooks can snag on other things and if you’re not careful, you can easily ruin your clothes.

Where Is Velcro Used?

Velcro in clothing is often used:

• On jacket openings to seal the zip or button placket against the main garment
• On the cuff of a sleeve to keep them closed
• To secure a bowtie at the back neck
• As a shoe fastener for easier fastening
• To seal a bag or purse

There are endless possibilities for where you can use velcro / hook and loop tape but there are also plenty of other options available if you’re looking for an alternative.

Removing Velcro From A Garment

If you want to remove velcro from a garment, you’ll need to unpick it, and do so carefully.

I use a seam ripper, because it allows me to get close to the stitches without the risk of cutting the main fabric that comes with using scissors.

You’ll need to remove both pieces of velcro, the tiny hooks and the loops.

Once removed you’ll need to assess the area left to you and choose the alternative that is most suitable!

Velcro Alternatives

Let’s dive in to three of the best alternatives to velcro for when you want to swap them out.

1. Button & Buttonhole

One of the most common fastenings used on clothing, buttons come in many different shapes, sizes and materials.

You can buy buttons ready made or you can make your own. The buttonhole can be sewn either by hand or by sewing machine.

When removing the velcro, you should have been left with enough space to add in a button on the lower fabric piece and a button hole on the upper fabric piece.

Make sure that any button and buttonhole you opt for is a good size on the garment.

2. Snaps

Also known as poppers, snaps are a great alternative to velcro. They come in a variety of sizes with different finishes, and are also easy to install with the right tools – no sewing needed!

Snaps can go in the same spot as where the velcro was originally, just make sure you plan them out so that they are equal distance apart.

If you plan on using bigger snaps, then this heavy duty snap kit will work well. And then for smaller snaps, this set of 120 snaps in different colors is great too.

3. Magnets

Another non-sewing option is to try using magnets!

When I was at fashion school, one of my fellow students used magnets for the fastenings of her reversible coats.

They’re an effective way of keeping some areas of clothing fastened, but you probably do not want to rely on them as the main fastenings.

You can find small, strong magnets in most hardware stores but you’ll want to encase them in a small fabric or plastic pouch and then install that into the garment.

Alternatively try these magnets from Patterns by Annie. They’re amazing though a little pricey!

You can try using a hot glue gun to attach the magnets if you don’t want to sew but I would sew them in for more security.

Choosing The Right Alternative Option

There are many alternatives to velcro for when you need to replace it, either by choice or necessity. I’ve listed three of the best for you, but there are plenty of other options available depending on your needs.

If you’re not sure which alternative is right for you, drop a comment below and I’ll weigh in, or you can take the garment to a tailor or seamstress for their advice.

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