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Is it nerdy to have a favorite type of fastener? Because I must admit, I think buttons are one of the most delightful closures out there. Learning how to hand-sew buttons, as well as how to make buttonholes, are some of the first skills that sewists learn. Adding the correct type of button to your project is so important for both a garment’s function and stability, and there is a plethora of different types of buttons to choose from. If you find yourself easily overwhelmed by the racks of buttons at the fabric store, then you’ll love our beginner guide to different types of buttons.
In our article, we’ll be diving into the different types of buttons by style and material, as well as where you’re most likely to encounter these types of buttons. While no means definitive, we’ll cover the basic buttons you’re most likely to find in your local fabric store, so that you can finish your sewing projects with sturdy, practical, or whimsically decorative buttons. Want to learn more about other types of fasteners? Don’t miss our quick guide to clothing fasteners here. Plus, be sure to hit the Favorites button so that you can keep this article handy whenever you need to reference it.
Different Styles of Buttons
- Two-Hole Flat Buttons – Perhaps the most common type of button, two-hole buttons are generally flat, smooth discs with two holes in the button’s center. Not all two-hole buttons are flat, and common variations have a raised edge or toggle shape. These buttons are generally thin and used on light to medium weight fabrics, while thicker buttons can be used on some outerwear garments. Two-hole buttons can also be found in various materials but are most often made from plastic.
Two-Hole Flat Buttons. Photo: Ashley Jones
- Four-Hole Flat Buttons – Similar to the two-hole counterpart, four-hole flat buttons feature four holes (in pairs) in the center of the button and are threaded through multiple points. Sturdier than two-hole buttons, four-hole buttons are paired with heavier fabrics and used in workwear and outerwear. Sewists can also apply these buttons with decorative stitches. Four-hole buttons are also often flat and made from plastic but can be made in different styles and materials.
Four-Hole Flat Button. Photo: Ashley Jones
- Shank Buttons – Another common type of button, shank buttons do not feature any holes on top of the button. Rather, shank buttons feature a loop on the back that can be threaded through to attach them to a garment. This type of button offers more room for bulkier fabrics, as they do not lay flush to the fabric, which is why they often appear on outerwear like coats. Shank buttons can come in decorative designs as well and are made in a variety of materials. There are many different types of shank buttons, ranging from the materials used to the types of loops or connectors found on the back of the button.
Shank Button. Photo: Ashley Jones
- Toggle Buttons – Toggles differ from other types of buttons in both their style and their lack of accompanying buttonhole. Toggle buttons are often made from wood or plastic and feature a center hole (or holes). This type of button does not use a buttonhole; instead, toggle buttons close with a loop and tab. Toggles are usually found on outerwear such as coats or heavy sweaters, and their loops and tabs can be made from cord or leather. If you want to learn how to sew toggles, be sure to read this helpful article!
Toggle Button. Photo: Rebecca George. Bundled Up: How to Sew Toggle Closures.
- Stud or Snap Buttons – Sometimes used interchangeably, snap or stud buttons are metal or plastic buttons that feature parts that snap together; these parts are called the stud and socket. These buttons can be both practical and decorative and can be hidden as inner closures (such as on the inside of a dress) or used on the outside of a garment. Snap buttons are often found on workwear (such as Western-style shirts) or for closures in undergarments such as bodysuits.
Snap Buttons. Photo: Ashley Jones. Love this bomber jacket? You can find this pattern from Lauren Merciris here!
- Decorative – This type of button can be ornamental in different ways. Decorative buttons can be non-functional; for example, decorative, non-functional buttons can be found on false pockets that do not need closures. Decorative buttons can also refer to buttons made in creative, playful designs. Fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli was known for her detailed, whimsical buttons that played a part in the overall look of her avant garde designs. Typically made from plastic, decorative buttons can come in any design you can imagine: crayons, apples, Scottie dogs, you name it.
Decorative Button. Photo: Ashley Jones.
List of Button Materials
We’ve covered the primary types of buttons that you’ll encounter while sewing, so let’s dive into the different materials that buttons are made from.
- Plastic Buttons – Two/four-hole buttons, shank buttons, snaps, and decorative buttons are commonly made from plastic. Plastic buttons are affordable and durable and can be made in any color imaginable. These buttons are lightweight and can be acrylic or made from nylon or polyester. Plastic buttons can also be used for other types of crafting, such as jewelry making and scrapbooking.
Plastic Buttons. Photo: Ashley Jones.
- Fabric-Covered Buttons – Fabric-covered buttons are usually shank buttons and are typically custom covered to match a garment. This type of button is found on outerwear like coats and jackets or on some accessories like footwear or hats. Similarly, you’ll also find leather buttons on outerwear and footwear as well.
Fabric-Covered Buttons. Photo: Ashley Jones.
- Shell Buttons – Made from shells like mother-of-pearl and abalone, shell buttons add a beautiful, iridescent touch to finished garments. Buttons made from real shell are quite delicate and work best with lightweight fabrics. Plastic shell buttons also exist and are more durable than their natural counterparts. Shell buttons are also used in embroidery and decorative stitching.
Shell Button. Photo: Ashley Jones.
- Wooden Buttons – Made from natural wood like bamboo, wooden buttons are durable closures that give finished garments a rustic or antique look. While more durable than natural shell buttons, wooden buttons are still more delicate than plastic, which should be taken into consideration when washing clothing. Wooden buttons are often flat buttons; toggles are also frequently made using wood.
Wooden Buttons. Photo: Ashley Jones.
- Metal Buttons – Often found on denim or other workwear fabrics, metal buttons are generally snap buttons or shank buttons, as well as riveted buttons found on jeans. This type of button is best for heavy duty fabrics and often requires specific thread to ensure the button stays in place. Metal buttons can become tarnished, so please keep this mind when caring for your garments.
Metal Buttons. Photo: Ashley Jones.
We hope you enjoyed our quick guide to everyday buttons. Selecting the right type of button isn’t just practical but can give your handmade clothing a charming finishing touch. What types of sewing articles would you like to read? Let us know what you think below in the comments!