Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Standard button sizes are indicated in lignes (L, from the French ligne), where 1L = 0.635 mm, meaning 40 lignes equal one inch. To convert lignes to millimeters, multiply the number by 0.635: a 24L button is about 15 mm, and 32L about 20 mm. The diameter of the button is measured, not the hole size.
What does button size in lignes mean?
The ligne is a long-established unit in the button industry, still used worldwide by manufacturers. Its advantage is providing convenient whole numbers for small sizes: instead of 11.4 mm, we say 18L. Catalogues and manufacturer inquiries mostly use lignes, while retail often uses millimeters. Therefore, quick conversion between the two is useful.
- From lignes to mm: L × 0.635 = mm
- From mm to lignes: mm ÷ 0.635 = L (round to the nearest standard size)
Chart: Button sizes in lignes and millimeters
| Lignes (L) | Diameter (mm) | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| 14L | 8.9 | shirt collar, cuff, baby clothes |
| 16L | 10.2 | shirt, blouse, polo |
| 18L | 11.4 | shirt front, blouse, dress |
| 20L | 12.7 | vest, dress, trouser inner button |
| 22L | 14.0 | knitwear, jacket sleeve |
| 24L | 15.2 | jacket sleeve, trouser belt |
| 26L | 16.5 | vest, light jacket |
| 28L | 17.8 | trouser belt, shirt jacket |
| 30L | 19.1 | women’s jacket, summer jacket |
| 32L | 20.3 | jacket and blazer front |
| 36L | 22.9 | jacket, trench coat |
| 40L | 25.4 | coat, trench coat |
| 44L | 27.9 | winter coat |
| 48L | 30.5 | coat, cape |
| 54L | 34.3 | decorative button, oversize coat |
| 60L | 38.1 | decorative and accent buttons |
| 66L | 41.9 | decorative coat buttons |
| 72L | 45.7 | decorative or heavy garments |
| 80L | 50.8 | decorative or heavy garments |
The millimeter values are rounded. Actual button size may vary by a few tenths of a millimeter depending on material and edge shape.
Which button size for which garment
Shirt and blouse
The classic men’s shirt uses 16L–18L on the front and 14L on the collar (for button-down collars). Women’s blouses allow more variety – from delicate 14L to decorative 24L, especially for mother-of-pearl and pearl-effect buttons.
Jacket and blazer
The usual pair is 32L on the front and 24L on the sleeves. Double-breasted jackets often use 30L–32L on the front, while sporty blazers with metal buttons use the same sizes but with shanks.
Coats and outerwear
Coat buttons start around 36L and go up to 44L–48L for winter models. The thicker the fabric and wider the lapel, the larger the button looks proportional. Oversize models can accommodate 54L–60L.
Trousers and skirts
For belts, 24L–28L is most common, and for the inner button at the fly, 20L. Jeans use metal buttons mounted with a press, measured directly in millimeters.
Knitwear and children’s clothes
Vests typically use 20L–28L; for chunky knits, a larger size or shank button is advisable. Baby clothes suit small, flat buttons from 14L–18L.
How to measure a button correctly
- Use calipers or a ruler with millimeter markings.
- Measure the widest point of the front side, including the edge.
- For shank buttons, measure only the head, excluding the shank.
- For irregular shapes (square, oval, stick), note both length and width.
- Convert to lignes and select the nearest standard size.
For production, besides diameter, note button thickness, number of holes, and hole spacing. These affect buttonholes and sewing machine settings.
Button size and buttonhole length
The button size determines the buttonhole length. The general rule is that the buttonhole length equals the diameter plus the button thickness. When changing button models in a production garment, check if the new buttons fit the existing buttonholes – even a 2L difference can cause issues.
Sizes by material type
Not every material is available in all sizes. Polyester buttons have the widest range, made from cast plates and rods. For natural materials like corozo buttons, maximum diameter depends on the nut size, and for mother-of-pearl, on shell thickness. Custom sizes can often be made on request.
How to specify size in your inquiry
Unclear size specifications are a common cause of delays in button orders. To get an accurate quote and sample the first time, include in your inquiry:
- Diameter in lignes or millimeters, specifying the unit used;
- Number of sizes in the model – e.g., 32L for front and 24L for sleeves;
- Number of buttons per garment and total garment quantity in the series;
- Type of fastening – 2 or 4 holes, shank, or press button;
- Photo or physical sample if you are looking for a specific model.
It is good practice to order spare buttons for each garment. These can be sewn inside the seam or placed in a small bag with the label to help the customer if a button is lost.
Common mistakes when choosing button size
- Confusing lignes and millimeters – “24” without a unit can mean 15 mm or 24 mm.
- Same size for all parts – sleeve and pocket buttons are usually smaller than front buttons.
- Underestimating thickness – a thick button of the same diameter requires a longer buttonhole.
- No fabric sample test – the same button looks different on a thin shirt and a wool coat.
Buttons in all sizes from Polkom
Polkom manufactures and wholesales buttons in standard sizes from the smallest for shirts to large ones for coats, as well as custom samples. Send us an inquiry with sizes in lignes or millimeters and garment type – we will offer suitable models, samples and production with your logo.
