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Types of Buttons: A Comprehensive Guide

Buttons are an essential component of garments that serve both functional and decorative purposes. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and choosing the right type of button can be critical to the success of your sewing project. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the different types of buttons and their characteristics.

Flat Buttons

Flat buttons are perhaps the most common type of button and are often mass-produced in plastic or metal. They have two or four holes to sew onto the fabric and can be sewn on by sewing machines using a specialty foot to hold them in place. Flat buttons are ideal for shirts, blouses, and lightweight fabrics.

Shank Buttons

Shank buttons are buttons without holes through the top. Instead, they have a shank underneath to sew onto the garment. Shank buttons are ideal for jackets and thicker materials or for a decorative finish, making the button raised on the garment.

Stud Buttons

Stud buttons are popular in the manufacturing of jeans and are sometimes called jeans buttons or denim buttons. They are pressed onto the fabric with a special machine and are not commonly used for home applications. Stud buttons can be embossed or branded and are great for marketing purposes.

Toggle Buttons

Toggle buttons are made in an elongated oval shape with two holes in the center to sew them in place. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and horn. Toggles often use loops as their fasteners and are ideal for thicker coats and jackets such as duffel jackets.

Decorative Buttons

Decorative buttons can be used for cuff links, lapel buttons, and other non-functional, decorative purposes. They often have irregular shapes, making it hard to fit them through buttonholes. Decorative buttons can add a touch of personality and style to any garment.

Snap Buttons

Snap buttons are common on baby clothing as well as denim jackets. They have two sides that snap together when pressed for a strong fastening that is easy to open and close. Snap buttons can be used for home sewing with a few simple tools.

Button Composition

Buttons can be made of various compositions, and most projects will have several types of buttons that will be suitable. Button names by compositions include:

Plastic
Wood
Coconut
Leather
Metal
Shell
Fabric
Glass
Snap
Rhinestone
Enamel
Resin
Chinese Knot
Ceramic
Horn and Bone

Choosing the right type of button composition will depend on the longevity of your sewn item and the washing method. Plastic buttons are the most common type of button you will find on garments, and they are inexpensive and versatile. Wood and coconut buttons are unique and have different textures and patterns. Metal buttons are durable and can be printed with logos or embossed for an added touch of class. Shell buttons are often used for functional and decorative purposes, while glass buttons are refined and beautiful. Rhinestone buttons add sparkle and elegance to any outfit, and enamel buttons come in many different colors. Resin buttons are long-lasting and have a beautiful shine, while Chinese knot buttons are unique and made of cord knotted into a ball.

Button Size

Modern technology enables buttons to be manufactured in every shape you can imagine and in a multitude of sizes. The measurement of buttons is called a "ligne," originating from the French word meaning line, and is 0.635mm or 0.025 inches. Knowing the sizes of buttons is important for the clothing industry so that buttons can be standardized and will always fit the garment with accuracy and consistency. Button ligne charts are a useful resource to compare button sizes.

In conclusion, buttons are a crucial element of garment construction, and choosing the right type of button can make a significant difference in the outcome of your sewing project. Consider the size, shape, and composition of the button when selecting it for your garment, and use this guide as a reference to find the perfect button for your project.