Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The colour of a metal button is chosen according to the colour of the fabric, the other metal accessories on the garment and the desired style. In short: gold suits warm and dark tones and classic looks, nickel suits cool and light tones and contemporary styles, gunmetal suits dark, neutral and urban garments, and gloss black suits black and tone-on-tone. All our metal shank buttons are available in these four colours.
How to choose a metal button colour – the basic rule
First, look at the other metal accessories on the product – zip, buckle, eyelets, cord ends. If they are gold, nickel-coloured buttons will look like a mistake, unless the contrast is intentional. Second, compare the colour temperature: warm fabrics (camel, burgundy, mustard, brown) combine naturally with gold, while cool ones (grey, blue, icy pink) go with nickel.
The four colours one by one
Nickel
Silvery, cool and light. Nickel is the most contemporary choice – clean, without drawing attention. It suits grey, white, black, navy, denim and pastel tones. The name describes only the colour – like all Polkom metal finishes, it is nickel free. If the product is intended for people with sensitive skin, state your requirements for the finish in your inquiry.
Gold
Warm and classic. Gold is the colour of the nautical-style blazer, the camel-hair coat and romantic styles. It looks excellent on navy, black, burgundy, brown, green and beige.
Gunmetal
A dark grey metallic shade, softer than black. Gunmetal is the choice for urban, minimalist and menswear garments – it suits graphite, black, olive, khaki and anthracite, as well as leather.
Gloss black
A shiny black finish. Tone-on-tone on black fabric, the button looks like a relief detail, while on white, cream or red it gives a strong graphic contrast. It is suitable for evening jackets, dresses and coats.
Table: button colour and fabric colour
| Button colour | Suits fabrics | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel | grey, white, black, navy, denim, pastels | contemporary, minimalist |
| Gold | navy, black, burgundy, camel, brown, green | classic, nautical, romantic |
| Gunmetal | graphite, black, olive, khaki, leather | urban, menswear, industrial |
| Gloss black | black (tone-on-tone), white, cream, red | evening, graphic |
Classic styles that work in every colour
Colour is perceived differently depending on the shape of the button. On smooth domed and spherical styles, the finish is the main effect, while on embossed ones – checked or rope – highlights and shadows soften the tone. So if you are only just choosing a colour, start with a style with a neutral shape – it shows the difference between finishes most clearly.
- MB-13 Classic blazer button – in 15, 18 and 20 mm; 15 mm for the sleeves, 18–20 mm for the front. Gold gives a nautical style, nickel a uniform and contemporary look.
- MB-22 Sphere – a small spherical button in 14, 18 and 22 mm for shirts, dresses, knitwear and jackets; in gloss black it looks like an onyx pearl.
- MB-10 Dome with embossed lines – 18 and 22 mm, for jackets, waistcoats and knitwear.
- MB-14 Round with checked relief – 20 and 25 mm; the checked relief looks good on tweed and wool fabrics.
- MB-19 Round with rope braid – 18 and 22 mm; the rope braid suits nautical and classic styles.
| Code | Style | Sizes | Colours | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MB-13 | Classic blazer button | 15, 18, 20 mm | nickel, gold, gunmetal, gloss black | blazers and jackets (15 mm – sleeves, 18–20 mm – front), uniforms and waistcoats |
| MB-22 | Sphere | 14, 18, 22 mm | nickel, gold, gunmetal, gloss black | shirts, dresses and knitwear (14 mm), jackets and waistcoats (18–22 mm) |
| MB-10 | Dome with embossed lines | 18, 22 mm | nickel, gold, gunmetal, gloss black | jackets, waistcoats and knitwear |
| MB-14 | Round with checked relief | 20, 25 mm | nickel, gold, gunmetal, gloss black | jackets, coats and women’s waistcoats |
| MB-19 | Round with rope braid | 18, 22 mm | nickel, gold, gunmetal, gloss black | jackets, waistcoats and coats |
Colour, season and type of garment
Autumn-winter collections are dominated by warm and dark fabrics, so gold and gunmetal are used more often. In spring-summer collections, with plenty of white, linen and pastels, nickel looks fresher. Gloss black works all year round, but is strongest on evening and formal styles.
The purpose of the garment also matters. For uniforms and corporate wear, one colour is usually chosen for all styles so that the collection is consistent. For fashion collections, you can offer one cut with two button colours – for example nickel and gold – and so get two versions from one style.
Common mistakes when choosing the colour
- Different metals on one garment – gold on the buttons and nickel on the zip looks inconsistent.
- Choosing only from a photo – screens distort the warmth of metal tones; for a large order, compare the button with the actual fabric.
- Too little contrast on light fabric – nickel on pale grey can “get lost”; gunmetal or gold will stand out.
- Forgotten sleeves – also order the smaller size in the same colour so that the set is consistent.
Ordering
All styles and colours are available in the online button shop. The minimum quantity is 500 pcs per style, size and colour – if you need two colours, each is ordered separately. You will find more about the series under Metal buttons, and for buttons in other materials see the buttons catalogue.
Polkom
Polkom has been manufacturing accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags for over 30 years. Not sure which colour suits your fabric? Write to us and we will help you choose.
