The Types and Uses of the Button

A button is an object that is used in a garment either for the purpose of fastening or for ornamentation or both. Buttons are usually in the shape of a disc or a knob. Evidence shows that buttons have been used since as long back as 1500-2000 B.C. Buttons used in 2600-2800 B.C. have been excavated in the ancient Indus valley, while those used in 1500-2000 B.C. have been found in China as well as in Rome.

Materials used in buttons

Buttons can be made from a wide variety of materials – plastic, wood, brass, bone, horn, pearls, ivory, fabric, shells, glass, leather, stones, ceramic and polymer clay.

Evolution of buttons

In the 13th century, buttons were used an ornament and then they began being used as a functional fastener in the 16th century. During the 15th and 16th centuries, buttons plated with gold and silver were popular among the noble class. In the 18th century, the trend of enamel buttons set in. In the early part of the 19th century, buttons made of fabric as well as glass and ceramics began to be used, though the glass and ceramic buttons were not very popular. By the middle of the 19th century, buttons made of shells, pearls, horn, steel and brass became popular. Towards the later part of the 19th century, enamel buttons made a comeback. By 1930, buttons began to be made using wood and plastic.

Buttons were initially introduced as a means of ornamentation of a garment, but in course of time, they began serving as fasteners. In the 1940s, men used to wear about 70 buttons on their garments, of which only a few were useful for fastening.

After the Second World War, buttons began to be used more for functional purposes than for decorative purposes.

Types of buttons

Buttons can be of different types, such as:

1) Flat buttons: Flat buttons have holes, so that they can be sewn on to garments. Such buttons might have 2 or 4 holes on their surface. Such buttons can be attached to the garment either manually or by using a sewing machine.

2) Shank buttons: Shank buttons have a shank, that is a small bar or ring, attached to their back. The buttons can be attached to the garment using this shank.

3) Covered buttons: Covered buttons refer to buttons that are made of fabric, which have an attachment on the back side. These buttons can be attached to a garment using this attachment.

4) Mandarin buttons: Mandarin buttons are made of intricately knotted strings. Sometimes such buttons are also used as cuff links.

5) Shirt collar expander buttons: Such buttons widen a tight shirt collar. This is done by creating a gap between the button and the buttonhole. This portion is concealed behind the neck tie.

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