Cloth Button

Definition and Overview

A cloth button is a button finished by covering a core material with textile or similar material. If it is made from the same material as the garment fabric, it keeps the buttons inconspicuous and creates a unified look. On the other hand, wrapping it in a different color or material can also make it a decorative accent.

Its defining feature is that, unlike an ordinary button, it shows the character of the covering material rather than the molded surface material itself. The appearance and durability of the finished product vary depending on the thickness, weave pattern, nap, and stretch of the textile used.

Materials and Structure

The core material is made of metal, resin, or similar materials, and the outside is covered with textile, synthetic leather, or similar materials. With lightweight fabric, the outline of the core material tends to show through, and with heavyweight or fuzzy materials, the fabric may be difficult to fit neatly, so check whether the thickness is suitable for wrapping.

Many have a shank on the back for sewing, so no thread-through hole appears on the surface. However, there are also flat-back versions and other structures depending on the processing method. They differ from hole buttons in the position of the thread and the way they are sewn on.

• The shank style makes it easier to create a slight space between the button and the garment front, and it is also suitable for thicker plackets.
• When using thin fabric for the outer material, check whether the color or shape of the core material will show through.
• For patterned fabric, specify in the specification sheet whether the pattern positions should be aligned or intentionally varied.

How Sizes Are Expressed

The size of a cloth button is indicated by the diameter of the button face in mm, and may also be expressed in lignes. A ligne is a size unit used for buttons, and 1 ligne is approx. 0.635 mm. In orders and specification sheets, listing both units helps prevent misunderstandings.

In addition to the finished diameter, it is also necessary to check the hardware dimensions before covering and the shape of the shank. Even with the same indicated diameter, the apparent size and how easily it passes through the buttonhole may vary depending on the fabric thickness and wrapping method.

Main Uses

It is used for jackets, suits, dresses, blouses, and more. Those covered with the same fabric are suitable for formalwear and occasion clothing, and for areas where you do not want to interrupt the impression of the outer fabric.

They are used not only for front openings, but also for cuffs, center-back openings, necklines, and decoration. In areas with frequent fastening and unfastening, consider a specification that suits the application, including not only the outer fabric but also the core material, shank, and sewing strength.

Attachment and Handling Precautions

A cloth button with a shank is sewn on by passing thread through the shank. Making an appropriate thread shank between the fabric and the button, and adding a thread wrap at the base if needed, makes it easier to fasten even when the placket or similar area is thick. Adding a support button on the back can distribute the load on the outer fabric.

Whether washing or dry cleaning is possible depends on the covering fabric, core material, adhesive, and processing method. It is important to confirm this not only through care labels, but also through product testing that includes the button itself. Long soaking, strong friction, and drying processes may lead to fabric damage or deformation.

Do not press the iron directly and strongly onto the button surface; use a pressing cloth or avoid the button. High heat or pressure may cause shine on the covering fabric, problems with the bonded area, deformation of the resin core, or discoloration of metal parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cloth buttons and shank buttons the same?

No, they are not the same. Cloth button refers to a type of button finished by covering the core material with textile or similar material, while shank button refers to a structure with a sewing shank on the back. Many cloth buttons have a shank style, but the structure and surface finish are separate classifications.

Can cloth buttons be machine washed at home?

This cannot be determined uniformly. Durability differs depending on the material and colorfastness of the covering fabric, the core material, and the fixing method. In particular, with dark-colored fabric, fuzzy fabric, or delicate materials, it is necessary to check for friction, shrinkage, color transfer, and surface damage. Test the product as a whole and handle it according to the care instructions.

How do you choose the buttonhole for a cloth button?

Consider not only the finished diameter of the button, but also its thickness, the slipperiness of the surface fabric, and how it catches due to the shank structure. It is important to fasten and unfasten it in a prototype to check for difficulty in insertion and looseness. Choose between a bound buttonhole and a thread buttonhole according to the garment design and the area of use.