38 Types of Clothing Buttons: Materials, Shapes & Styles
38 Types of Clothing Buttons: Materials, Fastenings and Style Guide
A tiny button can change the entire look of a garment. The right fastening can make a plain cotton kurti appear carefully tailored, add a pearl-like highlight to a saree blouse, or give a denim jacket its signature rugged look. But shopping descriptions often mix materials such as shell and corozo with shapes such as dome, and closures such as snaps or shanks. This guide explains what those terms actually mean.
Below are 38 button names featured in an A–Z fashion recording, standardised for clarity, including Agoya shell, Corozo, Zamak alloy, mother-of-pearl, fabric-covered and two-hole buttons. A button may belong to more than one category at once: a fabric-covered button could also have a shank, and a brass button could be dome-shaped.
How to tell button materials from button designs
Material: wood, coconut shell, natural shell, horn, bone, brass, resin and plastic refer to substances. Attachment: shank, two-hole, snap and tack refer to how a button is secured. Appearance: dome, pearl-effect, velvet-covered and vintage identify surface or design features. A single button can have several of these descriptions.
Quick navigation: All 38 names · Materials comparison · Choosing for Indian clothing · Size and fastening guide · Care · FAQs
A–Z list of 38 button types
1. Agoya Shell · 2. Bone · 3. Brass · 4. Coconut · 5. Corozo (Tagua Nut) · 6. Covered Button · 7. Crystal · 8. Denim Button · 9. Dome · 10. Enamel · 11. Fabric-Covered · 12. Glass · 13. Horn · 14. Imitation Pearl · 15. Jeans Tack · 16. Knot Button · 17. Leather · 18. Magnetic · 19. Metal · 20. Mother-of-Pearl · 21. Nylon · 22. Pearl Button · 23. Plastic · 24. Press Button (Snap) · 25. Resin · 26. Rubber · 27. Shell · 28. Shank · 29. Silicone · 30. Stud Button · 31. Toggle · 32. Two-Hole · 33. Urea · 34. Velvet · 35. Vintage · 36. Wooden · 37. X-Shaped · 38. Zamak (Zamac)
1. Agoya Shell
Category: Natural shell. A shell button traditionally made from the Agoya marine shell. It has a delicate, subtly pearly surface, although not every Agoya button has the rainbow shine of premium mother-of-pearl.
Styling and buying tip: Excellent for refined shirt and blouse fronts; check thickness and chipping.
2. Bone
Category: Natural. Made from processed animal bone, frequently polished or dyed. It can resemble ivory-coloured resin, but the material origins differ.
Styling and buying tip: A classic choice for rustic tailoring; check the material if you prefer animal-free accessories.
3. Brass
Category: Metal. A copper-zinc alloy used in decorative and functional buttons, often given a polished, antique or brushed finish.
Styling and buying tip: Works on coats, jackets and military-inspired garments; confirm the finish and skin-contact suitability.
4. Coconut
Category: Plant based. Produced from coconut shell, creating mottled earthy tones and irregular grain. Lightweight versions are popular on casual linen and cotton outfits.
Styling and buying tip: Suited to natural-look kurtis and summer shirts; excessive soaking can affect some finishes.
5. Corozo (Tagua Nut)
Category: Plant based. A hard button made from the seed of certain palms, often called vegetable ivory. The fine grain can take dye particularly well.
Styling and buying tip: A useful premium alternative to plastic in smart shirts and jackets; check the maker's dye and finish.
6. Covered Button
Category: Construction. A core or mould is covered in fabric, creating a coordinated button with no contrasting material on the visible face.
Styling and buying tip: Matches satin blouses, sherwanis and formal tops; inspect the fabric cover for secure edges.
7. Crystal
Category: Decorative. A sparkling glass or manufactured-crystal button, often faceted and mounted into a metal base.
Styling and buying tip: Looks festive on evening blouses; test for loose stones and avoid high-pressure ironing.
8. Denim Button
Category: Garment use. A category of sturdy closures chosen for denim garments, commonly metal tack buttons but sometimes sew-through designs.
Styling and buying tip: Check the fastening strength and waistband thickness on jeans.
