Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Corozo or polyester buttons – the choice depends on the positioning of the garment. Corozo is a natural plant-based material with a unique grain and a premium look, suitable for suits, coats and collections that emphasise natural raw materials. Polyester is more affordable, offers unlimited effects and uniform batches and is the practical solution for everyday clothing and large runs.
What the two materials are
Corozo is obtained from the dried nut of the tagua palm. The buttons are cut from the nut, milled, polished and dyed if needed. Every button carries its own natural grain.
Polyester buttons are made from polyester resin, which is cast and then machined into a button. The technology allows imitations of mother-of-pearl, horn, marble, bone and even corozo, as well as every solid and transparent colour.
Corozo or polyester buttons: comparison
| Criterion | Corozo | Polyester |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Plant-based, biodegradable | Synthetic |
| Look | Natural grain, soft satin sheen | Any effect, including imitations |
| Uniformity | Slight differences between buttons | Very uniform batches |
| Colours | A wide range through dyeing | Practically unlimited |
| Washing | Moderate temperature, no soaking | Withstands regular machine washing |
| Positioning | Premium, natural collections | Mass market and mid-range |
Differences you can see and feel
Look
Corozo has depth: light penetrates the material slightly and the grain shows through the colour. Polyester can be very beautiful, especially with pearl and marble effects, but on closer inspection it looks more even and “factory-made”. On garments where the button is a visible detail – jackets, coats, cardigans – the end customer notices this difference.
Touch
Corozo is hard and cool to the touch, similar to bone. Polyester feels slightly lighter and takes on the warmth of the hand more quickly.
Behaviour in the wash
Polyester buttons withstand regular machine washing well, which is why they are the standard in everyday clothing. Corozo withstands normal washing and dry cleaning, but does not like prolonged soaking and aggressive detergents. If the garment will often be washed at high temperatures, also consider urea buttons, which are more heat-resistant.
What determines the price
Corozo usually costs more than polyester for the same size and style. The reasons lie in the raw material and the processing:
- the tagua nut is a natural resource of limited size, so only buttons up to a certain diameter can be made from it;
- each button is cut and machined mechanically rather than cast in series;
- dyeing a natural material requires more control to achieve an even tone;
- the finish – polishing, matting, engraving – adds operations.
With polyester, the price depends mainly on the size, the complexity of the profile, the effect and the quantity. For specific figures, send a request for a quote with the style, size and number.
When to choose corozo
- When the brand communicates natural materials and is reducing plastic in its products.
- For high-end suits, jackets, coats and knitwear.
- When you want a natural material, but in an exact colour matched to a sample.
- When the button will carry an engraved logo as a mark of quality.
When to choose polyester
- For large runs, where budget and uniformity are the priority.
- For children’s, sports and everyday clothing with frequent care.
- When you need a special effect – transparency, pearl, marble, neon colour.
- For styles where the button is functional rather than a visible accent.
Browse the range of polyester buttons if you are looking for a variety of effects.
A combined approach in one collection
Many brands use both materials: corozo for the visible buttons on outerwear and jackets, and polyester for inside buttons, spare buttons or more affordable styles from the same line. This keeps the premium feel where the customer notices it, while the overall budget of the collection stays under control. It is important to coordinate the colours so that the collection looks coherent.
Typical mistakes when choosing
- Choosing from a photo alone. In a photo, quality polyester and corozo look almost the same. The difference only shows in person, so always ask for a physical sample.
- Corozo for a garment with aggressive washing. Workwear, uniforms and children’s clothing washed often and hot are not the right place for a natural material.
- Unspecified finish. “Corozo, black” is not a sufficient specification. State whether you want a matte, satin or polished finish, otherwise the batch may not meet expectations.
- No tolerance for shade. With corozo, slight differences in tone are normal. If you require an absolutely uniform colour, polyester is more suitable.
- An overlooked label. If the product description mentions natural buttons, make sure the information in the catalogue, on the label and in the garment documents matches the material actually used.
Compatibility with engraving and logos
Both materials accept laser engraving. On corozo, the engraving reveals the lighter interior and gives a natural contrast, especially on dyed buttons. On polyester, the contrast depends on the layers and the effect of the material, and on some styles a moulded logo is also possible. If a branded button is important to the brand, discuss the material and method at the first inquiry, because they influence the logo design.
Samples and inquiry
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags from Sofia. We offer corozo buttons and polyester buttons in standard sizes and to order, in colours matched to a sample and with a logo. We make samples quickly so you can compare the two materials on your fabric. Write to us via the contact page.
