For coats, corozo buttons of 36L–44L (about 23–28 mm) with a rim or a shank are chosen most often – thicker, and matching the fabric or slightly darker. For knitwear and knitted cardigans, 22L–28L is used, often with a domed profile or a shank so they do not cut through the knit. In both cases it is important to sew the button on with reinforcement, because heavy and stretchy fabrics put more strain on it than a shirt does.
Why corozo buttons for coats and knitwear
Coats and knitwear are garments where the button is visible from afar and touched often. The natural material emphasises the quality of wool, cashmere, tweed or dense cotton. Corozo is hard and durable, takes colour well and allows thicker profiles and logos. It is also a plant-based material, which matches the positioning of collections made from natural fibres.
Corozo buttons for coats: how to choose
Size
| Type of coat | Recommended size | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Trench coat, light coat | 32L–36L (20–23 mm) | Often with a belt and cuff buttons |
| Classic single-breasted coat | 36L–40L (23–25 mm) | Three or four buttons on the front |
| Double-breasted coat | 40L–44L (25–28 mm) | Plus an inside button for fastening |
| Short coat, pea coat | 36L–44L | Often with a thicker, pronounced profile |
| Sleeves and pockets | 24L–28L | Same style as the front |
Because corozo is cut from the tagua nut, the largest and thickest sizes are more limited. If the style requires a very large button, discuss it at the inquiry stage.
Profile and attachment
- Four holes with a rim – the classic look for wool coats. The rim protects the thread from rubbing in the buttonhole.
- Shank – the button sits above the fabric, which is convenient on thick fabrics and leather trims. The face is free for a logo.
- Domed or thick profile – for pea coats and modern styles with a pronounced accent.
Colour
On coats the button usually matches the fabric or is one or two shades darker. On camel wool coats and beige tones, natural or lightly tinted corozo looks particularly good. For navy and black coats, matte dyed corozo is chosen.
Corozo buttons for knitwear and knitted cardigans
Knitwear is stretchy and has an open structure, so the choice of button is slightly different:
- Size 22L–28L – large enough not to slip out of the buttonhole in the stretchy knit.
- Smooth rim – sharp edges and shaped profiles catch and pull the stitches.
- Two holes or a shank – give a calmer look on the knit.
- A lighter button – a heavy button pulls the knit down and distorts the front.
- Colour matched to a yarn sample – contrasting buttons are also popular on knitwear, for example natural corozo on a dark knit.
Balance between button and fabric
A good choice is achieved when the button is in proportion to the garment. A practical rule: the heavier and more voluminous the fabric, the larger and thicker the button should be. A thin 32L button looks lost on a thick wool coat, while a solid 44L button weighs down a light trench coat. With knitwear the ratio is similar – a fine merino knit calls for a smaller, flatter button, while a chunky hand knit can take a larger button with a pronounced profile. Before confirming the style, place two or three samples on the finished front and look at them from two or three metres away, as the customer will see them.
Correct sewing on heavy and knitted fabrics
Coats
- Use a strong sewing thread matching the button.
- Leave a thread shank roughly equal to the thickness of the fabric around the buttonhole.
- Sew a small backing button on the reverse side – it takes the load and protects the fabric from tearing.
- Wind the thread around the shank several times and secure the knot on the inside.
Knitwear
- Reinforce the button position on the inside with a small piece of tape or fabric, especially on loose knits.
- Do not pull the thread too tight – the knit must stay elastic.
- Check that the buttonhole is reinforced so it does not stretch after a few fastenings.
Caring for coats and knitwear with corozo buttons
Coats are usually dry cleaned, which corozo tolerates well. Knitwear is often washed by hand or on a delicate programme in lukewarm water – this is also suitable for corozo buttons, as long as they are not soaked for long. Dry knitwear flat, away from radiators, and when steaming do not direct the jet straight at the buttons.
A logo on coat buttons
The larger size of coat buttons allows a full logo, lettering around the edge or relief. On a shank button the entire face is free. It is a good idea to scale the logo for the smaller sleeve and pocket buttons too, so that the set looks unified.
Common mistakes
- a button too small for a heavy coat, which looks lost on the fabric;
- a shaped button with sharp edges on a chunky knit;
- sewing without a thread shank on thick fabric – the button tilts and the buttonhole frays;
- no inside backing button on coats;
- choosing the colour from a photo only, without a sample of the fabric or yarn.
Ordering from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags from Sofia, also selling wholesale. We offer corozo buttons for coats, trench coats and knitwear in standard sizes, dyed to a sample and with a logo, as well as button attaching as a service. See also the men’s buttons section for outerwear. Send an inquiry via the contact page and we will send you samples.














