Real Buffalo Horn Button

Definition and Material Characteristics

Real buffalo horn buttons are buttons made from buffalo horn. Their shades and streak-like patterns, such as black, brown, amber, and translucent tones, vary from piece to piece, and their uneven appearance is a distinctive feature of natural materials.

Unlike resin buttons, even within the same product number there can be variations in color, pattern, gloss, and the apparent thickness. When using them in a product, it is important to check the color arrangement on the left and right front panels and the placket when selecting them.

Hole and Shank Types and Size Notation

Real buffalo horn buttons include hole styles such as two-hole, four-hole, and cat's-eye buttons, as well as shank buttons with a shank on the back. Hole styles are used for shirt and jacket fronts, while shank buttons are used for thick fabrics and areas where you do not want the sewing thread to show on the surface.

Button sizes are shown by diameter in mm and also written in lignes. Lignes is a customary unit for buttons, and generally 1 ligne is about 0.635 mm. In purchase orders and specifications, it is easier to check if you include not only the ligne size but also the mm dimensions, thickness, and hole or shank specifications.

• Two-hole and four-hole: standard styles sewn on from the front.
• Cat's-eye button: a style in which the thread passes through a groove on the back, making the thread on the front less visible.
• Shank button: a style in which the thread passes through a shank on the back, allowing space to be kept between the button and the textile.

Main Applications and Selection

Real buffalo horn buttons are used for tailored jackets, suits, coats, blousons, cardigans, and more, making use of their deep natural appearance. They are especially often combined with expressive textiles such as wool and tweed.

Depending on the application, a relatively large size may be used for the front opening, while smaller sizes may be combined for cuffs or pockets. Selection should take into account the textile thickness, buttonhole length, garment application, and washing method, including the thickness and shape.

Attaching and Handling Notes

Hole buttons are sewn onto the textile with button sewing thread, and if necessary, a thread shank is made to leave a slight gap between the button and the textile. If the button sits too tightly against a thick fabric, it becomes harder to fasten and unfasten, so the thread shank length should be adjusted with the thickness of the buttonhole in mind.

Because real buffalo horn is a natural material, strong impact, excessive dryness or high temperatures, and prolonged contact with moisture may cause cracking, warping, or discoloration. For washing or dry cleaning, check the product label and button specifications, and before mass production it is important to test the combination with the textile.

When ironing, do not apply the hot iron soleplate directly to the buttons. During storage as well, avoid high heat and humidity and direct sunlight, and after washing dry the garment without putting undue force on the button area to help reduce the risk of appearance changes and damage.

Frequently Asked Questions