Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Korozo button sizes are measured in lines (L), where 1L = 0.635 mm. The most common sizes are 16L–18L (about 10–11.5 mm) for shirts, 24L (about 15 mm) for jacket sleeves, 30L–32L (about 19–20 mm) for jacket fronts, and 36L–44L (about 23–28 mm) for coats. Since korozo is cut from the tagua palm nut, the maximum diameters and thicknesses are limited by the size of the nut itself.
What Does Line (L) Mean?
The line is a traditional unit of measurement in button manufacturing. Originating from old French and German practices, it is still used worldwide by manufacturers and tailors. The formula is simple: diameter in millimeters = number of lines × 0.635. Conversely: number of lines = diameter in mm ÷ 0.635. For example, a 32L button is 32 × 0.635 = 20.32 mm.
Korozo Button Size Chart
| Lines (L) | Diameter (mm) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 14L | 8.9 | Collar buttons, small details |
| 16L | 10.2 | Shirts, blouses, cuffs |
| 18L | 11.4 | Shirts, skirts, light knits |
| 20L | 12.7 | Blouses, pockets, children’s wear |
| 22L | 14.0 | Knitwear, trousers |
| 24L | 15.2 | Jacket sleeves, vests, cardigans |
| 26L | 16.5 | Vests, knitwear |
| 28L | 17.8 | Light jackets, cardigans |
| 30L | 19.1 | Jacket fronts |
| 32L | 20.3 | Jacket and blazer fronts |
| 36L | 22.9 | Trench coats, light coats |
| 40L | 25.4 | Coats |
| 44L | 27.9 | Heavy coats and outerwear |
This chart is indicative. The final size depends on the garment cut, fabric thickness, buttonhole length, and brand style.
Why Korozo Has Size Limitations
The tagua nut is about the size of a hen’s egg and contains a hollow section inside. Buttons are cut from the solid part, so the thickness and diameter of the blank are limited. Small and medium sizes are produced without issues, but for the largest coat sizes, the choice of models and thicknesses is more limited. If you need very large or thick buttons, discuss this in your inquiry – sometimes the solution is a different profile or a combination with imitation horn buttons.
How to Measure Buttons Correctly
- Use calipers, not a ruler – a half-millimeter difference can mean a different size.
- Measure the widest part of the button, including the rim.
- For shank buttons, measure only the face diameter, excluding the shank.
- Also measure the thickness – it is important for the buttonhole and button type.
- Convert millimeters to lines and round to the nearest standard size.
Buttonhole Size
The buttonhole should be slightly longer than the button diameter to allow easy fastening. A practical rule is buttonhole length = button diameter + button thickness. For thick korozo buttons with a convex profile, add a little extra length; otherwise, fastening will be difficult and the buttonhole will wear out faster. Always test the buttonhole on the actual fabric.
Recommended Sizes by Garment Type
Shirts
Front and cuffs: 16L–18L, collar buttons 14L. Korozo for shirts is thinner, with four holes and a slight rim.
Jackets and Suits
Front: 30L–32L, sleeves 24L. Double-breasted jackets often have 32L front buttons and smaller 24L or less inside buttons. More details are available in the men’s buttons section.
Vests
24L–26L, thicker, usually with four holes.
Coats
36L–44L depending on volume and style. Double-breasted coats include inner buttons.
Knitwear and Cardigans
22L–28L, often with a more pronounced profile that suits knitted fabrics.
Thickness and Profile
Two buttons with the same diameter can look very different due to thickness and profile. A thin flat button is discreet, while a thick button with a rim or convex center is more noticeable. Korozo allows various profiles – flat, rimmed, concave, dome-shaped. When ordering, specify the lines and desired profile or send a sample.
How to Specify Button Size in Tech Packs
Most sizing errors come from incomplete specifications. In the model’s tech pack, record for each button:
- size in lines and millimeters, e.g., 32L / 20.3 mm;
- type – two or four holes or shank;
- profile and thickness;
- colour and finish – natural, dyed, matte, polished;
- placement on the garment – front, sleeve, pocket, inner button;
- quantity of buttons of this size per garment, including spares.
This ensures the button manufacturer and sewing workshop work from the same information and reduces size mix-ups during sewing. Attaching a photo or sketch of the garment with marked button positions is recommended.
Button Size Sets for One Garment
A garment usually uses two or three sizes of the same button model: for example, 32L for the jacket front and 24L for the sleeves, plus a spare button. It is best if all sizes come from the same model and dye batch to look like a set. Specify in your inquiry the quantity of each button size per garment and the total number of garments.
Ordering from the Manufacturer
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags based in Sofia. We offer korozo buttons in standard line sizes, natural and dyed, with logo options. We send samples so you can check the size on your fabric and buttonhole. Minimum order quantities depend on the item – contact us via the contact page.
