Mother-of-pearl buttons are a symbol of a quality shirt. Their soft pearly luster cannot be fully imitated – every button is unique. Here is what you need to know about them.
What is mother-of-pearl
Mother-of-pearl (nacre) is the inner layer of the shell of certain mollusks. It is formed from thin layers of calcium carbonate that refract light and create the characteristic iridescent shine. Round blanks are cut from a shell, which are then sanded, drilled, and polished.
Types of mother-of-pearl
- Akoya – from pearl oysters; fine, white to cream luster. A classic for formal shirts.
- Trocas – denser, with slight patterns; durable and suitable for everyday shirts.
- River shell – more affordable, with more pronounced shades.
- Dark mother-of-pearl (smoke/gray, brown) – for dark shirts and jackets.
How to identify genuine mother-of-pearl
- Temperature – natural mother-of-pearl is cold to the touch; polyester warms up quickly.
- Pattern – with real mother-of-pearl, each button is slightly different; plastic imitations are identical.
- Weight – mother-of-pearl is heavier than polyester of the same size.
- Sound – tap two buttons together: mother-of-pearl sounds higher and more "crystalline."
Care for mother-of-pearl buttons
- Wash the shirt at up to 40°C and avoid bleach.
- Iron carefully around the buttons – high heat can crack them.
- When dry cleaning, it is best to cover the buttons with foil.
Mother-of-pearl or mother-of-pearl effect polyester?
For luxury and formal shirts, choose natural mother-of-pearl from our natural buttons collection. For everyday shirts and mass production, mother-of-pearl effect polyester is a practical and durable alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Do mother-of-pearl buttons break?
They can crack under heavy impact or when ironed at very high temperatures, so please iron with care.
What size are mother-of-pearl buttons for shirts?
Most commonly 10 mm (16L) and 11.5 mm (18L).
