Buttons for a blazer or suit are a small detail that everyone notices – the right size, colour and material make a jacket look elegant, while the wrong buttons make it look cheap. Whether you are sewing a new jacket or refreshing an old one, here is how to choose the number, size and material of the buttons.
How many buttons does a jacket have
The number depends on the style:
- Single-breasted, 2 buttons – the most classic option, right for business and everyday wear;
- Single-breasted, 1 button – sleeker and more formal, common on dinner jackets;
- Single-breasted, 3 buttons – a more traditional cut, often seen on tweed and sports jackets;
- Double-breasted – usually 6 buttons (4 functional and 2 decorative) or 4.
Sleeves usually carry 3 or 4 buttons, and finer jackets often have "kissing" buttons that slightly overlap. Add 1–2 spare buttons for the inside pocket too.
Luxury gold metal buttons with crystals ME9008 – 22 mm
Metal button E-2085 Silver 18 mm – Wavy design, Shank button, Luxury style
Brushed metal buttons 51001210 Col 100021 – Light Gold 18 mmJacket button sizes
The standard for men's jackets is two sizes of the same design:
| Position | Size | Ligne (L) |
|---|---|---|
| Front of a men's jacket | 20 mm (sometimes 22 mm) | 32 L (36 L) |
| Sleeves | 15 mm | 24 L |
| Front of a women's jacket | 18–20 mm | 28–32 L |
| Suit waistcoat | 15 mm | 24 L |
| Double-breasted jacket / blazer | 20–22 mm | 32–36 L |
That is why it helps to pick a design available in both 15 and 20 mm – the front and sleeves then match perfectly.
Which material for which jacket
- Horn and corozo buttons – the classic on quality wool suits; matte with a natural grain;
- Horn-effect polyester buttons – a more affordable alternative with a very similar look, practical for production;
- Metal buttons – gold, antique brass or gun metal; a must on the classic navy blazer, often with a crest or relief;
- Fabric-covered buttons – for tuxedos and evening jackets, often in satin.
How to match the colour
The safest rule is to choose buttons one or two shades darker than the cloth. For a navy suit – dark brown or black; for grey – grey, black or dark brown; for a beige or brown jacket – brown marbled buttons with a horn pattern. Save shiny buttons for evening wear and contrasting ones for sports jackets and blazers.
How to replace jacket buttons
- Carefully cut the thread between the button and the fabric without nicking the cloth.
- Mark each position with chalk before removing the old buttons.
- Sew on the new ones with matching thread and leave a 2–3 mm shank so the jacket closes without pulling.
- For metal shank buttons, pass the thread through the loop several times and secure it on the wrong side.
How many buttons to order
For a single-breasted men's jacket with 2 front buttons and 4 per sleeve, you need 2 buttons in 20 mm and 8 in 15 mm, plus one spare of each size. For a double-breasted jacket, count 6 large and 8 small. If the suit includes a waistcoat, add another 5–6 buttons in 15 mm. Order everything at once from the same range so there is no difference in shade.
Frequently asked questions
Which jacket buttons should be fastened?
On a 2-button jacket, only the top one; on a 3-button jacket, the middle one (sometimes the top too). The bottom button is never fastened.
What size are sleeve buttons?
Usually 15 mm (24 L) – the same design as the front, just smaller.
Can I put metal buttons on an ordinary jacket?
Yes, it is an easy way to turn a plain navy jacket into a blazer. Pick a shank model in 20 mm for the front and 15 mm for the sleeves.
Browse all our buttons, the classic corozo buttons and the wide range of polyester buttons in 15 and 20 mm sizes.
