One of the most popular products in buttons is Real Corozo buttons. The term "Real" is used to distinguish them from polyester buttons that can achieve a similar appearance with modern technology. While polyester buttons offer a cost-friendly alternative and reduce the use of natural products, they contribute to additional environmental damage due to their synthetic nature. On the other hand, Corozo buttons are made from a natural and biodegradable material, sparing Mother Nature from harmful consequences.

Corozo comes from the corozo nut, also known as Tagua, which is the seed of a palm tree primarily found in Ecuador, as well as in Panama, Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. The name "corozo" derives from Greek and references the plant and elephant due to the large size of both the fruit and its seeds. These nuts have a striking resemblance to elephant ivory, earning them the nickname "vegetable ivory." Corozo is admired for its elegant natural grain, resulting in a unique pattern that ensures no two buttons are identical, much like fingerprints. The material is exceptionally hard and has been used for crafting figurines, turning buttons, and creating other fashion accessories for many years. Its surface can be dyed to match various colors, making it historically significant in the world of buttons. Buttons made from corozo can be easily identified by their beautiful patterns and robust consistency.

Corozo Buttons

A horn button is a type of clothing fastener made from the horns or hooves of animals, typically cattle. It is a natural and durable material used to create buttons for garments like coats, jackets, blazers, and other clothing items. The horn buttons are crafted from the solid front tip of the horn, which is filled and produces buttons of high quality. Additionally, buttons with lower quality are made from the hollow part of the horn, which is seated on the bone plug. These buttons are cut, bent, and rolled to achieve the desired shape.

Horn, being composed of urea horn (keratin) and an aluminous body, shares similarities with materials found in hair, nails, hooves, feathers, and epidermis. This gives horn buttons a resistible and polishable characteristic, along with subtle colour shades. The process of making horn buttons involves cutting, sawing, drilling, and pressing the material into button shapes. Cheaper horn buttons may be derived from hooves and horn waste, ground into powder, melted and pressed into button forms.

Each horn button showcases a unique texture, making them distinctive and authentic in their appearance. Due to their premium quality and individuality, horn buttons are often considered a luxury choice and are commonly used in high-quality custom-made clothing, especially for coats, sports apparel, and leather garments. The production of horn buttons requires a considerable amount of manual labour, contributing to their higher price. They are favoured for their aesthetic appeal, durability, and the prestige they bring to clothing items.

A horn button is crafted from the horns and hooves of cattle. The front tip of the funnel, which is solid and substantial, is used to create high-quality buttons. On the other hand, buttons with lower quality (compared to those made from the front tip) are produced from the hollow part of the horn, which is situated on the bone plug. The hollow section is cut, bent, and rolled to form the buttons.

The horn is composed of urea horn (keratin), an aluminous substance also found in hair, nails, hooves, feathers, and epidermis. This material is highly durable, can be polished to perfection, and boasts subtle colour variations. It can be sawed, cut, drilled, and pressed to shape the buttons. Cheaper horn buttons are derived from hooves and discarded horn material, ground into powder, melted, and then pressed into button shapes.

Each horn button possesses a unique texture, reflecting its individuality and authenticity. These buttons are positioned in the high-price segment and are preferably used for high-quality custom clothing, particularly on coats, sports attire, and leather garments. The higher price is justified as their production involves a significant amount of manual craftsmanship, and they carry considerable value and prestige.

Buckhorn is a tough and bony material found in the antlers of deer and bucks. When antlers are naturally shed, they are distinguished by their size, thickness, and source. The natural buckhorn material maintains its textured exterior, which is preserved in the production of buttons. Machining operations like drilling, turning, and carving are predominantly done by hand, as the surface of buckhorn is unique and demands considerable technical skills during processing. Genuine buckhorn buttons can be recognized by their porous backside and pronounced bony texture when carved. To achieve the natural color and protect the material from environmental conditions, a colourless varnish is applied.

Buttons made of buckhorn are commonly used in traditional fashion, particularly in the Alpine regions. Due to the complex manufacturing process and the craftsmanship involved, buckhorn buttons belong to the higher price range.

