History of Chinese and foreign buttons

February 17, 2018 BY TRIMS CO.,LIMITED Buttons Knowledge

Buttons are functional and decorative, and have a long history, reflecting the progress of historical civilization. Buttons are an indispensable part of clothing. Some people say that buttons are the eyes of clothing and the pearl on clothing. It has its own unique button culture. Small buttons can let people see the changes and development of Chinese and foreign clothing.

In China, the earliest buttons can be traced back to 1800 years ago. The first buttons were mainly stone buttons, wooden buttons, and shell buttons, and later they were developed into fabric-made buttons and knotted buttons. Chinese-style disc buttons are the form of buttons for traditional costumes in China. They are sewn into thin strips with various fabrics and formed into fancy buttons of various shapes. What impressed people the most was the buckle on the Tang suit.

The oldest button was found in the Mohenjo-daro region in the Indus Valley, now known as modern day Pakistan. It is estimated to be around 5000 years old, with a decorative flat face that fits into a loop, and is primarily made out of curved shell. However, according to historian and author Ian McNeil, these objects don`t function like modern buttons do. They serve more as ornaments rather than fasteners, and are almost never arranged in rows (like in today`s shirts), but are used singly as decorative flourish.

The Middle Ages is when the button`s use as a functional fastener started to take hold. In Europe, close-fitting clothes became in vogue among nobles and royalty, and buttons were used to help the garments fit more snugly around the wearers` body. For women, it`s the bosom that was accentuated, while for men, it`s the arms.

In 16th century France, button makers` guilds started to pop up. These guilds regulated the production of buttons, as well as passed laws regarding their use. Though the buttons of the Middle Ages are already functional, they are still seen as a symbol of prosperity and prestige. Only those who are rich enough to afford them can be allowed to wear elaborate buttons.

The Industrial Revolution helped popularize and democratize buttons. For once, buttons can now be had by the masses and their use are not limited to just the upper classes alone. Buttons can now be mass-produced cheaply.

When the 20th century came along, the price of buttons further dipped with the introduction of a new material- plastic. Plastic is far cheaper than bone, bronze, horn, shell, or metal- and as such became the perfect material with which to craft buttons out of.

Nowadays, the most popular buttons are resin buttons, and the buttons must be green. Natural buttons are also the type of more heated doors. There are many types of metal buttons, and various buttons can meet people's needs.