Hátköt

Hátköt is a Hungarian term meaning "back tie" or "back fastening." It refers to a strap or cord used to secure clothing or equipment at the back of the wearer. The word is built from hát, meaning back, and köt, meaning to tie or bind.

In use, hátköt can be a single adjustable strap or a pair of straps that cross over the shoulders and connect at the chest or back. It can function as a fastening for garments such as outerwear or folk costumes, and in some contexts, as a means to carry or stabilize items like baskets or tools. The design is often meant to distribute weight or keep garments in place, and it may also serve a decorative role.

Materials and construction vary, including leather, fabric, or cord. Fastening mechanisms commonly involve buckles, hooks, knots, or ties. Decorative elements such as embroidery, weaving, or metal fittings may be incorporated, especially in traditional or ceremonial uses.

Regional and historical notes indicate that hátköt appears in Hungarian-speaking contexts as part of traditional dress and textile practices. Variants and specific implementations differ by region and period, and the term may appear in literature describing costumes, textile arts, or historical reenactment. In modern usage, hátköt is sometimes employed in costume design or fashion to evoke historical or folk aesthetics.

See also: hát (back), kötni (to tie), kötés (binding or knit).