Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Polyester buttons and imitation horn buttons are made from the same raw material – polyester resin – but with different technologies. Classic polyester buttons are cut from a cast flat sheet of resin and are usually uniform, single-coloured or with a pearl lustre. Imitation horn (faux horn) buttons are cut from a cast rod and allow multicoloured veins, colour gradients and natural-looking patterns such as horn and marble. The technology determines the look, the price and the flexibility of the design.
How polyester buttons are made
Liquid polyester resin with pigments is poured into a rotating cylinder (centrifuge). Under centrifugal force it spreads over the wall as an even layer. When the resin reaches a rubbery consistency, the sheet is removed and round blanks of the required diameter are punched out of it. After full curing, the blanks are machined on a lathe – they get their profile, rim and holes – and polished.
Because the sheet has a uniform thickness, the buttons are very consistent in size and weight. The pearl pigment aligns parallel to the surface and gives the characteristic deep mother-of-pearl lustre.
Advantages of polyester buttons
- uniform colour throughout the batch;
- a beautiful pearl lustre, suitable for imitating mother-of-pearl;
- good efficiency in large runs in one colour;
- a predictable match with the sample.
How imitation horn buttons are made
With this technology, the resin is cast in tubes or drawn as a rod. Before curing, resins of different colours can be poured in, forming veins, stripes and spots. The rod is sliced into discs, which are then machined on a lathe and polished like other polyester buttons.
The pattern runs through the whole thickness of the disc, so each button looks slightly different – just like a natural material. This makes convincing imitations of horn, bone and stone possible. See our imitation horn buttons, which are hard to tell apart from natural horn at a distance.
Advantages of imitation horn buttons
- multicoloured and gradient effects;
- a realistic look of natural materials;
- a pattern through the whole thickness – visible on the rim as well;
- the possibility of thicker, more substantial designs.
Polyester buttons and imitation horn buttons – comparison
| Criterion | Polyester buttons | Imitation horn buttons |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Single-coloured, pearl, uniform | Multicoloured, with veins and gradients |
| Differences between buttons | Minimal | Each one is slightly different |
| Typical thickness | Thin to medium | Medium to thick |
| Suitable for | Shirts, blouses, uniforms, children’s clothing | Blazers, coats, knitwear, trousers |
| Imitations | Mother-of-pearl, pearl | Horn, bone, marble, wood |
| Repeatability on reorder | Very high | High in tone, the pattern varies |
When to choose polyester buttons
Classic polyester buttons are the right choice when the garment calls for discretion and consistency. Typical examples are men’s shirts, where all the buttons on the front must look the same, uniforms and corporate wear, where the colour is set by a standard, and children’s clothing in bright solid colours. Pearl polyester buttons are also the classic economical alternative to mother-of-pearl buttons for blouses and shirts.
When to choose imitation horn buttons
Imitation horn buttons are suitable when the button is part of the garment’s character. On blazers, coats and knitwear, the lively pattern gives a natural look and “depth”. They combine well with tweed, wool broadcloth, velvet and linen. They are also the solution when you want the look of horn or bone, but the collection requires a lower price or greater uniformity than the natural material.
What to look out for when ordering
- A sample from the actual batch. With imitation horn buttons the pattern varies, so it is good to see several buttons, not just one.
- A description of the effect. State whether you want lighter or darker veins, contrast and translucency.
- Size and thickness. The size is given in lignes (1L = 0.635 mm), and the thickness affects strength and how visible the pattern is on the rim.
- Surface. A matte finish softens the pattern, gloss emphasises it.
- Reorders. With classic polyester buttons, matching between batches is easy; with imitation horn buttons, tone and overall look are agreed.
Common misconceptions
- “Imitation horn buttons are always more expensive.” The price depends on size, thickness, the complexity of the effect and the quantity, not only on the technology.
- “Polyester buttons are only single-coloured.” With pearl, metallic and two-layer resins, polyester buttons can also be very striking.
- “Differences within a batch of imitation horn buttons are a defect.” The variation in pattern is built into the technology and is the reason the buttons look natural. Only a deviation in size, thickness or base tone is a defect.
- “An imitation is recognised immediately.” A well-made imitation horn button with the right matte finish is hard to tell from the natural material without close inspection.
If you are not sure which type is more suitable, the quickest way is to compare two samples – a classic polyester button and an imitation horn button – directly on the collection fabric.
Engraving and logo
Both types of button can be engraved by laser or mechanically. On pearl polyester buttons the engraving is very high-contrast, because it removes the shiny top layer. On imitation horn buttons, engraving can reveal lighter or darker areas of the pattern, which gives an interesting effect but requires a test. Browse all designs in the polyester buttons category.
Polkom – polyester buttons from the manufacturer
Polkom has worked with accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags for over 30 years and offers both classic polyester buttons and imitation horn buttons – from stock and made to order, in the colour of your fabric and with your logo. We help you choose the type of button according to the garment and budget, make samples quickly and deliver within the EU. Send a photo or sample via the inquiry form; minimum quantities depend on the article.
