Snap Fasteners Terminology Explained: Concealed Snaps, Press Studs & Paak Nau

When sourcing garment hardware accessories, brand designers and purchasing professionals are often confused by the various terms used for snap fasteners, concealed snaps, press studs, and even the term “paak nau,” which is commonly used in Hong Kong. What exactly is the difference between them?

In fact, these names often refer to the same general type of functional fastener. Understanding the differences between these terms and the industry practices behind them can not only eliminate communication barriers across departments or countries, but also greatly improve the efficiency of finding suitable suppliers. Below, we explain the practical meanings of these commonly used terms.

Terminology Explained: Industry Practices Behind Different Names

1. Four-Part Snap Fastener / Four-Part Snap Button (Standard Industry Term in Taiwan)

This is the most standard and professional term used in Taiwan’s metal hardware manufacturing industry. As the name suggests, this type of fastener consists of four separate components: the cap, socket, stud, and post, also known as the bottom post. During installation, the upper and lower sets of components must be riveted together separately using dies.

The difference between the two Chinese characters used for “button” or “fastener” is that one is a general-purpose character, while the other includes the metal radical and traditionally refers specifically to metal buttons. In Taiwan’s major hardware manufacturing regions, such as Changhua, factories commonly use the more specialized term as the official product name. However, the alternative spelling is also widely used in general online searches.

2. Press Stud (Commonly Used by Garment Factories)

The term “press stud” is named after the way the fastener is operated. Because this type of fastener is joined and secured by pressing the two parts together, suppliers, trading companies, and garment factories in mainland China commonly use this term. When confirming a BOM, or bill of materials, with a garment manufacturer, labeling the item as a press stud allows production personnel to understand it immediately.

3. Concealed Snap (An Application Emphasizing Hidden Installation)

A concealed snap emphasizes the hidden nature of the fastener. It usually refers to a fastener sewn inside a garment so that it is completely invisible from the outside. Concealed snaps are generally designed with a flatter profile and are commonly used on the inside of coats or around women’s garment necklines. It is important to note that a concealed snap describes an application rather than one specific structure. Some concealed snaps use a four-part snap construction that requires machine setting, while others are two-piece male-and-female fasteners that are sewn on by hand.

4. “Paak Nau” (A Common Term in Hong Kong and Guangdong)

This is a strongly regional term derived from the snapping sound produced when the fastener is pressed closed. When communicating with garment designers or purchasing professionals in Hong Kong or Guangdong, the term “paak nau” generally refers to a four-part snap fastener or press stud.

5. Snap Button (Internationally Accepted Term)

When searching for overseas suppliers or consulting English-language references, “snap button” and “snap fastener” are the standard keywords to use. When explaining the product to international customers, the most accurate Chinese industry equivalents for “snap button” are the terms used for four-part snap fasteners or press studs.

Purchasing Guide: Which Keywords Should You Use to Find Suppliers?

With so many different names in use, which keywords should you enter when searching on Google or B2B platforms to find the right supplier? The answer depends on the level of service you require:

• To Find a Professional Manufacturer in Taiwan: Search for Four-Part Snap Fasteners or Four-Part Snap Buttons

  If you need a direct manufacturer that can provide custom brand logos, specified brass or stainless steel materials, or non-toxic and environmentally compliant plating tests, be sure to search using these terms. They can help filter out large numbers of consumer-oriented retail and handicraft listings, allowing you to connect directly with professional local metal hardware manufacturers in regions such as Changhua.

• To Find Garment Manufacturers or Ready-Stock Wholesalers: Search for Press Studs or Concealed Snaps

  If you are looking for ready-stock accessories from a garment manufacturer or require large quantities of inexpensive standard-size fasteners, these terms are more commonly used in garment accessory wholesale markets across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China.

• For Export and International Purchasing: Use “Snap Button”

  When preparing bilingual purchasing specification sheets, confirming the precise correspondence between the Chinese and English terminology can effectively reduce communication costs during international mold development and sample production.

Whether they are called four-part snap fasteners, press studs, or “paak nau,” the core requirement is the same: to find metal hardware accessories with stable fastening strength, high-quality surface finishes, and excellent rust resistance. Shin Yee Metal specializes in manufacturing four-part snap fasteners, rivets, eyelets, jeans buttons, handbag fasteners, and other metal hardware accessories. Based on the requirements of garments, leather goods, bags, canvas products, and outdoor equipment, we can help evaluate suitable fastener specifications and customized solutions.