Horn Buttons

A leather button is a type of clothing fastener made from leather material. It is crafted by cutting, shaping, and treating pieces of leather to create button-like discs or shapes. Leather buttons are known for their natural and rustic appearance, as well as their durability and strength. They can be found in various sizes, colours, and designs, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to clothing items.

Leather buttons are commonly used in various types of garments, especially in more casual or rugged styles. They are frequently featured in leather jackets, coats, blazers, vests, and other outerwear pieces. Due to the natural characteristics of leather, each button may exhibit unique textures and subtle variations, making them appealing to those seeking an authentic and handcrafted touch in their clothing.

As with other types of buttons, leather buttons can be attached to clothing by sewing them on with thread, creating a secure and functional closure. The use of leather buttons adds a touch of luxury and timelessness to the overall design of a garment, making them a popular choice for both fashion and functional purposes.

Leather is tanned animal skin, which is made durable by chemicals. The natural fibre structure is largely preserved during this process. It is a supple, tough, relatively strong, durable and versatile material. It is relatively impermeable to water, yet it is breathable, that is sufficiently permeable to air and water vapour. Leather is among the oldest materials used by mankind, together with wood, stone and wool. In addition to footwear and leather garments, many other belongings are brought in connection with leather. In the production of a leather buttons, there are two types of buttons. The braided leather knob is made by pressing hand-braided leather straps together and attaching a metal or leather shank at the backside. For a multi-piece assembled leather button, several parts made of leather and plastic or metal are put together. A genuine leather button can be recognized by its soft material, as well as its characterized smell. Leather buttons are very durable, but should not be washed because tanning agents could ooze and cause discolouration of the fabric. Leather buttons belong to the upper price range and are valued due to their natural appearance. They are used mainly for high-quality women’s and men’s clothing.

Wood Buttons

A wood button is a type of clothing fastener made from wood material. It is crafted by cutting, shaping, and polishing pieces of wood to create button-like discs or shapes. Wood buttons are known for their natural and rustic appearance, as well as their eco-friendly and sustainable nature. They can be found in various sizes, colours, and designs, adding a touch of warmth and earthiness to clothing items.

Wood buttons are commonly used in various types of garments, especially in casual and bohemian styles. They are often featured in shirts, blouses, cardigans, and other lightweight clothing pieces. Due to the natural characteristics of wood, each button may exhibit unique grain patterns and variations, making them appealing to those seeking a nature-inspired and handcrafted look in their clothing.

As with other types of buttons, wood buttons can be attached to clothing by sewing them on with thread or using a button fastening tool. The use of wood buttons brings a touch of natural beauty and simplicity to the overall design of a garment, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious fashion enthusiasts and those who appreciate the charm of natural materials.

A wood button is a clothing fastener made from the hard, fibrous tissue found in trees. Wood has been utilized for various purposes for hundreds of thousands of years, including as a fuel source and construction material. It is an organic material consisting of cellulose fibres, providing strength in tension, embedded in a matrix of lignin, which offers resistance to compression. Wood buttons can be made from various types of wood, ranging from fine lumbers like zebrawood, rosewood, and ebony, to more common species like maple, birch, and walnut.

The wood is processed from boards or whole logs using metal cutting procedures and is often further refined by hand. It must endure multiple working steps, such as sawing, milling, turning, punching, pressing, dyeing, and polishing, without chipping. The natural grain of the wood is carefully maintained and accentuated. To protect the material from environmental factors and enhance its natural colour, it is coated with a cellulose lacquer. Alternatively, herbal and chemical dyes can be used, or the wood can be treated with spray paint to achieve different colours.

Wood buttons are recognized for their lightweight and unique natural grain. The carving and scoring process can cause the material to smoke when held against a frame due to the sensible heat generated. These buttons are preferred for knitting projects, women's clothing, and traditional garments, where the natural grain of wood is an essential aspect of the design. Depending on the original wood used, wood buttons are typically classified within the middle to upper price range. They are sought after for their organic and earthy appeal, adding a touch of warmth and nature to the clothing they adorn.

