A Guide to Button Materials in European Fashion
Buttons are the subtle yet powerful accents of any garment. Far from being mere utility items, these small components have mirrored cultural shifts, social status, and technological evolution since the Middle Ages. For any serious dressmaker or fashion enthusiast, the choice of button material is as important as the cut of the cloth — it decides how a garment looks, feels and lasts.
Looking for what size button you need? See our dedicated button sizing guide for sizes by garment and how to measure.
A Legacy of European Materials
The history of buttons in Europe is marked by luxurious and natural materials. During the Renaissance, buttons crafted from precious metals and gemstones were potent signifiers of social status. Today, quality tailoring across the European market favours specific materials that offer durability, character, and sophistication.
Real Horn
Highly durable and strong, horn buttons are frequently used on suits and coats. They showcase natural tones and distinctive grain patterns, lending an elegant character to high-end jackets. No two are identical.
Mother of Pearl (Nacre)
The classic detail favoured by high-quality shirt makers, made from the inner layer of specific shells. Its iridescent, lustrous surface brings out the beauty of fine shirting — which is why it remains the traditional choice for dress shirts.
Corozo
Known as "vegetable ivory," corozo is a 100% natural material sourced from the nuts of the tagua tree. It features a unique natural grain that takes dye exceptionally well, making each button distinct — a favourite for tailored jackets and coats.
Galalith
Extracted from milk casein, galalith revolutionised the industry with its ability to create structural effects and colours of infinite intensity. It is still used today for high-quality buttons through precise polishing processes.
Modern Resin: A Category of Its Own
While these natural materials are beautiful, modern technology has introduced high-quality resin buttons as a sophisticated alternative. These are not just imitations; they are a category of their own, offering incredible durability, water resistance, and virtually limitless design possibilities. They can mimic natural materials like horn and corozo with stunning accuracy, or stand on their own with vibrant colours and shapes that natural materials simply cannot achieve. Crucially for everyday wear, resin holds its colour, survives the dry cleaner and the washing machine, and costs a fraction of natural horn.
This is what we specialise in at Buttonary — resin buttons that capture the character of horn, corozo and mother-of-pearl, in a durable, affordable, consistent form. Explore the ranges:
- Horn imitation buttons — warm browns and greys for suits and coats
- Corozo imitation buttons — natural grain for tailored jackets
- Pearl imitation buttons — iridescent finish for shirts and blouses
Choosing the Right Material
As a rule of thumb: mother-of-pearl or pearl imitation for shirts and blouses; horn or corozo (or their resin equivalents) for suits, blazers and coats. Whatever the material, the button carries centuries of craft and history in its small, meticulously measured form.
Once you've chosen a material, our free try-on tool lets you preview it on your own garment before you buy — and if you're unsure what size to order, our button sizing guide has you covered.