Several classification methods of buttons

March 31, 2018 BY TRIMS CO.,LIMITED Buttons Knowledge

Although the buttons were mainly used for fixing, the original buttons were used for decoration, and the pins were used to tie clothes. In the 13th century, buttons functioned just as they do today. At that time, people already knew how to open buttonholes on clothes, which greatly increased the practical value of buttons. In the 16th century, buttons became popular. With the rise of fast fashion, buttons have changed from the previous functional type to the creative type.

Buttons can be classified according to the kind of material that they are made out of:

Metal button : Metal buttons are made of metal materials. The styles of metal buttons can be divided into metal snap buttons, high-end snap buttons, I-shaped buttons, cowboy buttons, bumpers, corner nails, corn buttons and so on. Metal buttons often appear on leather and denim clothing

Plastic button : Plastic is the most common button material (eg polyamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyester) because plastic is cheap and easy to manufacture.You can find Plastic Buttons everywhere, and they are used for both functional and decorative purposes.

Horn button : Horns sourced from animals used to be a traditional button material. However, synthethic horn made out of plastic is now seeing more widespread use in buttons.

Fabric button : Fabric is an essential material for Mandarin buttons (or [frogs" as they are commonly called). These kind of buttons are usually seen on the traditional Chinese outfit called Qi Pao or cheongsam.

Wood button : Wood is cheap, but have a short lifespan. Wooden buttons are rarely used for fastening. These kind of buttons are commonly used for decoration only.

In addition to the above materials, there are other materials such as shells, pearls, glass, leather, ceramic, and vegetable ivory, which can also be made into buttons.

Classification According to Ligne Number

The ligne number (expressed as [L" next to a number, like 12L, 14L, 16L and so forth) is the measuring unit used for buttons; it refers to a button`s diameter. The larger the ligne number, the bigger the button.

One ligne is equivalent to 0.635mm or 0.025 inch.Common button sizes include 12L (usually used in button down shirts), 16L and 18L (both button sizes are seen on collared shirts), and 24L (for pants). Other buttons that are larger than these are often not used for fastening purposes, but are just installed for decorative reasons only.

Classification According to End Use

Another classification system is by classifying buttons according to end use. For example, coat buttons are very different from buttons you would normally find on a shirt, etcetera. Other buttons of this type include cardigan buttons, cufflinks, coat buttons, jacket buttons, jeans buttons, suit buttons, shirt buttons, and others.

Classification According to Manufacturing Technique

Different kinds of buttons undergo different manufacturing processes, such as electroplating, spray painting, screen printing, etc.

For example, some buttons are electroplated to give them a metallic look and feel. Horn buttons are designed with a burnt effect for ornamental purposes. Nylon buttons are malleable and have strong plasticity, and as such, can be often manufactured according to a client`s specifications and needed customizations.