Buttons were also crafted from ceramics and glass. Porcelain buttons became a French specialty, often hand-painted or decorated using transfer printing with colored inks. Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic) produced most of the colored glass used in button manufacturing.
During the World Wars, the British and US militaries utilized metal locket buttons with hidden storage, creating buttons that held tiny working compasses to aid soldiers in navigation.
In the 18th century, decorative buttons on sleeves, especially on cuffs, became a fashion statement. They were sometimes arranged for visual appeal.
The American tradition of political clothing buttons began with George Washington's 1789 inauguration. Known as "Washington Inaugurals," these copper or brass buttons were large and hand-stamped.
Military uniforms helped spread the practical use of buttons, as they allowed for snug, well-fitted uniforms that could be easily removed or adjusted.
Collectors prize antique buttons made from materials like glass, bone, and early plastics. Some rare buttons are valued at thousands of dollars.
The button industry led to the establishment of specialized factories in the 19th century, helping to industrialize clothing production.
In medieval Europe, buttons made of precious materials such as gold, ivory, and gemstones were indicators of wealth and social status.
Some antique buttons are also highly valued by collectors for their artistry and craftsmanship. The place, date, and maker's name are often engraved on the backs, adding to their historical and artistic significance.
During the Victorian era, mourning buttons were worn as a symbol of grief, made from dark materials like jet or onyx to honor lost loved ones.
Legend says that Napoleon had buttons sewn on his soldiers' sleeves to prevent them from wiping their noses on their uniforms, helping to maintain military discipline.
Located in China, Qiaotou is known as the "button capital of the world," producing around 60% of the global supply of clothing buttons and 80% of the world's zippers, as of 2015.
Sources: (Britannica) (Slate)
See also: The most bizarre and dangerous fashion trends in history
Collecting and studying buttons is called inology, and enthusiasts attend conventions, swap buttons, and even have dedicated button clubs.
Dalton Stevens, known as the Button King, covered his clothing and household items in over 500,000 buttons, creating a quirky form of folk art.
Shell buttons, which were commonly used in the 19th century, are still popular because they are made from natural materials and decompose, unlike synthetic buttons.
The oldest known buttons were made from seashells and found in the Indus Valley, dating back to 2800-2600 BCE, originally used as decoration rather than fasteners.
Buttons have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, evolving from decorative items to essential clothing fasteners. From their origins in ancient civilizations to becoming symbols of status and even political movements, buttons tell unique stories about society and style. Today, these small yet mighty objects continue to inspire collectors, designers, and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Click on for some surprising facts about buttons you probably didn't know.
Mass-production machines create molded buttons by either compressing powdered plastics or using injection molding, where liquid plastic is forced into individual molds through small openings to form the buttons.
When buttonholes were introduced in the Middle Ages, they allowed for more fitted clothing, changing how garments were worn and creating new fashion possibilities.
In the 19th century, river mussels in the US were harvested for their pearls, and mother-of-pearl buttons became a luxury item.
The development of synthetic materials in the early 20th century made buttons more affordable and available to the masses, changing how clothes were designed and produced.
Before machines, buttonholes were meticulously hand-sewn and embroidered, making functional buttons a labor-intensive and expensive addition to clothing.
Many families used to (and some still do) keep a "button jar" to save old or spare buttons for future use, reflecting an era when mending and reusing items was standard practice.
In the 20th century, zippers became a popular alternative to buttons for their ease and speed, especially in workwear and children's clothing.
Campaign and memorial buttons for Abraham Lincoln, commemorating his inaugurations, birth, and death, are among the most famous and collectible buttons, cherished for their historic significance and rarity.
However, functional buttonholes didn't emerge across European clothing until the 13th century.
Roman Empire leatherwork introduced some of the earliest buttonholes, where legionaries used metal buckles or buttons to fasten bags. This technique influenced early medieval footwear. By the fifth century, buttons also appeared in the Byzantine Empire, fastening cuffs and securing Egyptian tunics at the neck.
During both World Wars, metal was rationed, so buttons were made from wood, bone, or compressed paper. The materials used reflect the shortages of the time.
Men's and women's buttons are traditionally on opposite sides of clothing. It's thought this was because wealthier women had maids, while men dressed themselves.
From fashion to function: surprising facts about buttons
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FASHION History
Buttons have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, evolving from decorative items to essential clothing fasteners. From their origins in ancient civilizations to becoming symbols of status and even political movements, buttons tell unique stories about society and style. Today, these small yet mighty objects continue to inspire collectors, designers, and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Click on for some surprising facts about buttons you probably didn't know.