9. Dome
Category: Shape. A rounded, convex button profile, offered in metal, resin, shell and other materials. Dome describes its shape rather than composition.
Styling and buying tip: Adds a polished raised detail to cardigans and blouses; allow space in the buttonhole.
10. Enamel
Category: Surface finish. Often a metal button with coloured enamel-like coating or inlay. Some modern designs use enamel-effect paint rather than traditional fired enamel.
Styling and buying tip: Adds colour to jackets and dresses; inspect coatings for scratches or chips.
11. Fabric-Covered
Category: Construction. Another name for a covered button. The outer cloth can be plain, patterned, embroidered or the same fabric as the garment.
Styling and buying tip: Choose for matching blouse closures or dress details; check wear around the edge.
12. Glass
Category: Material. A button made from glass, sometimes pressed, coloured or faceted. It can look luminous but may be heavier and more breakable than resin.
Styling and buying tip: Better for ornamental pieces that are handled carefully; check sharp edges.
13. Horn
Category: Animal derived. Made from polished horn or shaped to imitate horn. Natural horn often has layered brown or amber patterns.
Styling and buying tip: Common in premium tailoring; check whether it is real horn or horn-look resin.
14. Imitation Pearl
Category: Decorative finish. A manufactured pearl-effect button, often with a plastic or glass core and a pearlescent coating.
Styling and buying tip: Creates a delicate blouse or cardigan look; coatings may scratch with hard abrasion.
15. Jeans Tack
Category: Fastening. A two-part rivet-like button fixed through sturdy cloth, often with a metal post. This is typically more secure on denim than an ordinary hand-sewn shirt button.
Styling and buying tip: Check that the tack is tightly installed and does not rub the skin.
16. Knot Button
Category: Construction. A textile fastening formed from twisted cord or a wrapped knot, often paired with a loop rather than a conventional buttonhole.
Styling and buying tip: Elegant on traditional jackets and Chinese-inspired closures; inspect loop fit.
17. Leather
Category: Material. A button cut or wrapped in leather, sometimes resembling an interlaced knot. It can be decorative rather than suitable for frequent washing.
Styling and buying tip: Works with knitwear and outerwear; follow leather-specific care instructions.
18. Magnetic
Category: Closure. A two-part magnetic fastening that closes by attraction. Often concealed inside bags, adaptive clothing or garment plackets.
Styling and buying tip: Convenient but may be unsuitable near certain implanted medical devices; follow device manufacturer guidance.
19. Metal
Category: Material family. An umbrella category including brass, steel, aluminium and zinc alloys, with finishes ranging from shiny to antique.
Styling and buying tip: Choose for denim and outerwear, taking weight, corrosion and skin sensitivity into account.
20. Mother-of-Pearl
Category: Natural shell. A button cut from nacreous shell with a naturally iridescent surface. It may have colour variation and is distinct from a painted plastic pearl button.
Styling and buying tip: Beautiful on luxury blouses and shirts; protect from knocks and unsuitable cleaning chemicals.
21. Nylon
Category: Synthetic. A manufactured polymer used for lightweight, durable button designs. Nylon buttons can resemble other plastics but differ by formulation.
Styling and buying tip: Suitable for some practical garments; confirm heat and care tolerance.
22. Pearl Button
Category: Ambiguous trade name. May mean natural mother-of-pearl or a pearl-effect imitation. The term by itself does not reliably tell you the material.
Styling and buying tip: Ask whether it is shell, glass or coated synthetic material.
23. Plastic
Category: Material family. A broad group including polyester, acrylic and other synthetic polymers used in coloured, molded or novelty buttons.
Styling and buying tip: Practical for everyday shirts; quality and heat tolerance vary considerably.
24. Press Button (Snap)
Category: Closure. A two-piece fastening that clicks together under pressure. A snap may be metal or plastic and can be sewn, riveted or installed with tools.
Styling and buying tip: Useful for kidswear and easy-open closures; test holding strength.
25. Resin
Category: Synthetic. Often a cast or moulded polymer button, enabling deep colour effects and complex shapes. Resin can imitate horn, shell or stone.
