Buttons are a small but very crucial part of our clothing. In fact, they play a vital role in making the garments more stylish and purposeful. Different kinds of buttons even help us identify types of clothes. Moreover, various types of buttons have several uses in the garment and textile industry since most of the clothing items have buttons.
They are not only used for openings and closures of clothes, but their placements on different parts of apparel items magnify the overall appearance of garments. You must have seen blazers with two rows of buttons; one row serves the opening and closing purpose and the other adds beauty.
Buttons for clothing are one thing, but they also appear very functional and outstanding in fashion accessories like bags and purses.
Moreover, we know that various natural and synthetic materials are used to make clothing products. Interestingly, the same is the case with buttons, as many of them are made of different materials, including polyester, plastic, wood, velvet, and more.
This blog, containing all the knowledge about kinds of buttons, is a well-researched guide for all those either interested in the marvels of the garment industry or wanting to start and run their clothing brands.
History of Buttons
The invention of buttons goes back to prehistoric times when wood, bone, bronze, and horn were the materials to make buttons. However, the use of buttons was limited to decorations and aesthetics in that period.
Historians call 1830–1850 the golden age of buttons because of the practical use of buttonholes in the Renaissance era. Ancient Romans began using buttons, made of metal and fabric, for garments. However, the fabric was highly expensive, which is why only the wealthiest people could afford clothes with buttons.
Four-hole, flat buttons became normalized and affordable for poor people when the industrial revolution took place. Brass buttons also became very popular during that period.
In the late 19th century, Queen Victoria became a fashion icon by wearing black glass buttons while memorializing Prince Albert.
In the 20th century, fashionable buttons beat even the zippers because they were popular for their attachment and ornamental uses.
Today, we see several types of clothing buttons employed in all kinds of garments and accessories.
What Are Different Button Sizes?
The size of buttons varies according to the products and their practical use. There are small, medium, large, and very large buttons that are used in clothing products.
A button is measured by the standard unit known as a line. 40 lines are equal to 1 inch.
The most common sizes are:
- Sixteen-line buttons (10.16 mm).
- 32-line buttons (32.40 mm).
- 20-line buttons (20.32 mm).
Uses and Types of Buttons
Different types of buttons are mentioned below, along with their pictures and practical uses:
1- Metal Button
Metal buttons are made of different materials, including iron, aluminum, zinc alloy, copper, and stainless steel. They come in different sizes and shapes, like small, round, and oval. They are used in leather jackets and denim jeans.
2- Wooden Button
Wooden buttons are made of various woods, including maple, oak, cherry, and walnut. They come in different shapes, such as oval, square, or rectangular. The sizes of wooden buttons are also versatile, as they can be very small to very big.
They are highly appealing, as you can choose printed or carved buttons. They are used in long coats, shirts, and jackets.
3- Fabric Button
Fabric buttons can be made from plastic, which is covered with fabric. Or they are made of clothing material. These buttons are used in clothes to match their appearance. The best examples are velvet buttons on a velvet suit, dress, and lingerie.
Moreover, fabric buttons can have many shapes and colors according to the clothing preferences of people. Clothing brands get custom fabric buttons with custom garments.
4- Polyester Button
Polyester buttons are made from polyester material. They are highly durable since the material is very strong. If you prefer glossy or shiny buttons, polyester buttons are the best ones for you. This button type looks remarkable on fancy garments or party outfits.
5- Nylon Button
Nylon buttons are also called plastic buttons since they are synthetic buttons made with plastic. Nylon buttons are very common, as they are used in all kinds of clothing.
These buttons are durable, which is another reason for their popularity. Nylon buttons are among the most promising types of buttons that are used in jackets, shirts, and coats.
6- Polyamide Button
The most commonly used buttons are the polyamide buttons, which are also made of plastic, acrylic (PMMA), ABS, nylon, resin, and urea. These buttons are not glossy or fancy and are frequently used for regular clothing products. They are also seen in coats and blazers.
7- Shell Button
Shell buttons are made of mollusk shells, which are similar to clams and oyesters. Since they are different in appearance, people prefer them more than many other button types.
These buttons come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. The ideal clothes for these buttons are shirts, sweaters, tops, and dresses.
8- Bead Button
Many fashion clothes have bead buttons, as these beads are sewn into fabrics to function as buttons. They are small, rounded, and bead-like buttons that come in different colors and sizes.
9- Glass Button
Glass buttons are one of a kind. These buttons come in different styles, shapes, colors, and sizes. Glass buttons are popular since they give your clothing products a distinguished look and elegance. They are long-lasting and scratch-proof.
10- Shank Button
Shank buttons feature a loop, also called “shank”, which is why these buttons are named shank buttons. The loop is where the thread goes to sew it into the garment. Also, shank buttons are unique due to their loop.
They are made of different materials and feature various colors, shapes, and sizes. These buttons are ideal for casual clothing.
11- Coconut Button
Coconut buttons are very common buttons made of coconut shell. They are round and even have colors similar to coconut. Shirts, blouses, dresses, and many other clothing types have these buttons. They are also used as decorative buttons to enhance the beauty of garments.
