Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Gold buttons for a navy blazer are the most recognisable pairing in classic menswear and womenswear. The best result comes from metal shank buttons in a warm gold or antique brass tone, either plain or with a fine relief such as an anchor, crest or monogram. The choice comes down to three questions: solid brass or gold-plated, which shade of gold, and how many buttons the set needs.
Gold buttons for navy blazer: why the pairing works
The blazer comes from uniform and club traditions, where metal buttons signalled belonging: to a navy, a yacht club, a school or a regiment. Navy cloth and warm gold create a strong but calm contrast; the buttons are noticed without shouting. That is why the combination keeps returning to collections and works with white or beige trousers, with jeans and with grey wool trousers.
Unlike a business suit, where buttons should disappear, on a blazer they are part of the garment's character. That is why metal is the rule here, not the exception.
Brass buttons for blazer jackets: solid brass or gold-plated?
"Gold buttons" on the market can mean several different products. The difference lies in the body material and in how the colour is achieved.
| Type | How the colour is made | Advantages | What to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid uncoated brass | The natural colour of the copper–zinc alloy | Warm tone, develops a patina over time | Tarnishes; can be polished if you wish |
| Lacquered brass | Brass protected by a clear lacquer | Keeps its shine for a long time | Do not polish: the lacquer wears off |
| Gold-colour electroplating | A thin layer over brass or zinc alloy | Even colour, wide choice of shades | No abrasives when cleaning |
| Antique brass | A finish with darkened recesses and lighter edges | Understated, heirloom look that brings out the relief | The shade varies between makers |
For a blazer that will be worn often and dry-cleaned, buttons with a good electroplated finish or lacquer are more practical: every button keeps the same colour. Unprotected solid brass is for connoisseurs who like patina. More about materials in our article on brass vs zinc alloy buttons.
Gold buttons for blazer jackets: which shade of gold
Not every gold looks the same on every blue cloth. Go by how dark the fabric is and by its surface:
- Very dark, almost black navy: bright or yellow gold in a gloss finish. The contrast is strongest and the buttons look ceremonial.
- Classic navy: light gold or satin gold. A universal choice for single- and double-breasted styles.
- Navy tweed, flannel or textured wool: antique brass or matte gold. Gloss looks too new on a rough surface.
- Light summer blazer in linen or cotton: light champagne gold in a smaller, flatter model.
Keep the other metal details, such as the belt buckle, watch and bag clasp, in a similar warm tone. A comparison of all finishes is in our article on metal button finishes.
Designs: plain, anchor, crest or monogram
Plain and rimmed
A plain domed or flat button with a thin rim is the most versatile. It suits men's and women's blazers alike and does not push the style in any particular direction.
Anchor and nautical motifs
The anchor is the natural choice for a nautical look and summer collections. The relief should be clear but shallow so that it does not catch on the cloth.
Crest, logo and monogram
Hotels, clubs, schools and brands often order blazer buttons with their own emblem. Metal allows fine relief, lettering around the rim and enamelled areas. See the options among our engraved buttons.
Brass buttons for blazer sets: how many you need
When you replace the buttons on a ready-made blazer, count and measure them before ordering. A typical set looks like this:
| Blazer style | Front (about 20 mm) | Sleeves (about 15 mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-breasted, 2 buttons | 2 | 6–8 (3–4 per sleeve) |
| Single-breasted, 3 buttons | 3 | 6–8 |
| Double-breasted 6 x 2 | 6 + 1 inside | 6–8 |
| Double-breasted 4 x 1 | 4 + 1 inside | 6–8 |
Add one spare of each size to the set. For sizes in ligne and button layouts, see metal buttons for jackets and buttons for a double-breasted jacket.
How to replace the buttons on a blazer
- Cut the thread of the old button from the inside without catching the cloth.
- Pick out the thread ends with tweezers; the needle holes close up when steamed.
- Sew the new shank button in the same place, leaving a little slack for the thickness of the front edge.
- Wrap the thread a few times around the base of the stitches and tie off on the inside.
- Sew the sleeve buttons at equal spacing, starting from the lowest one.
Use a strong polyester thread in the colour of the cloth. On jackets with decorative sleeve buttonholes, the buttons are sewn on for show only and are not meant to be undone.
Caring for gold blazer buttons
Plated and lacquered buttons should be cleaned only with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap. Abrasive polishing pastes remove the layer and leave patches. Uncoated solid brass can be polished as long as the cloth around the button is protected. Full instructions are in our guide on how to clean brass buttons.
Gold buttons for a women's navy blazer
On a women's navy blazer, gold buttons are usually smaller, 15–19 mm on the front, and often flatter so they do not weigh down the lighter cloth. Styles with a single larger accent button also look good, as do double-breasted blazers with six buttons in light gold. If the blazer is worn with warm-toned jewellery, choose buttons in the same shade of gold so the look feels coherent.
Gold blazer buttons from the manufacturer
Polkom is a manufacturer of metal buttons with over 30 years of experience. We make shank buttons in several shades of gold and antique brass, plain or with a relief logo, crest and lettering, in front-and-sleeve sets. All Polkom metal accessories are nickel free. For tailors, brands and uniform makers we prepare samples before production. Minimum quantities depend on the model, so contact us for a quote.
