Find HS Code and trade information for waist tightener pins

Waist Tightener Pins

Waist tightener pins, also known as corset pins or stays pins, are small, specialized fasteners historically used in the construction and wearing of corsets and other tightly-fitted garments. They served to secure the layers of fabric, boning, and closures that formed the structure of these undergarments.

Material:

• Steel: The most common material due to its strength and ability to hold shape. Pins were often made from tempered steel to prevent bending or breaking.
• Brass: Used for decorative pins or in areas where rust prevention was particularly important.
• Iron: An earlier material, less durable than steel and prone to rusting.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of waist tightener pins was to provide a secure, adjustable fastening system for corsets. Unlike modern fasteners like hooks and eyes or zippers, pins allowed for incremental adjustments to the garment's fit, crucial for achieving the desired silhouette and accommodating changes in the wearer's body. They were essential for:

• Securing Layers: Holding multiple layers of fabric (outer fabric, lining, coutil) together.
• Attaching Boning: Fastening boning tapes (containing whalebone, reed, or later, synthetic materials) to the corset fabric.
• Closing Corsets: Acting as a primary or secondary closure mechanism, particularly at the back or sides of the corset.
• Adjustability: Allowing for tightening or loosening of the corset for comfort or changes in body shape.

Function:

Waist tightener pins typically feature a long, slender shaft with a head at one end and a sharp point at the other. They are inserted through layers of fabric and boning, then bent over on the inside of the corset to secure them. The bending process requires care to avoid breakage and to ensure a flush finish. The pins work by creating a mechanical interlock between the fabric layers.

Usage Scenarios:

• Corset Construction: Used extensively by corsetieres and dressmakers during the creation of corsets.
• Corset Wearing: Employed by wearers to maintain the corset’s shape and adjust the fit throughout the day.
• Historical Garment Restoration: Utilized in the preservation and restoration of antique corsets.
• Costuming: Used in the creation of historically accurate costumes.

Common Types:

• Long Corset Pins: The most prevalent type, typically 1.5 to 3 inches long, used for securing the main body of the corset.
• Short Corset Pins: Shorter pins (around 1 inch) used for attaching decorative elements or securing smaller sections of the corset.
• Decorative Corset Pins: Pins with ornamental heads, often made of brass or other metals, used for visible fastening or embellishment.
• Safety Corset Pins: A variation with a clasping mechanism to prevent accidental opening, though less common historically.
• Busks and Pins Combination: Pins were often used in conjunction with a busk (a rigid front closure) for added support and security.

Waist tightener pins fall under several potential classifications based on material and specific characteristics. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes:

• 7319403000: This code covers Safety pins and other pins: Dressmakers' or common pins. Chapter 73 relates to articles of iron or steel. Heading 7319 specifically addresses needles, knitting needles, bodkins, crochet hooks, embroidery stilettos and similar articles. Subheading 7319403000 further defines this as dressmakers’ or common pins. These are typically used for fastening fabrics, and could include pins used in waist tighteners.
• 7319405050: This code covers Safety pins and other pins: Other Other. Similar to the previous code, this falls under Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel) and Heading 7319 (needles, etc.). However, this subheading is for safety pins and other pins not specifically classified as dressmakers’ or common pins. If the waist tightener pins have a specialized design beyond a standard pin, this code may be applicable.
• 8308100000: This code covers Clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, buckle-clasps, hooks, eyes, eyelets and the like, of base metal, of a kind used for clothing or clothing accessories. Chapter 83 relates to base metal articles. Heading 8308 specifically addresses these types of fasteners. If the pins are integrated into a clasp or buckle system for a waist tightener, this code could apply.

Important Considerations:

• Regarding HS codes 7319403000 and 7319405050, the material (iron or steel) is a key factor.
• Regarding HS code 8308100000, the pins must be part of a larger clasp, buckle, or similar fastening system used on clothing or accessories.
• The total tax rate for 7319403000 is 66.6%.
• The total tax rate for 7319405050 is 62.5%.
• The total tax rate for 8308100000 is 55.0%.