Buttons & fastening design

A small detail.
A whole lot
of character.

Thoughtful buttons for the things you make, mend and keep. A design-led approach to fastenings for garment makers and small clothing labels.

A study in buttons, thread and proportionAn illustrated sample card holds three warm wooden buttons. A large terracotta button and a green button sit beside a looping thread.MAPLE / MATERIAL STUDYFORM · FINISH · FEELTHE FINISHING TOUCH
01 / The button studyIllustrated material directions

Made to belong. Never an afterthought.

For makers · Menders · Independent labels
01 / Find your direction

What does your
garment need?

A button can blend in, add contrast or give a favourite piece a new chapter. Start with its role, then work through the details.

A / EVERYDAY CHARACTER

A natural finish

For linen shirts, textured knits and easy layers. Consider warm wood tones, visible grain and simple shapes that sit comfortably alongside the fabric.

Consider: texture, weight & care
B / A CONSIDERED COLLECTION

A consistent detail

For small labels developing a shared design language. Plan a family of sizes and finishes across shirts, jackets and layers without making every piece identical.

Consider: colour, scale & repetition
C / ANOTHER CHAPTER

A thoughtful replacement

For a missing button or a garment ready for a change. Match the practical details first, then decide whether to blend with the originals or replace the full set.

Consider: fit, attachment & balance
02 / Material matters

Good design starts with a closer look.

The right finish is more than a colour choice. Texture, thickness, attachment and garment care all have a part to play.

Material notes for planning, rather than a live stock catalogue. Always check the specifications of the actual button you choose.

Wood · warm & individual

Grain gives each piece visual variation. Check the finish and care instructions carefully, particularly for garments that will be washed often.

Corozo · subtle texture

A plant-derived material with a fine, natural grain. Useful to explore when you want colour with a little surface character; confirm the dye and finish with your supplier.

Fabric covered · quiet continuity

Carry the garment fabric into the fastening. Allow for fabric thickness and test a sample, especially with a loose weave or a prominent pattern.

03 / Our way of thinking

From fabric first
to final stitch.

A beautiful button still needs to do its job. These three checks turn a visual idea into a more useful specification.

01 — CONTEXT

Start with the garment.

Consider fabric weight, where the fastening sits and how it will be used. A fine blouse and a structured coat ask different things of a button.

02 — PROPORTION

Look at the whole piece.

Place a paper circle on the fabric to judge diameter and spacing. Check the existing buttonhole before choosing a replacement size.

03 — REALITY

Test before you commit.

Try the actual button with your fabric, thread and buttonhole. Check clearance, comfort and the intended care routine before buying a full set.

04 / A useful starting point

Give your next
detail a direction.

Choose a garment and a visual mood. Get a short planning note to take to your worktable or use when speaking with a button supplier.

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Your starting point

Choose your direction above, then create a note with the details worth checking.

05 / A few practical answers

Before the
first stitch.

How do I choose the right button size?

Measure the diameter of an existing button if it works well. For a new garment, use the pattern's recommendation as a starting point and test the button in a sample buttonhole. Thickness and shape affect the fit as well as diameter.

Do I need a two-hole, four-hole or shank button?

Two-hole and four-hole buttons are sewn through the face. A shank button attaches through a loop on the back, which creates space beneath the button. Fabric thickness, appearance and the pattern's instructions should guide the choice; test the attachment on your fabric.

Can I replace just one missing button?

Yes, if you can find a suitable match in size, thickness and appearance. If a close match is difficult, consider moving an original from a less visible position or replacing the full visible set for a consistent finish.

Are these buttons available to order here?

This website is a design and planning introduction, with illustrated material directions rather than an online shop. There is no checkout or order submission. Use the project tool to prepare the details for your next sourcing conversation.

What should I include in a sourcing brief?

Include the garment type, a fabric sample or clear photo, preferred material and colour, diameter, thickness, attachment type, required quantity and intended care method. If you are matching something existing, include a close-up and a measurement.

Let the little things feel intentional.

Start with your garment