Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Classic buttons for hunting jackets, traditional hunting blazers, or loden coats are horn buttons – either matte or naturally polished, with four holes or a shank, in sizes 24L–36L depending on placement. Horn is traditional for hunting wear because it is natural, resistant to cold and moisture, non-reflective, and pairs well with wool loden, tweed, and leather. For heavy outerwear, horn toggles are also used.
Why hunting wear uses horn
Hunting and traditional clothing in Central Europe – hunting jackets, loden coats, vests, leather trousers – have a long tradition where natural materials are essential. Buttons made of horn, bone, wood, and leather fit naturally into this aesthetic. Horn also has practical advantages:
- Non-reflective – matte horn does not reflect light, which is important outdoors.
- Durable – it does not chip on impact and withstands cold.
- Natural colour – brown and marbled tones match the green, brown, and grey hunting fabrics.
- Weight and density – sits firmly on thick loden and tweed.
That is why horn buttons are the first choice for brands making hunting, country, and traditional clothing.
Types of buttons for hunting jackets and traditional wear
Flat horn buttons with four holes
The main option for the front of hunting blazers and vests. The four holes allow strong sewing, which is important for garments worn actively outdoors.
Shank buttons
Suitable for very thick loden and decorative models with a textured face. The shank lifts the button above the fabric, making fastening easier, including with gloves.
Toggles
Elongated horn buttons fastened with leather or cord loops. They are characteristic of heavy coats and capes and convenient in cold weather.
Buttons with natural bark or rustic profile
Some traditional models retain part of the horn’s natural shape or have a rough, hand-finished look. They emphasize the authentic character of the garment.
Sizes by position
| Position | Size | Approx. diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting blazer, front | 28L–32L | 18–20 mm |
| Loden coat, front | 36L–40L | 23–25 mm |
| Vest | 22L–24L | 14–15 mm |
| Flap pockets | 24L–28L | 15–18 mm |
| Sleeve, epaulettes, straps | 20L–24L | 12.7–15 mm |
| Coat toggle | Length 40–60 mm | Depends on model |
The sizes are approximate; the exact size depends on the cut, style, and fabric thickness.
Surface and colour
For hunting wear, a matte or naturally polished surface is almost always chosen. Polished horn looks too urban and shiny. The most suitable are dark brown and marbled tones that harmonize with green loden, brown tweed, and leather details. Light horn can be used as an accent in traditional festive models.
Durability and sewing
Hunting garments are worn under demanding conditions – in the forest, in cold and rain, with backpacks and belts. Therefore, sewing is as important as the button itself:
- Use strong button thread, thicker than usual sewing thread.
- Leave a thread shank corresponding to the thickness of the loden.
- Place a button backing on the inside for heavy fabrics.
- For toggles, secure the loop and button with leather strips or strong cord.
- Check the sewing strength on samples before production.
Care in moisture
Horn is a natural keratin material. It withstands rain and snow but does not like prolonged soaking or rapid drying. If the garment gets very wet, let it dry at room temperature, away from heaters or radiators. Loden and tweed are usually dry-cleaned, which horn tolerates well. Periodically check the thread shanks, especially on frequently fastened buttons.
Alternatives and combinations
In hunting wear, horn is often combined with leather and metal – for example, horn buttons on the front and metal details on straps and pockets. Other natural options are wooden buttons, and for more military-style models – metal buttons with antique finishes. The choice depends on the brand’s style and the garment’s function.
Logos and motifs
Traditional brands often engrave symbols like deer heads, oak leaves, or family crests on horn buttons. Laser engraving on horn produces a delicate tonal mark that looks natural and preserves the authentic appearance.
Matching with leather details
Hunting jackets often have leather trims on pockets, leather elbow patches, or reinforced shoulders for rifles. The tone of horn buttons should match these details, not just the main fabric. Dark brown horn pairs well with dark leather, while marbled horn suits lighter, naturally tanned leather. When in doubt, place a button sample next to the leather detail and fabric simultaneously.
Festive traditional models
Traditional festive garments – vests, waistcoats, and jackets for special occasions – also use horn, often in lighter tones and with decorative engraving. Here the button is more ornamental and may have a more textured, semi-matte surface that softly catches the light.
Common mistakes
- Polished shiny buttons on hunting jackets.
- Thin buttons on thick loden – they bend and break.
- Sewing without a thread shank or backing.
- Synthetic imitation buttons that look out of place with natural materials.
Horn buttons for hunting wear from Polkom
Polkom manufactures horn buttons from natural buffalo horn for hunting, country, and traditional clothing – flat, shank, and toggles, in matte and natural finishes, with engraving options for motifs and logos. We produce samples quickly and deliver across the EU. Send your model description and fabric sample via the inquiry form; minimum order quantities depend on the item.