12- Rubber Button
These buttons are iconic due to their rubber material and high durability. We can also call them the buttons for bad weather because they are used for raincoats, jackets, shoes, sneakers and other clothing products that are worn during harsh weather conditions.
13- Toggle Button
Toggle is one of the most aesthetic and unique types of clothing buttons. A bar or disc material makes toggle buttons, giving them a distinct look. These buttons are famous for their shape. Toggle buttons provide a way to attach two pieces of fabric.
Usually coats and sweaters have toggle buttons, but other clothing products feature such buttons too. Its loop is attached to the fabric. It goes through a fabric loop stitched on the garment.
14- Enamel Button
The metal buttons covered with enamel are called enamel buttons. These shiny buttons feature patterns and unique designs. They come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Their unique appearance is what makes them special for different kinds of clothes.
15- Pearl Button
The shape of these buttons is like pearls. They are round and very pretty, as they make your garments look beautiful and expensive.
Like shank buttons, pearl buttons also have loops where the thread, attached to the fabric, passes to sew them with the garment. Bridal dresses or party clothes have such buttons.
16- Snap Button
Snap buttons are commonly used for fashion accessories like purses, bags, clutches, and wallets. They are not opened and closed like regular buttons. Instead, they are pressed to close and pulled to open them. They consist of two parts; one has a pin that goes inside the other end.
17- Cufflinks
Cufflinks are made only for cuffs of different clothes. They are usually used for coat cuffs, suit shirts or formal dress shirts. There are so many different styles of cuffs that add class to your formal dressing.
18- Clay Button
Clay is used to make these buttons. Interestingly, these buttons are popular for being handmade. Moreover, they can be of any shape a maker wants. Therefore, you might see clay buttons in round, star, square, and many more.
19- Hook & Eye Button
Hook and eye buttons feature a hook on one end and a loop on the other for opening and closing them. They are unique with classic designs. Dresses, belts, blouses, bras, and skirts have these buttons.
20- Lapel Button
Lapels are decorative buttons that are placed on coats and formal jackets. They come in different sizes, shapes, and designs. However, they can also be used at regular buttons.
21- Jeans Button
The jeans or pant buttons are called jeans buttons because they are commonly seen on jeans and other types of pants. They are usually made of metal, but plastic jeans buttons are also in fashion today.
22- Horn Button
Horn buttons are usually made of cow horns, but horns of other animals are also used in making them. They are shaped like other regular buttons with 4 holes and a round shape. You can see them stitched on suits and tuxedos.
23- Rivet Button
Rivet buttons are unique in design and fall among the iconic types of buttons. They are made of wood, metal, and plastic. They feature two parts: front and back.
The back of the button features a pin that goes inside the hole of the front part. These buttons are used in almost all kinds of clothes and garment accessories.
24- Leather Button
Leather buttons are made of real and fake leather. They feature different shapes, including oval, round and square. Since leather is a strong material, it makes these buttons last longer. These buttons are used in shirts, jackets, coats, and pants.
25- Novelty Button
Novelty buttons serve the decoration purposes. They can be attached to the garments using threads or pins. They come in different colors, sizes and random shapes.
26- Press Button
Press buttons are pressed into each other to close them and pulled to open them. They are usually made of plastic and metal. They are easy to open and close due to their design. They are used for different types of clothes to add a minimal touch of elegance.
27- Flat Button
Flat buttons are regular buttons with four holes. They are made of plastic, bone, metal, and wood. They are simply sewn into garments for an elegant look. They are used for all kinds of clothes.
28- Antler Button
Buttons made from the antlers of a moose, deer, and elk are called the antler buttons. Their shape is what makes them unique, as they appear like a horn. There are holes in them, usually to add some extra class. They are used in different clothing types.
29- Abalone Button
Abalone buttons are practical as well as decorative. They are unique in terms of designs and shapes. They are very shiny and look amazing on clothing products.
30- Screw-On Button
These buttons look like screws. They feature two parts consisting of a hole and a screw. Both parts are sewn into the fabric. Unlike many other buttons, their reliability is remarkably strong.
How to Choose Buttons for Clothes?
- Ensure the high quality of buttons by testing their durability.
- Check the durability of their vibrant colors and firmness. They should not fade after multiple washes.
- Ensure the button types for specific products. For example, shank buttons are ideal to secure the waistband of denim jeans and shorts.
- Select colors wisely to match or contrast with the fabric.
- Choose washable buttons for enhanced durability.
- Check if your metal buttons are rust-resistant.
- Choose comfortable buttons.
Where to Get Clothes with Practical & Aesthetic Buttons?
The best way to get high-quality clothes with different types of buttons is through renowned brands or clothing manufacturers. Brands introduce fashion marvels every day. Manufacturers can help you by providing you with fully customized clothes with whatever buttons you want for your clothes.
Conclusion
Buttons are an important part of any clothing product. Practical buttons make a garment practical, and if they are also stylish, they make clothes fashionable. Different types of buttons are employed for different types of clothes, as buttons come in a diverse range to complement various clothing styles.
Make sure you choose your button types by checking their durability, colors, rust resistance, and other important things. Lastly, if you want to get excellent buttons for garments, consult brands or manufacturing companies.
