Types of clothing buttons – materials, shapes, and application

A button is a small detail, but it defines the character of a garment. Choosing the right type depends on the fabric, the style, and the intended use. Here are the main types of buttons and what they are used for.

By material

  • Polyester buttons – the most common type. Lightweight, durable, and available in hundreds of colors and finishes (mother-of-pearl effect, mélange, horn). Suitable for everything from shirts to coats.
  • Mother-of-pearl buttons – made from natural seashells. They offer a natural pearly luster and are a classic choice for high-quality shirts.
  • Corozo buttons – made from the nut of the tagua palm ("vegetable ivory"). They have a refined matte look, perfect for jackets and coats.
  • Coconut buttons – made from coconut shells. They provide a warm, natural look for linen clothing, knitwear, and coats.
  • Wooden buttons – for eco-friendly clothing, children's clothes, and knitwear.
  • Metal buttons – with a shank or holes, available in gold, silver, and gunmetal. They serve as an accent for jackets, blazers, and uniforms.

By attachment method

  • 2-hole – the most classic type, for shirts and blouses.
  • 4-hole – more durable, for trousers, jackets, and coats.
  • Shank buttons – attached through a loop on the back; the face remains smooth and decorative.
  • Snap buttons – fasten without the need for buttonholes.
  • Covered buttons – covered with fabric or leather to match the garment.

By garment

Garment Recommended size Suitable type
Shirt 9–12.5 mm mother-of-pearl, polyester with 2/4 holes
Blouse, dress 10–15 mm polyester, mother-of-pearl, decorative
Jacket 15–22 mm corozo, horn-effect polyester, metal
Coat 22–34 mm coconut, corozo, polyester, metal

Frequently Asked Questions

Which buttons are the most durable?

Metal and corozo buttons are the most resistant, but high-quality polyester can also last for years.

Which buttons do not fade during washing?

Polyester buttons maintain their color well. Natural materials (wood, coconut) should ideally be washed at lower temperatures.

Products from this article

20 products
Wooden buttons PB9005 Wooden buttons PB9005 from €0,45 SHELL 18 WHITE – 4-hole white river shell buttons for men's shirts, natural and designer SHELL 18 WHITE – 4-hole white river shell buttons for men's shirts, natural and designer €2,50 2-hole coconut buttons for clothing 2-hole coconut buttons for clothing from €0,50 Brown corozo buttons CB5001 with 4 holes Brown corozo buttons CB5001 with 4 holes from €0,90 Black polyester coat buttons with wind effect PPB0017 Black polyester coat buttons with wind effect PPB0017 from €1,10 Wooden buttons PB9002 Wooden buttons PB9002 from €0,45 SHELL 10 WHITE – White mother-of-pearl button, 2 holes with rim, luxurious and jewelry-style SHELL 10 WHITE – White mother-of-pearl button, 2 holes with rim, luxurious and jewelry-style €3,00 Coconut buttons PCTB 0003 Coconut buttons PCTB 0003 from €0,14 Blue Corozo 4-hole buttons CB5001 Blue Corozo 4-hole buttons CB5001 from €0,90 Polyester buttons PPB 0075 Polyester buttons PPB 0075 from €0,35 Coconut buttons PCTB 0002 Coconut buttons PCTB 0002 from €0,12 Red corozo buttons CB5001 with 4 holes Red corozo buttons CB5001 with 4 holes from €0,90 White mother-of-pearl polyester shirt buttons PB 1020 White mother-of-pearl polyester shirt buttons PB 1020 from €0,50 Wooden buttons PB9010 Wooden buttons PB9010 from €0,45 River 01 Mother of Pearl Buttons River 01 Mother of Pearl Buttons from €0,21 4-hole coconut buttons 4-hole coconut buttons from €0,40 Gray Corozo buttons CB5001 with 4 holes Gray Corozo buttons CB5001 with 4 holes from €0,90 White buttons with square holes PB0111 White buttons with square holes PB0111 from €0,70 Wooden buttons PB9007 Wooden buttons PB9007 from €0,45 Dark grey corozo buttons CB5001 with 4 holes Dark grey corozo buttons CB5001 with 4 holes from €0,90