Real Buffalo Horn Button

Definition and Material Characteristics

Real buffalo horn buttons are buttons made from buffalo horn. Their colors and striped patterns, such as black, brown, amber, and translucent tones, vary from piece to piece, and their uneven appearance is a characteristic unique to natural materials.

Unlike resin buttons, even within the same product number there are variations in color, pattern, sheen, and apparent thickness. When using them in a product, it is important to check the color placement on the left and right front panels and the front placket when selecting them.

Hole, Shank Shape, and Size Notation

Real buffalo horn buttons include two-hole, four-hole, and cat's eye buttons as pierced styles, as well as shank buttons with a shank on the back. Pierced styles are used for shirt and jacket front openings, while shank styles are used for thick fabrics or places where you do not want the sewing thread to show on the surface.

Button size is shown by diameter in mm and also written in lignes. Lignes is a customary unit for buttons, and generally 1 ligne is approx. 0.635 mm. In ordering and specifications, it is easier to check if you list not only the ligne size but also the mm dimensions, thickness, and hole or shank specifications.

• Two-hole / four-hole: a standard style sewn on from the front.
• Cat's eye button: a style in which the thread passes through a groove on the back, making the thread on the front less visible.
• Shank button: a style in which the thread passes through the shank on the back, allowing space between the button and the textile.

Main Applications and Selection

Real buffalo horn buttons are used for tailored jackets, suits, coats, blousons, cardigans, and more, taking advantage of their natural, deep appearance. They are especially often paired with expressive textiles such as wool and tweed.

Depending on the application, a relatively larger size may be used for the front opening and a smaller size for the cuffs or pockets. Select them with the fabric thickness, buttonhole length, garment applications, and washing method in mind, including thickness and shape.

Attachment and Handling Precautions

Pierced buttons are sewn onto the textile with button-sewing thread, and if necessary, a shank winding is added to leave a slight gap between the button and the textile. If they are held tightly against thick fabric, they can be difficult to fasten and unfasten, so adjust the thread shank length while considering the thickness of the buttonhole.

Because real buffalo horn is a natural material, strong impact, excessive dryness or high temperatures, or prolonged contact with moisture may cause cracking, warping, or discoloration. For washing or dry cleaning, check the product label and button specifications, and it is important to conduct tests with the actual fabric combination before mass production.

When ironing, avoid applying the hot soleplate directly to the button. During storage as well, avoid high temperature and humidity and direct sunlight, and after washing, letting it dry without applying excessive force to the button area can help reduce the risk of appearance changes and damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between real buffalo horn buttons and resin buttons?

Real buffalo horn buttons are made by processing natural horn, so there are individual differences in color tone, pattern, and sheen. Resin buttons, on the other hand, tend to make it easier to match color and shape. When choosing real buffalo horn, check whether the unevenness characteristic of a natural material can be accepted as part of the product design.

Can real buffalo horn buttons be used for home laundry or dry cleaning?

Whether they can be used depends on the button processing condition, the textile, the detergent, and the washing and cleaning conditions. High temperatures, strong chemicals, and long processing times can cause appearance changes or cracking, so check the product label and carry out testing with the actual combination during the planning stage.