20 Types of Buttons Commonly Used in Clothing
Buttons are not only a fastener, but also an important part of clothing design elements. Some well-known clothing brands customize buttons to enhance brand awareness and uniqueness. Choosing the right type of buttons based on the fabric, type of garment, and target user is a critical part of apparel design.
Common Button Structures
Different button structures have different sewing methods and applications.
1.Eyelets / Holes (2-Hole and 4-Hole Buttons)
This button construction is one of the most common buttons, also known as "sew-on buttons", and is usually categorized into 2-hole and 4-hole.
2. Shank Buttons
These buttons have a loop or protrusion (called a shank) on the back of the button, which is used for sewing onto the surface of the garment. This structure allows a large space between the button and the fabric, and is suitable for thicker fabrics.
3. Rim, Face, and Backplate: The Button's Body Parts
Rim: Commonly found on metal or embossed buttons, the edges are raised for protection and decoration.
Face: The face of the button, which can be customized with color, logo, texture, matte or glossy.
Backplate: The back of the button, which can be engraved with a brand name or used to attach to fabric.
4. Stud and Cap (Used in Jeans Buttons and Snap Button)
Stud (or Socket/Back Piece): Used for fixing the fabric and cap.
Cap: The surface of the jeans buttons, can be designed with different patterns, logos to highlight the brand style.
20 Common Types of Buttons
1. Classified by Structure
Flat Buttons (2-Hole & 4-Hole): one of the commonly used buttons, characterized by two or four holes in the middle for fastening, can be made of wood, metal, plastic. Simple in style, commonly used on shirts and polo shirts.
Shank Buttons: The back of the shank button usually has a small ring, the needle and thread through the hole to be fixed. It has a strong sense of three-dimensionality and is commonly used for jackets and military uniforms.
Fabric Covered Buttons: Its structure is similar to shank button, but the surface is covered with a layer of fabric, which is not resistant to washing. Commonly used in high-level dresses, wedding dresses.
2. Classified by sewing method
Snap Buttons (Press Studs): made up of two parts, male and female, easy to use, commonly used in baby clothes, sportswear, Muslim clothing.
Stud Buttons: more functional, often used in workwear and work pants.
Rivet Buttons (Jeans Buttons): Usually made of zinc alloy, copper and iron, commonly used in jeans. They are available in a variety of sizes and can also be customized with surface patterns.
Magnetic Buttons: With the addition of magnets, they are magnetic and easy to open and close, and are often used in senior apparel and bags.
3. Classified by material
Pearl Buttons: made of artificial pearls or plastic, with natural pearl effect, looks elegant and high-class, commonly used in ladies' shirts or dresses.
Shell Buttons (Mother-of-Pearl): made from mollusks, oysters, abalone and snail shells lined with pearl layer, with a unique shell texture, there are a variety of colors and sizes to choose from, but also in the surface of the carving pattern, commonly used in casual shirts, cardigans. However, the material is brittle and easy to crack.
Glass Buttons: made of transparent or colored glass, commonly used hardness of the glass material to ensure safety. Aesthetically pleasing and suitable for delicate clothing.
Wooden Buttons: made of maple, oak, cherry and walnut, with a unique wooden touch, natural and environmentally friendly, commonly used in sweaters and environmentally friendly clothing. However, it is easy to swell when exposed to water, and is not suitable to be placed in a humid place, with the risk of mold.
Coconut Shell Buttons: Usually made of coconut shell, suitable for vacation style clothing, hard and brittle texture, biodegradable, environmentally friendly.
Metal Buttons: usually made of zinc alloy, copper, iron, stainless steel and other metal materials, suitable for brands with different budgets and a variety of types.
Plastic Buttons: commonly made of ABS, polyester, nylon materials, relatively inexpensive, can be customized in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. However, they are easy to be aged.
Resin Buttons: Also known as polyester buttons, they are characterized by high temperature resistance and abrasion resistance, and are suitable for most apparel.
Antler Buttons: made of antlers, similar to the shape of a horn, commonly used in tweed coats and sweater jackets.
4.Other Types
Horn Buttons: made from the horns of different animals boiled to a liquid state, commonly available in gray, brown, and cream colors. Usually similar in structure to flat button, but thicker, commonly used in suits and jackets.
Knot Buttons: Made from parachute cord that is knotted into different shapes, commonly found in traditional Chinese clothing.
Lapel Buttons: Made of thin metal, usually with a logo, often used as company employee logos or political candidate logos.
Toggles Buttons: Usually cylindrical, with two holes in the center for fixing to the fabric, these buttons have a retro look and are often used in ethnic clothing and jackets.
Enamel Buttons: Enameled surfaces with bright, shiny colors. Commonly used in high-end clothing and accessories.
Buttons can affect the durability, ease of use and overall aesthetics of a garment. When choosing buttons, consider the following three aspects: fit, fabric and function . If you've recently needed customized buttons for your garments, check out our button catalog or send your design ideas to our sales team and we'll give you professional advice.