Leather Button
Leather buttons are buttons that use genuine leather on the surface or as the main body, making use of leather's characteristic color variation and texture; they are apparel findings mainly used on jackets, coats, bags, and similar items.
Definition and Overview
Leather buttons are a general term for buttons made with genuine leather. In addition to those formed from leather as the main body, there are also types that wrap the surface of a core material with leather. Depending on the part used and differences in tanning and dyeing, there may be individual variation in color tone and the appearance of wrinkles even within the same product number.
They are also called genuine leather buttons or leather buttons. Buttons made with synthetic leather may look similar, but they are handled separately from leather buttons as a material. In specifications, confirming that they are genuine leather and whether the surface is leather or the core is also leather helps reduce misunderstandings.
Materials and Structure
Leather buttons include the perforated type, in which thread is passed through holes from the front, and the shank type, in which thread is looped around a shank on the back. Perforated types often have two holes or four holes, and shank types include loop shanks and tunnel shanks. Thickness, sewing position, and how far the button stands off from the garment vary depending on the shape.
Because leather is a natural material with a fiber direction, repeated strong force around the holes can lead to stretching, tearing, or cracking. It is important to check the hole size and number, shank strength, and button thickness, and choose a structure that matches the frequency of use and the thickness of the textile.
- Perforated type: two-hole, four-hole, and similar styles. This is a specification in which the sewing thread is visible on the surface.
- Shank type: thread passes through a shank on the back, making it easier to show the decorative surface.
- Leather-wrapped type: a structure with leather covering a core material, requiring confirmation of the leather edges and adhesion condition.
How Sizes Are Expressed
The size of a leather button is indicated by diameter in mm, and also in lignes. Lignes are a conventional unit for buttons, and generally 1 ligne is 0.635 mm. Because the display method may differ, it is easier to confirm when both the ligne size and the actual diameter are listed in orders and specifications.
When selecting, check not only the diameter but also the thickness, shank height, and hole diameter. Even with the same diameter, thicker buttons or buttons with a higher shank affect the amount of buttonhole stitching and the opening size. Before mass production, confirm compatibility with the buttonhole using the actual textile and interlining.
Main Applications and Selection
Making use of the calm appearance of leather, they are used for front openings and cuffs on jackets, coats, blousons, cardigans, and similar items. They may also be used for bag closures or as decoration. Pairing them with textiles that have body and texture, such as wool, tweed, and denim, helps balance the overall look.
Depending on the application, consider the load during fastening and unfastening, whether washing is required, and the thickness of the lining and textile. For areas subject to strong force, such as the center front, a support button may be added on the reverse side as needed to distribute the load on the textile. The required durability also differs between apparel and fashion accessories.
How to Attach and Handling Precautions
For sewing, choose button-sewing thread thick enough to pass through the holes or shank. If the thread is pulled too tightly, the load will concentrate around the leather holes, so on thick textiles it is advisable to use thread shanks to create an appropriate gap. For the shank type, stitch securely up to the base of the shank and check that there is no catching.
Moisture, sweat, friction, and heat can cause the leather to harden, deform, crack, discolor, or transfer color. Suitability for washing or dry cleaning depends on the leather tanning, dyeing, and button structure. If the product will be washed, confirm appearance and strength through a preliminary test.
When ironing, do not apply high heat or steam directly to the leather button. During storage, avoid high temperature and humidity and direct sunlight, and do not allow strong contact with other products. If it gets wet, wipe off the moisture without rubbing, then shape it and let it dry naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can leather buttons be machine washed at home?
It cannot be judged uniformly. Genuine leather may harden, fade, or deform due to moisture, detergent, or friction, and the core material and adhesive sections may also be affected. Whether washing is possible should follow the care label of the product rather than the button alone, and during planning it should be confirmed through testing under actual washing conditions.
Should leather button sizes be specified in lignes or mm?
Ligne notation is widely used for buttons, but in specifications and ordering, listing mm as well is practical. Since 1 ligne is generally 0.635 mm, selecting becomes more accurate when, in addition to the converted value, the diameter, thickness, and hole diameter or shank height are checked.
What is the difference between leather buttons and synthetic leather buttons?
Leather buttons use genuine leather, so individual differences appear in wrinkles, color variation, and aging. Synthetic leather buttons, on the other hand, are made with a surface composed of artificial materials. Because it can be difficult to distinguish them by appearance alone, check the material labeling, suitability for washing and cleaning, and changes over time separately.
