Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Buttons for dry-cleanable garments must withstand organic solvents and the subsequent steam pressing without swelling, cracking, fading or losing their finish. The most resistant are urea and melamine buttons, quality metal buttons and natural materials such as corozo and horn. Problems are most often caused by buttons with lacquer, paint, metallised coatings, glued-on stones or unsuitable plastics.
What happens to a button during dry cleaning
In dry cleaning the garment is washed in an organic solvent instead of water, then dried and pressed. The button is exposed to three stresses:
- the solvent – it can dissolve or soften some plastics, adhesives and lacquers;
- mechanical tumbling in the drum – impacts against other garments and the walls of the machine;
- steam pressing – heat and pressure during finishing.
That is why garments that are dry cleaned according to the label – coats, blazers, suits, dresses in delicate fabrics – require buttons tested for exactly this process.
Dry cleaning symbols according to ISO 3758
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Circle with the letter P | Professional cleaning with perchloroethylene and the solvents permitted under F |
| Circle with the letter F | Professional cleaning with hydrocarbon solvents only |
| Circle with the letter W | Professional wet cleaning |
| Bar under the circle | Gentle process |
| Crossed-out circle | Do not dry clean |
The P symbol means a more aggressive solvent than F. If the garment label allows P, all accessories – buttons, zips, labels, lining – must withstand it.
Buttons for dry cleaning – comparison of materials
| Material | Resistance | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Urea (UF) | Very good | Unaffected by solvents, withstands pressing |
| Melamine (MF) | Very good | Rarely needed for fashion garments |
| Metal | Good | Depends on the finish; cheap electroplating can tarnish |
| Corozo | Good | A natural material, dyed through |
| Horn | Good | A natural material; every button is different |
| Polyester | Usually good | Depends on the coating and the effect |
| Buttons with lacquer, paint, metallisation | Risky | The coating may flake off |
| Buttons with glued-on crystals | Risky | The adhesive may dissolve |
For coats, blazers and suits that are dry cleaned according to the label, urea buttons are a safe and economical choice. Luxury collections also use natural materials such as corozo buttons, which also tolerate the process well.
What to watch out for with fashion buttons
Coatings
Many fashion buttons get their look from a coating – a metallised layer, lacquer, paint or a “rubber touch” effect. The button itself may be resistant, but the coating flakes off or fades. If the design requires such an effect, ask for buttons tested for dry cleaning, or state on the label that the buttons must be removed.
Two-part and assembled buttons
Buttons with a metal cap, set stones or a combination of materials are held together by adhesive or by mechanical crimping. The solvent can weaken the adhesive. Mechanically assembled styles are usually safer.
Textile buttons
Fabric-covered buttons follow the behaviour of the fabric they are covered with and of the base underneath. Check both.
How to test buttons for dry cleaning
- Sew the buttons onto a sample of the actual fabric.
- Have the sample professionally dry cleaned according to the label process (P or F) – several cycles.
- Press the sample in the usual way.
- Compare it with an uncleaned sample: colour, gloss, shape, finish, seam strength.
The test is quick and inexpensive, and it prevents complaints about an entire collection. Keep the cleaned sample as a reference – it will be useful for repeat orders and when changing the fabric or button supplier.
What to check after the test
- whether the button has kept its size and shape and passes freely through the buttonhole;
- whether there are cracks around the holes or along the rim;
- whether the colour of the button and the thread has changed;
- whether the fabric under the button has been stained by pigment or coating.
Tips for the garment label
- The label must reflect the most sensitive component of the garment, including the buttons.
- If the buttons do not withstand P, specify F or choose different buttons.
- For decorative buttons that need to be removed before cleaning, plan shank buttons or buttons with a ring that can be detached easily.
The care symbols are printed on the care and composition labels together with the fibre composition. Choose a label whose print also withstands dry cleaning so the information remains legible.
Which garments most often require this check
- Wool coats and greatcoats – they are almost always dry cleaned, and the buttons are large and visible.
- Blazers and suits – the sleeve and front buttons go through the press after every cleaning.
- Formal dresses and eveningwear – often with decorative coated buttons, which is the riskiest case.
- Uniforms in wool blends – cleaned regularly, and the buttons must look the same across all staff.
- Leather and suede items with textile parts – cleaned with special processes that also stress the accessories.
Who is responsible for damage
Dry cleaners follow the instructions on the label. If the garment has been cleaned correctly but the buttons have been damaged, the complaint usually ends up with the brand and the manufacturer. That is why testing accessories is part of quality control, not an unnecessary expense.
Urea buttons from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags from Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We offer urea buttons for coats, blazers and suits, in colours matched to a sample and with a logo, with fast samples and delivery throughout the EU. Write to us via the contact page and describe the style and the care instructions.
