Button

Reserveknapper til Hans' uniform

Three holes buttons

Spanish button ca. 1650-75 12mm f&b

Button stamping machine, Henri Jamorski Button Factory, Paris, France, 1919 (28206559760)

Plastic & fabric buttons showing holes & shank

Button refers to a small fastener, now most commonly made of plastic, but also frequently made of metal, wood, or seashell, which secures two pieces of fabric together. In archaeology, a button can be a significant artifact. In the applied arts and in craft, a button can be an example of folk art, studio craft, or even a miniature work of art. Buttons are most often attached to articles of clothing but can also be used on containers such as wallets and bags. However, buttons may be sewn onto garments and similar items exclusively for purposes of ornamentation.

History

Buttons have been used for thousands of years, with the earliest known button, made from a curved shell, dating back to over 5,000 years ago. Initially, buttons were used more as an ornament than as a fastening device. It wasn't until the Middle Ages that buttons became widespread in Europe as a functional item for fastening clothing. The manufacturing of buttons evolved significantly during the Industrial Revolution, with the introduction of button-making machines.

Types

There are many different types of buttons, categorized by how they are fastened to a piece of fabric. The most common types include:

• Shank buttons have a hollow protrusion on the back through which thread is sewn to attach the button.
• Flat or sew-through buttons have holes through which they are attached to fabric.
• Snap buttons consist of two interlocking pieces that are pressed together.
• Decorative buttons are used primarily for ornamentation rather than fastening.

Materials

Buttons can be made from a wide range of materials, including:

• Plastic, which is the most common material due to its versatility and low cost.
• Metal, used for both functional buttons and decorative ones.
• Wood, often used for rustic or artisanal buttons.
• Seashell, which was one of the earliest materials used for buttons.
• Glass and ceramic, used for decorative buttons.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, buttons have been used not only as functional items but also as symbols of wealth and status. For example, in the 17th and 18th centuries, elaborate gold and silver buttons were often used as indicators of wealth in European societies.

Collecting

Button collecting is a popular hobby, with collectors often focusing on specific types of buttons, such as those made from particular materials or from specific historical periods. Buttons are appreciated not only for their utility but also for their design and the craftsmanship involved in their creation.

In Popular Culture

Buttons have found their way into popular culture, often symbolizing control or being used metaphorically to represent pushing one's buttons or triggering an emotional response.

See Also

• Clothing
• Fashion
• Sewing
• Craft