Aluminium buttons and rivets are almost invisible to shoppers, yet they appear in a huge share of garments, most often as the tack under a jeans button, as a lightweight eyelet or as an anodised badge. Aluminium is about three times lighter than brass, does not rust and can be coloured in almost any shade, but it also has weaknesses every designer should understand. Here is an honest assessment of the material: where it shines, where it is a compromise, and when another metal is the better choice.
Aluminium by the numbers
To understand how a button will behave, it helps to compare the density and hardness of the main hardware metals:
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Hardness | Rust | Magnetic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | about 2.7 | low | no (forms a protective oxide) | no |
| Zamak (zinc alloy) | about 6.6–6.7 | medium | no, but can turn white | no |
| Brass | about 8.4–8.7 | medium to high | no, but tarnishes | no |
| Steel | about 7.8–7.9 | high | yes, unless stainless | yes (ordinary steel) |
In practice an aluminium button of the same shape weighs roughly a third of its brass equivalent. With 10 to 15 metal details on one jacket, the difference is noticeable.
Jeans buttons 3114080 – 18 mm Gun Metal
JEANS 2 buttons – 17 mm antique brass
Round metal rivets 10967L08 – 5 mm decorativeAdvantages
Light weight
Low weight is the main reason aluminium is used for jeans button tacks, eyelets on lightweight jackets and decorative rivets on thin fabrics. A heavy button drags the fabric down; a light one does not distort the waistband or pocket.
No rust
Aluminium instantly forms a thin oxide layer that protects it, so it won't leave brown stains on fabric the way plain steel can.
Colour through anodising
Anodising is an electrochemical process that thickens the oxide layer in a controlled way (typically from a few microns up to around 25) and makes it porous. Dye is drawn into the pores and the layer is then sealed. The result is rich colour, such as black, blue, red, bronze or champagne, that is part of the metal surface rather than paint on top. It resists rubbing well, though some dyes fade under strong UV.
Naturally nickel free
Plain or anodised aluminium contains no nickel, which is a plus for children's clothing and wearers with allergies. One caveat: if the aluminium part has an additional electroplated finish, check what that plating is.
Recyclability
Recycling aluminium needs only a small fraction of the energy used to produce it from ore, which is why recycled aluminium appears more and more in sustainable collections.
Disadvantages
- Softness. Aluminium scratches and dents more easily than brass. A domed aluminium button can pick up a dent from a knock in the washing machine.
- Bent tacks. On very heavy denim or with a badly adjusted press, an aluminium tack can bend instead of piercing cleanly. Tack length and hardness must match the fabric.
- Galvanic reaction. Touching brass, copper or stainless steel in wet, salty conditions, aluminium corrodes first and forms a white powder.
- Processing limits. It is hard to solder and does not polish to the mirror shine brass does.
- Perceived cheapness. A light button is sometimes read as inexpensive. For luxury coats and blazers, customers expect the heft of brass or Zamak.
Where aluminium works and where it doesn't
| Application | Aluminium? | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Tack (back part) of a jeans button | Yes | A proven, widespread construction with a brass or Zamak cap |
| Eyelets for light jackets, bags, tags | Yes | Lightness plus colour via anodising |
| Decorative rivets on thin fabrics | Yes | Won't drag the fabric |
| Swimwear and sailing apparel | With care | Only if all parts are compatible; avoid mixing with brass |
| Buttons for a luxury coat or blazer | Less often | Brass and Zamak feel more substantial |
| Load-bearing rings and buckles | Depends | Only strong alloys in adequate thickness; soft grades are not suitable |
Tip: not sure what metal a sample is? Try a magnet and weigh 10 pieces on a kitchen scale. Aluminium parts are non-magnetic and noticeably lighter than brass parts of the same size.
Example: one jeans button, two different tacks
Imagine a brand making two denim lines with the same 17 mm brass-capped button. The first uses 12 oz denim for everyday wear; the second uses heavy 14.5 oz selvedge with a three-layer waistband. For the first line an aluminium tack is perfectly adequate: it pierces cleanly, the button is light and the waistband doesn't feel weighed down. On the second, the same tack risks bending during setting, especially if the press isn't adjusted precisely. A brass or steel tack of the right length is the smarter choice there. The price difference per piece is a fraction of a cent, but the difference in returns can be significant. The lesson is simple: aluminium is an excellent material, but the decision should always start with the fabric and the load, not only the price.
How to specify aluminium hardware
- State which part is aluminium: the whole button, just the tack, or just the back.
- Define the finish: natural, brushed, colour-anodised or with an additional plating.
- Describe the fabric, including weight and number of layers at the setting point, so the right tack length can be chosen.
- Ask for a sample test: setting with your own press, five washes, then a check for dents and colour change.
- For marine apparel, confirm the material of every part in contact.
Frequently asked questions
Do aluminium buttons tarnish?
Not the way silver or brass does. Natural aluminium may dull slightly over time, but anodised colour stays stable.
Can I iron a garment with aluminium buttons?
Yes, aluminium handles iron temperatures without trouble. Just take care with lacquered or enamelled surfaces.
Which is better for jeans, an aluminium or a brass tack?
Both are standard. Aluminium is lighter and cheaper; brass is harder and more forgiving on very heavy denim. The choice depends on the fabric and budget.
Hardware from Bul-tex
Bul-tex manufactures and supplies metal trims for brands and ateliers, including jeans buttons, rivets, eyelets and snap fasteners. Materials vary from model to model, so if you need a specific aluminium construction or anodised colour for your collection, contact us and we will confirm the options and samples. You will find more articles on metals in our buttons category.
