Buttons have been found for ages and limited once for rich, materials being used like metal, wood, and seashells. Its production started widely with the Industrial Revolution with different types and shapes.
Different types of accessories are used for garments. Among these garment accessories, mainly three; types of pockets, types of buttons, and types of coiler, etc, and the button is the most common necessarily item used. The button is a dome-shaped, ball or disc-shaped fastened with threads through a buttonhole. Considering a large variety of buttons available, normally small discs, typically round, and normally used to secure the opening of garments or as beautiful ornaments. In modern fashion & style, buttons are made of antler, horn, bone, vegetable ivory, and wood. Also, synthetics like Bakelite, celluloid, glass, metal, plastic, and seashells can function to fasten two pieces of fabric together.
What Is A Button?
Buttons are elements used to secure a garment’s opening and also make and enhance the difference in the look of men’s and women’s garments such as pair of jeans leather items and other apparel and non-apparel items. Buttons provide a unique style and look with different materials sizes and shapes to enhance the wearer’s personality. They are available in a variety of forms, sizes, and hues with a variety of materials that can be used in their production.
21 Types of Buttons for Clothes
Garment button selections depend on the cost, style, and care of the garments. Also, its types depend on material, function, size, eyelet, shape, etc. Different types of buttons for clothes are listed below:
Button types by styles:
- Shank buttons
- 2-hole flat buttons
- 4-hole flat buttons
- Stud buttons
- Toggles
Button types by materials:
- Bone Buttons
- Metal Buttons
- Plastic / Polyester Buttons
- Resin Buttons
- Hook Buttons
- Wooden Buttons
- Leather Buttons
- Mother of pearl/shell
- Chines Knot Buttons
- Rubber Buttons
- Fabric Covered Buttons
- Glass Buttons
- Coconut Buttons
- Ceramic Buttons
- Enamel Buttons
- Rhinestone/Crystal Buttons
In this article, we will disclose different types of buttons according to their shapes, material, and their uses in garments.
Shank Buttons
A domed or flat button with a small shank piece attached at the backside with a hole. The shank can be rectangular, round, or tunnel-shaped with a feature of a small hole to let sewing thread fasten to the fabric. The shank button can move easily between a button and fabric providing a little elevated appearance. As this feature does not need to be interrupted with 2 or 4 holes providing elaborated designs and appearance. Shank buttons are made of metal, crystal fabric leather and glass, etc.
Can be Styled on
- Light to heavy-weight fabrics
- Overcoats
- Blazers
- Suit jackets
- Waistcoats
- cardigans, sweaters, vests, etc.
- Blouses
- Formal wear
- Bridal wear
- Upholstery buttons
2-Hole Buttons
Flat buttons with 2 holes punched in the middle to sew into fabric. These buttons’ most common shapes are disc square triangle and flower. 2 hole flat buttons come in many materials including metal plastic, shell/ pearl wood, etc. They sew on fabric very easily by passing thread back and front within 2 holes.
Can be Styled on
- Light to medium-weight fabrics
- Shirts, blouses, tops
- Skirts
- Trousers
- Jackets and coats
- Pillowcases
- Children’s clothes
4-Hole Buttons
4-hole flat buttons are just like 2-hole flat buttons but with the addition of 2 more holes. This allows you to sew in a square formation and more secure fabric. Much suitable for heavier-weight fabric where much stress and stains form.
Can be Styled on
- Light to heavy-weight fabrics
- Shirts, blouses, tops
- Skirts
- Trousers
- Jackets and coats
- Pillowcases
- Children’s clothes
Stud Buttons
Stud buttons are round discs made of metal pinched into fabric. It is made of two couple male and female studs (also, called hook and eyepiece). The fabric with button holes goes in between these two pieces of stud. These types of buttons are found particularly on denim fabric such as types of denim jeans pants and jackets. It relies on the rivet to attach the stud piece with pressure which provides more strength on the fabric. Stud buttons are much more difficult to remove without being torn out of fabric. It is available in a variety of sizes, and in colors like gold, and silver, and also comes in a large number of hues. Stud buttons are more durable, longevity, and easy to care for advantages in almost all kinds of buttons.
