Resin Buttons: What They Are and Why They Last

If you've shopped for buttons online, you've probably seen the word "resin" — and maybe wondered what it actually means, and whether it's just another word for plastic. It isn't. This guide explains what resin buttons are, how they differ from plastic and polyester, and why they're the material of choice for quality garments.

What are resin buttons?

Resin buttons are made from genuine cast resin — a material that starts as a liquid and is set solid through a process of heating, curing and cutting. That casting process is what gives resin buttons their smooth, deep, slightly weighty finish, and it's why they can be made to look strikingly like natural materials such as horn, corozo and mother-of-pearl.

Resin vs plastic buttons: what's the difference?

This is where most of the confusion lives. Technically, plastic is a type of resin — but in the button world, "resin" and "plastic" describe two different things:

• Resin buttons are cast from a liquid that solidifies in a mould. The result is a smoother, brighter surface, a heavier feel, and a look much closer to natural materials.
• Plastic buttons (often ABS) are injection-moulded from solid pellets. They're lighter and cheaper to shape in unusual forms, but they lack the depth and weight of cast resin.

In short: if you want a button that looks and feels like quality tailoring rather than a cheap fastener, resin is what you're after.

Are resin buttons durable?

Yes. Resin buttons are hard-wearing and hold up well to daily use. They keep their colour in the wash and the dry cleaner, resist chipping, and — unlike some natural materials — don't crack in cold weather or vary wildly from button to button. That consistency is a real advantage when you need a matching set: every button in a batch looks the same.

Resin button colours and styles

Because resin is cast and dyed, it comes in virtually any colour — from classic horn browns and greys to crisp whites, deep navies and bold reds. It can be finished to imitate horn, corozo and mother-of-pearl, or stand on its own in solid colours. This range is exactly why resin is so widely used across modern fashion.

Browse our full range of resin buttons for shirts, suits & blazers, coats and cardigans & knitwear — or see them all below.

Not sure how a colour will look on your garment? Try our free try-on tool — upload a photo and preview any button on it. And if you're unsure what size to order, our button sizing guide has you covered.