Metal jeans buttons are some of the hardest-working details in any wardrobe – they hold the waistband through every sit, bend and wash cycle. Whether you are sewing your own jeans, repairing a favourite pair or making a denim jacket, it pays to know which types exist, which size to choose and how to fit them properly. Here is a practical guide.
How a jeans button is built
Unlike ordinary buttons, a jeans button is not sewn on. It consists of two parts:
- The cap (head) – the visible metal part with a decorative surface, logo or relief;
- The tack (pin) – a metal post that goes through the fabric from the inside and locks into the cap.
The two parts are joined under pressure – with a hand press or by hammering on a hard surface. The button is mechanically clamped to the fabric, so it lasts much longer than a sewn-on button. Most models have a swivel head, which makes buttoning through a stiff waistband buttonhole easier.
Round metal rivets 10967L08 – 5 mm decorative
Jeans buttons 3114080 – 18 mm Gun Metal
Luxury decorative metal rivet R0145113 – Gun MetalJeans button sizes
The most common sizes range from 14 to 20 mm. Your choice depends on the denim weight and the style of the garment:
| Size | Best for |
|---|---|
| 14–15 mm | Kids' jeans, lightweight denim, pockets and jacket cuffs |
| 17 mm | Classic women's and men's jeans – the most versatile size |
| 18–20 mm | Heavy denim, men's jeans, denim jackets and workwear |
The tack length must also match the fabric thickness: the more layers (waistband, facing, interfacing), the longer the post should be. With a very thick waistband, test on a scrap of the same fabric first.
Finishes and materials
Jeans buttons are usually made of brass, zinc alloy or steel with different finishes:
- Antique brass – a vintage brass tone, the classic choice for blue jeans;
- Gun metal – a dark graphite finish that suits black and grey denim;
- Nickel and nickel-free – a silver tone; nickel-free options are a good idea for sensitive skin, since the button touches the stomach.
At Bul-tex you'll find, for example, JEANS 1 and JEANS 2 in 17 mm antique brass, plus 18 mm models in matte nickel-free and gun metal.
How to fit or replace a jeans button
- If you are replacing an old button, carefully cut or pry off the cap and pull the tack out from the inside.
- Mark the position – usually the centre of the old hole or the end of the buttonhole on the opposite side.
- Make a small hole with an awl instead of cutting threads, so the fabric grips the post tightly.
- Push the tack through from the inside and place the cap on top.
- Lay the button face down on a hard surface (protect it with a piece of cloth or rubber) and hammer the tack a few times until it locks and the button no longer wobbles.
For production runs, a press with the correct dies gives a neater and more reliable result.
Button or rivet – what is the difference?
Rivets look similar but do not fasten anything – they reinforce pocket corners and high-stress points. Choose buttons and rivets in the same finish so the garment looks consistent.
Frequently asked questions
Can a jeans button be sewn on?
Classic tack buttons cannot be sewn. If you have no tools, there are shank models you can sew, but they handle waistband strain less well.
What size button should I use on a denim jacket?
Front plackets usually take 17–18 mm buttons, while pockets and cuffs use 14–15 mm.
Why does my new button spin or wobble?
Usually the tack is too long for the fabric or was not fully set. Hammer it again or choose a shorter post.
Browse our jeans buttons and matching metal rivets, or see the full buttons collection for more styles.