Can be Styled on
- Jeans
- Denim jackets
- Overalls
- Workwear garments
Horn Toggle Buttons
Horn toggle buttons are made of resin material, reshaped animal horns, bamboo, wood, and plastic. It is similar to the shape of a horn, relaying a durable and strong material. Horn buttons are available in natural tune from brown to gray, black, and cream. They are not easily faded, wear and tear-resistant suitable for all kinds of clothing and bags. It is also used as an ornament.
Can be Styled on
- Coats
- Suit jackets
- Waistcoats
- Fancy wear as an ornament
- Trousers
Bone Buttons
Bone buttons are made By carving animal bones are made bone buttons. These are limited in shade such as cream and white in colors. Also like horn button bone buttons are available in toggle, flat, and shank designs. These buttons are used as ornaments and for style. More durable and strong.
Can be Styled on
- Shirts, tops, blouses
- Suits
- Trousers
- Skirts, dresses
- Jackets and coats
Metal Buttons
Metal buttons are made from metals and blends of metals, with sizes available from large to small, round to oval, and light to black. Materials used are aluminum, copper, iron, stainless steel, zinc all its alloys. These buttons are frequently used on denim, jackets bags, wallets, apparel, and shirts. Metal buttons are available in two holes and four holes, as well as shank buttons on denim.
Can be Styled on
- Shirts,
- Tops
- Skirts
- Blouses
- Trousers
- Jackets and coats
- Jeans, denim jackets,
- Overalls
- Bags and wallets
Nylon Buttons/ Polyester Button
Polyester buttons are made of Nylon or PET polyester. These are called different names as Nylone buttons, polyester buttons, and plastic buttons. Nylon buttons are robust, long-lasting, and cheap. The most common shapes of these buttons are round ones. Nylon buttons are perfect for clothing like jackets, coats, children’s clothing, and normal clothing, not deform easily with heat and water resistance.
Can be Styled on
- Shirts,
- Jackets and coats
- Children clothing
- Normal clothing and shirts
Resin Buttons
Resin buttons are prepared from resin material, as well as the type of polyester buttons. These buttons are more durable and can be engraved with personalized logos in clothing brands. It has good wear resistance and can’t be damaged during washing and high temperature. Resin buttons are available in a variety of colors and shapes. Also, it is very cheap due to production easily. Utilizing resin buttons is a novel method to give your garment a precious look with style.
Can be Styled on
- All fabric type
- Trousers
- Shirts, tops, blouses
- Jackets and coats
- Pillowcases and bedding
- Children’s clothes
Hook Buttons
Hook buttons consist of a small hook and catcher or an eye-like fixture on the other. This eye-like fixture can hold and fit the hook. Hook buttons are formally called buttons because of their function. Their function is quite easy, hook buttons are suitable for every style and can fit all types of garments.
Can be Styled on
- Tops
- Blouses and bras
- Shirts,
- coats
- Pillowcases
- Women’s clothes
Wooden Buttons
Wooden buttons are made with natural wood. The wood used out of different types are Maple, oak, cherry, and walnut wood that can be used to make them. Procees include printing laser logos, engraving, and embossing, etc. Wooden buttons are mostly used to fasten garments with personalized engraved and brand logos. So it is perfect for crochet or knitting crafts. Wooden buttons can be any shape like a heart, round square, etc. So can be used to decorate shirts sweaters knitwear, etc also, used for furniture, and handmade DIY. Wooden buttons mainly include 2 holes and 4 holes. Also, it is a sustainable and eco-friendly material. Wooden buttons appearance is relatively rough so mostly recommended with plan hemp appearance casual wear.