Styling and buying tip: Choose carefully for a specific decorative look; avoid assuming all resins have the same temperature resistance.
26. Rubber
Category: Elastomer. Made from rubber or rubber-like elastomer, usually with a soft or flexible finish. Not always suitable for high-temperature pressing.
Styling and buying tip: Works as a casual or functional detail; confirm wash and heat suitability.
27. Shell
Category: Natural material. A general description for buttons cut from shells. Some have pearly nacre, while others are more matte or patterned.
Styling and buying tip: Elegant for cotton and linen; distinguish actual shell from shell-effect plastic.
28. Shank
Category: Attachment style. A button with a loop or projecting stem at the back, instead of sew-through holes on its face. The shank creates room for thicker cloth.
Styling and buying tip: Good for coats and decorative domes; check stem strength.
29. Silicone
Category: Synthetic elastomer. A flexible synthetic rubber-like material used for soft-touch buttons and specialty applications.
Styling and buying tip: Consider for comfortable, soft finishes; confirm compatibility with pressing and garment washing.
30. Stud Button
Category: Fastening or ornament. A term used for detachable shirt studs, some jeans hardware and decorative studs, depending on context.
Styling and buying tip: Check whether it is removable, sewn on or riveted through the cloth.
31. Toggle
Category: Fastening shape. An elongated bar-shaped closure, often made of wood, horn-look resin or plastic, used with a cord or fabric loop.
Styling and buying tip: A familiar detail on duffle coats and casual outerwear; check loop reinforcement.
32. Two-Hole
Category: Sew-through design. A flat button with two holes for stitching through the face. Its material may be shell, corozo, metal or synthetic.
Styling and buying tip: Common for everyday shirts and kurtis; secure thread and proper buttonhole sizing matter.
33. Urea
Category: Synthetic resin. A thermosetting urea-formaldehyde resin used for hard, moulded buttons. It can offer a durable polished appearance but should not be confused with a natural material.
Styling and buying tip: A formalwear option; verify manufacturing quality and care instructions.
34. Velvet
Category: Covered button. A core covered with soft velvet fabric, offering a rich, tactile finish rather than one particular internal material.
Styling and buying tip: Suited to festive jackets and blouse details; avoid crushing or heavy rubbing.
35. Vintage
Category: Style or age. A description that may mean an actual older button or a newly manufactured retro design. Neither indicates a single material.
Styling and buying tip: Useful for antique-look ethnic jackets; check genuine age claims if they affect price.
36. Wooden
Category: Plant based. Made from carved or turned wood, sometimes stained or polished. Grain, colour and hardness vary by species.
Styling and buying tip: Fits earthy kurtis and handmade-look cardigans; avoid prolonged soaking if advised.
37. X-Shaped
Category: Shape. A novelty design resembling the letter X or a cross. The shape may be cut from metal, resin or wood.
Styling and buying tip: Best as an accent on casual clothes; check snag risk at projecting corners.
38. Zamak (Zamac)
Category: Metal alloy. A family of zinc-based die-casting alloys, commonly with aluminium and smaller amounts of magnesium and copper. It is used for detailed metal hardware and buttons.
Styling and buying tip: Suitable for decorative uniform or jacket buttons; check plating and corrosion resistance.
Button materials compared at a glance
| Material | Appearance | Buying consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Shell and mother-of-pearl | Naturally lustrous, sometimes iridescent | Can chip; check animal origin and delicate care |
| Corozo and coconut | Organic grain and warm tones | Check dye finish, moisture exposure and actual material |
| Wood and horn | Warm rustic or marbled appearance | Inspect variation and care; real horn is animal derived |
| Brass and Zamak | Metallic sheen or antique colour | Check plating, weight and skin-contact suitability |
| Resin, nylon and urea | Consistent colours and moulded shapes | Manufacturing quality and heat tolerance vary |
| Fabric and velvet covering | Matching textile look and soft texture | May wear around edges or flatten when pressed |
How to choose buttons for saree blouses, kurtis and jackets
Saree blouse buttons
Fabric-covered or pearl-effect buttons can make a blouse look coordinated without stealing attention from the saree. A small shank creates space above thicker embellishment, but secure sewing is essential. If a blouse closes at the back, check whether the wearer can reach the fastening comfortably. Tiny decorative buttons may need a hidden hook or other functional fastening for reliable closure.