Real Shell Buttons

A real shell button is a type of clothing fastener made from the shells of various marine creatures, such as abalone, conch, cowrie, mother of pearl, and mussel shells. These buttons are created by cutting, shaping, and polishing the natural shells to form button-like discs or shapes. Real shell buttons are known for their elegant and iridescent appearance, as well as their unique patterns and colours derived from the natural characteristics of the shells.

These buttons are often used in clothing, especially in more delicate and dressy garments, where their distinctive beauty can elevate the overall look. They can be found in a range of sizes and shapes, and their smooth and lustrous surface adds a touch of sophistication and refinement to the clothing they adorn.

Real shell buttons are a popular choice for those seeking eco-friendly and sustainable options, as they are made from natural materials that do not require extensive processing. Due to the individuality of each shell, no two buttons are exactly alike, making them sought after for their exclusivity and charm.

However, it's essential to note that not all shell buttons are considered sustainable or ethical. In some cases, the shells may be harvested in ways that can harm marine ecosystems or endangered species. To ensure ethical sourcing, it is best to look for buttons made from shells that are obtained through responsible and sustainable practices.

Mother of pearl, also known as real shell buttons or MOP buttons, is an organic-inorganic composite material produced by certain molluscs as an inner shell layer and the outer coating of pearls. It is highly resilient, and strong, and exhibits a beautiful iridescent quality. The outer shell of the molluscs appears chalky grey, but the shade of colour inside varies from silvery white to shiny black, depending on the type of mollusc. Generally, we distinguish between saltwater and freshwater shells, as well as between soft and hard mother of pearl.

In the manufacturing of mother-of-pearl buttons, the turning technique is utilized. The raw material can be drilled, sawed, turned, milled, polished, and dyed. Mother-of-pearl buttons can be dyed in a variety of colours, but it's important to note that they may not be colourfast. The iridescent sheen, the substantial weight, and a certain coolness of the material are the distinct identifying features of a genuine mother-of-pearl button.

Buttons made of mother of pearl are commonly used for blouses, knitwear, shirts, vests, and as decorative elements in high-quality clothing, including cufflinks. Due to the costly nature of this natural material, mother-of-pearl buttons and trims are primarily utilized for high-class and luxury garments, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design.

Duroplast Buttons

A duroplast button is a type of clothing fastener made from a synthetic material known as duroplast. Duroplast is a thermosetting plastic, which means that it undergoes a chemical reaction during its manufacturing process that permanently sets its shape and properties. This material is created by moulding a mixture of phenol formaldehyde resin and fillers under high heat and pressure.

Duroplast buttons are known for their durability, hardness, and resistance to heat and chemicals. They are highly stable and retain their shape even under harsh conditions. Duroplast buttons come in a variety of colours, sizes, and designs, making them suitable for various types of garments.

These buttons are commonly used in clothing, especially for outerwear and heavy-duty garments, as their robust nature ensures they can withstand frequent use and washing without losing their appearance or functionality. Due to their strength and long-lasting characteristics, duroplast buttons are valued in both casual and formal wear.

Overall, duroplast buttons are a reliable and cost-effective choice, offering a balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal for a wide range of clothing items.

Duroplast is a synthetic or semi-synthetic plastic material known for its non-melting and non-softening properties. You can commonly find this material in the form of hard plastics used for various everyday items, such as the body of a hairdryer, gas stove knobs, mixer grinder bodies, and toilet seats.

The processing of duroplast raw material is carried out through machining or moulding processes. In the machining process, plastics made from polyester or casein are used, which are delivered in the form of rods or plates. Blanks are first created and then further processed by milling, drilling, sawing, or turning. Duroplasts can be produced in a wide range of shapes and colours, allowing for buttons that mimic natural materials like mother of pearl and horn. Special effects can be achieved by using multi-coloured layers of material. These buttons fall into the medium price range and are used across various sectors of the clothing industry.

In the pressing process, semi-synthetic plastics in granular form are used to produce buttons. The raw material is hot-deformed and pressed into moulds, allowing for virtually loss-free processing of the material. By using multiple moulds, large quantities of buttons can be produced quickly. Buttons produced through this process belong to the lower price range but maintain high utility value due to their ability to withstand heavy loads. As a result, they are commonly used in sports clothing and equipment.