Can be Styled on
- Sweaters, knitwear
- Shirts, tops, blouses
- Skirts, dresses
- Waistcoats and vests
- Jackets and coats
- Trousers
Leather Buttons
Leather buttons are made out of genuine leather or faux fur leather. It has a pattern on top resembling like football, most of them are shank buttons and also come in flat with a hole punched. Normally leather buttons are wrapped buttons with leather. Mostly liked for sweaters and jackets making them more elegant and retro. As leather is a costly product some brands pursue quality fashion or brand charm
Can be Styled on
- Jackets
- Suit and blazers
- Coats
- Bags
Pearl buttons/ Shell Buttons
Pearl buttons are made of imitation pearls, faux pearls, or nacre linings of mollusk, oysters, snail shells abalone, etc. They come in different colors ranging from creamy white, smoky grays, black and yellow, etc. Pearl buttons front is lustrous and coated to get a vibrant look. They come in many shapes such as spherical, convex, diamond, square, etc. Pear buttons are costly accessories suitable for accessory decoration, scarves, coats, woolen coats, cheongsam, etc.
Can be Styled on
- Accessories decoration
- Tops, blouses
- Scarves, Coats
- Trousers
- Waistcoats and vests
- Jackets.
- Woolen Coats
Chinese Knot Buttons
Chinese knot buttons are made by tying specific knots inspired by a Chinese macrame also named Chinese knot These buttons are handmade using a paracord cord. Knot buttons are used especially on traditional garments or for decorative purposes. Some varieties have come with fake knots tied on the shank base.
Can be Styled on
- Traditional garments (Chinese)
- Coats, jackets
Rubber Buttons
Rubber buttons are made of soft and blended rubber material. These buttons are soft and elastic material like an eraser. Rubber buttons are durable resistant to cracking and easy to sew. Can print logos most suitable for outerwear like coats and raincoats.
Can be Styled on
- Coats, raincoats
- Shirts, t-shirts, polo shirts
- Child’s clothing
- Sweatshirts
- Uniforms,
- Sewing accessories, garment bags
Fabric Buttons
Fabric buttons are made by sewing-covered cloth on the buttons. These buttons are more safe for the skin. Fabric buttons include felt buttons, satin-covered buttons, cotton buttons, linen buttons, wool buttons, etc. These buttons can adapt logos patterns and lines on them.
Can be Styled on
- Ideal for clothing
- Bags,
- Sewing crafts, knitting
- DIY decoration, Boucle fabric
Glass Buttons
Glass buttons are made of glass material. They come in colors or clear. Glass buttons are more stylish, shiny, and eye-catching. Glass beads on shank buttons are a more decorative style. Since the glass used is more strong and durable and scratch resistant you should not be concerned about safety.
Can be Styled on
- Tops, blouses
- Skirts, dresses
- Accessories
- Decorative purposes
Coconut Buttons
Coconut buttons are made from coconut shells. They have natural textures and are eco-friendly to use on natural fiber cloths like cotton and linens. Coconut buttons come in tiny sizes and shades range from light to dark brown. These coconut buttons are biodegradable, unlike plastic materials.
Can be Styled on
- Shirts, blouses, tops
- Skirts, dresses
- Children’s Clothing
- Cardigans, jackets
- Ideal for casual wear
Ceramic Buttons
Ceramic buttons are made material by using ceramic clay at high temperatures and glazing. They are available in different designs, colors, and textures depending on glaze types. Ceramic buttons are lightweight and elegant find them in flat and shank design
Can be Styled on
- Jackets and coats
- Waistcoats and vest
- Bags
Enamel Buttons
Enamel buttons are made through a coating of enamel with a metal base. These enamel coatings give them a glassy appearance. Enamel buttons are strong and can intricate feature designs just like enamel pins. These enamel buttons are generally used in high-end clothing accessories and luxury boutiques. Most commonly used as shank buttons in suits.
Can be Styled on
- Suits
- Coats
- Boutique clothing
Rhinestone / Crystal Buttons
Crystal buttons are made of embedded crystals onto plastic or metal shank bases. These crystal or rhinestone buttons are usually used for ornamental purposes. Due to its sparking look, it is used for evening dresses or glowing garments.
Can be Styled on
- Evening wear
- Denim jeans
- Coats and jackets
- Dresses and skirts
- Blouses