Kurtis and ethnic tops
Coconut, wood, corozo and understated shell-look buttons can suit cotton and linen-style kurtis. Choose a finish that complements the print rather than competing with it. Decorative buttons on a false placket may not open at all, so read the actual closure description. For frequent everyday washing, prioritise the garment's care label and a securely attached, practical button.
Sherwanis, jackets and festive outfits
Covered, brass, dome or enamel-look buttons create a dressier appearance on a structured garment. Match metal finishes to the outfit's jewellery or embroidery if a coordinated look is desired. Large heavy buttons can strain lightweight cloth, so seek reinforcing fabric behind the fastening. A button that looks beautiful in a close-up may feel bulky at the wrist or neckline.
Denim, coats and cardigans
Jeans often use tack buttons designed for heavier fabric. Coats can use strong shank buttons or toggles with loops, while cardigans may suit shell, wood or lightweight plastic. Check whether the button can easily pass through its opening without tugging, and whether the garment will be washed in ways that the button material can tolerate.
Button sizes: how to choose correctly
Buttons are commonly measured in millimetres or in the traditional ligne (L) system, where approximately 40L equals 25.4 mm. For reference, 16L is about 10.2 mm, 24L about 15.2 mm, and 32L about 20.3 mm. These are size conversions, not universal recommendations: the buttonhole, fabric thickness, garment styling and attachment method determine the right choice.
Check four things: the button's diameter, its thickness, the distance through or behind the button for stitching, and the finished buttonhole or loop. A thick shank button can require more room than a flat two-hole button of the same diameter. When replacing a missing button, compare it with an intact original if possible.
Care and maintenance: keep your buttons looking good
Read the care label on the full garment first. Remove detachable decorative hardware before cleaning if the maker directs. Protect shell, glass and crystal buttons from knocks; avoid ironing directly on plastic, resin, rubber or coated pearl effects unless permitted. Metallic finishes may be damaged by unsuitable detergents or abrasive cleaning. Fabric-covered and velvet buttons need care to avoid crushed pile or frayed edges.
If a button becomes loose, fix it before it falls off. Use appropriate strong thread, leave the necessary thread shank for thick fabrics, and secure knots on the reverse. A loose jeans tack or metal snap often needs a proper replacement component rather than ordinary hand stitching.
Frequently asked questions about clothing buttons
Are Agoya and mother-of-pearl identical?
Agoya refers to a particular shell-button type. Mother-of-pearl describes the nacreous inner layer of some shells. Marketing descriptions may overlap, so ask for the specific shell material when it matters.
Is corozo a wooden button?
No. Corozo is made from the hard seed of certain palms, frequently called vegetable ivory, while wooden buttons are carved from wood.
What is the difference between press buttons and shank buttons?
A press button is a snap closure that connects two complementary pieces. A shank button has a rear loop or stem and usually fits through a separate buttonhole.
Is Zamak real metal?
Yes. Zamak is a family of zinc-based metal alloys widely used for die-cast components, including some fashion hardware.
Can I put pearl buttons in a washing machine?
It depends on whether the button is natural shell, imitation pearl, glass or another material, and on the garment's overall care label. Some delicate finishes require hand washing or professional care.
Which button works best on a saree blouse?
There is no single best choice. Covered, shell-look and pearl-effect buttons can be elegant, but accessibility, secure closure, fabric thickness and wearer comfort matter more than appearance alone.
Explore related ClothsVilla guides and collections
Read about embroidery styles and fabric weaves to better understand how fastenings complement textile construction. Browse blouses, kurtis, sarees and Indian dresses. Exact button types and products may vary by availability, so verify each listing.
Visual references and research
Explore Wikimedia Commons: shell button photographs for independent public and Creative Commons licensed examples, with individual license details shown on source pages. For material and fastening distinctions see Buttonology's button guide. These references are for education and are not screenshots from the source creator's recording; no third-party photos have been copied into this article without a verified license.