Overall, duroplast buttons offer a wide range of options in terms of appearance, quality, and price, making them suitable for various applications in the clothing industry and beyond.

Thermoplastic Buttons

A thermoplastic button is a type of clothing fastener made from a thermoplastic material. Thermoplastic refers to a category of plastic materials that have the unique property of becoming soft and pliable when heated and then solidifying when cooled. This characteristic allows thermoplastic buttons to be moulded into various shapes and designs by heating the material and using a mould.

The manufacturing process for thermoplastic buttons involves melting the plastic pellets or granules and injecting the molten plastic into moulds. Once the plastic cools and solidifies, the button takes its final shape. The process is repeatable, allowing for the efficient production of buttons in large quantities.

Thermoplastic buttons are known for their versatility, as they can be made in a wide range of colours, sizes, and styles. They are also lightweight, durable, and relatively affordable compared to other materials. Due to their flexibility and ease of production, thermoplastic buttons are commonly used in various types of clothing, including shirts, blouses, dresses, and casual wear.

Overall, thermoplastic buttons offer a practical and cost-effective option for clothing fasteners, and their widespread use makes them easily available in the market.

Thermoplastic buttons, also known as Urea buttons, are made from synthetic resins that can be moulded within a specific temperature range. These resins are highly versatile and can be shaped into desired forms using injection moulding. Some thermoplastics are also flexible in their solid state, allowing them to be processed and reshaped without prior heating. The raw material for thermoplastic buttons is supplied in the form of granules, which are then moulded into the desired shape without cutting. The process can be repeated multiple times after cooling, resulting in minimal material wastage.

The use of various moulds enables the production of thermoplastic buttons in large quantities within a short timeframe. Additionally, thermoplastics can be mechanically processed through sawing, milling, grinding, turning, planing, and glueing. Polyamide (PA) and Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) are examples of thermoplastics that offer a wide range of shapes and colours. They can be solid dyed or surface dyed, and ABS even allows for galvanic finishing.

Due to their lightweight and the availability of various colours, polyamide and ABS buttons are used in both women's and men's clothing. Thanks to their efficient production process, these buttons belong to the lower price range. Overall, thermoplastic buttons provide a cost-effective option while offering diverse design possibilities for clothing fasteners.

Zinc Alloy Buttons

Zinc alloy buttons are clothing fasteners made from a combination of zinc and other metals. Zinc alloys are created by melting zinc with small amounts of other metals, typically aluminium, copper, and magnesium, to enhance their properties. The resulting material is durable, corrosion-resistant, and has a pleasing appearance, making it a popular choice for buttons and other fashion accessories.

The manufacturing process of zinc alloy buttons involves melting the metals together and then pouring the molten alloy into button moulds. Once cooled and solidified, the buttons are removed from the moulds and finished to achieve the desired appearance. Zinc alloy buttons can be plated with various finishes, such as nickel, brass, gold, or silver, to create different colours and styles.

Zinc alloy buttons are known for their sturdiness, making them suitable for a wide range of garments, including jackets, coats, jeans, and shirts. They are often used in both casual and formal wear due to their versatile and attractive look. These buttons offer a more affordable alternative to buttons made from precious metals like gold or silver while still maintaining a similar appearance.

Zinc alloy buttons are popular in the fashion industry for their durability, design versatility, and cost-effectiveness. They provide an elegant and stylish option for clothing fasteners, adding a touch of sophistication to various clothing items.

zinc alloy is primarily composed of zinc metal along with other elements or metals. It is a galvanized material that offers a diverse range of shapes and sizes. When touched, it feels cold and metallic. Products made from zinc alloy are versatile and applicable in various industries.

Zinc alloy provides a sturdy and polished appearance to the finished products, and it offers a wide range of metal finishes through different methods of metal plating. The galvanized raw material is injected or poured into moulds to create various forms and shapes based on specific requirements, with no limitations on size and shape.

The natural colour of zinc alloy falls between grey and silver, which adds to its appeal in different applications. Due to its durability, versatile finish options, and ease of shaping, zinc alloy buttons and other products are widely used in the fashion industry and beyond. They provide a stylish and practical option for clothing fasteners, enhancing the overall look and feel of garments.

Leather Buttons