Nut Button

Definition and Material Characteristics

A nut button is a button made from the hard endosperm inside the seed of the tagua palm, a natural material mainly native to Central and South America. In English, it is called a corozo nut button, and it is also sold under the names corozo and tagua.

It has a dense, hard material feel, and the surface shows individual variations derived from the raw material, such as wood-grain-like patterns and uneven coloring. Even dyed products may not look completely uniform, and these variations are used in design as part of the appeal of a natural material.

Shape and Size Notation

Nut buttons include two-hole and four-hole styles that are sewn on by passing thread through holes in the front surface, as well as shank buttons with a shank on the back for threading. Hole-type buttons are used on shirt and jacket front openings, while shank buttons are used for thicker fabrics or areas where a raised look is desired.

Button diameter is shown in mm and also in lignes. 1 ligne is approx. 0.635 mm, and multiplying the number of lignes by 0.635 gives an approximate mm size. The actual finished dimensions, thickness, and hole diameter should be checked for each product number.

• Two-hole / four-hole: a shape sewn on by passing thread through the holes.
• Shank: a shape in which thread is passed through the shank on the back, making the stitching less visible on the front.
• Ligne: a traditional unit used for button diameter.

Main Applications and Selection

Used for jackets, suits, coats, shirts, blouses, cardigans, and more. With the calm sheen and warmth of a natural material, it pairs well with classic, natural, and workwear-style designs.

When selecting, check not only the visible diameter but also the thickness, number of holes or shank type, hole diameter, and compatibility with the buttonhole. Even within the same color number, tone and pattern may vary by lot or individual piece, so combinations within a product should also be checked.

Attaching and Handling Precautions

For hole-type buttons, use thread shanks taking the fabric thickness into account, leaving appropriate slack between the button and the fabric. If sewn tightly against thick fabric, it can put strain on the button when passing through the buttonhole.

Because it is a natural material, strong impact or excessive force may cause cracking or chipping. For washing, dry cleaning, and ironing, check the product's care label and the button specifications, and avoid applying a hot iron directly. Long exposure to moisture, detergent, or chemicals may cause discoloration or changes in texture.

Differences from Similar Terms

Real buffalo horn buttons are made from natural material derived from water buffalo horn or bone, and their raw material is different from nut buttons. Real buffalo horn is characterized by layered patterns and deep coloration, while nut buttons are characterized by a plant-based dense texture and a subtle wood-grain-like appearance.

Urea buttons and polyester buttons are resin-based. Compared with nut buttons, which are natural materials, these are easier to make uniform in color, pattern, and dimensions, but their individual variation and texture differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should nut button sizes be checked in mm or lignes?

Check according to the specifications sheet or the supplier's notation. Ligne is a unit for button diameter, and 1 ligne is approx. 0.635 mm. Use the conversion value as a guide, and when designing buttonholes or checking before mass production, it is important to measure the actual diameter, thickness, and hole diameter.

Can nut buttons be used for home laundry or dry cleaning?

Whether they can be used depends on the button's processing specifications and the product's overall care label. Because they are natural materials, color tone and surface texture may change depending on the washing, drying, and chemical conditions. It is reassuring to perform washing and dry tests under actual product conditions before adoption.