Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Polyester buttons are buttons cast from unsaturated polyester resin which, after curing, is machined on a lathe – profiled, drilled and polished. They are the most widespread type of button in garment making, because they combine low cost, good strength and an almost unlimited choice of colour, shape and effect. If you are looking for a versatile button for a large run of shirts, trousers or coats, polyester is almost always the first option considered.
What polyester buttons are
The raw material is a liquid resin to which a hardener, pigments and, if needed, pearlescent or metallic particles are added. The mixture is cast in a rotating mould, producing a sheet or rod. While the material is still semi-hard, blanks are cut from it, and after full curing these are machined on automatic lathes. Finally the buttons are polished in drums – with abrasives for matte or with polishing paste for gloss.
Thanks to this technology, the same material can look like horn, mother-of-pearl, marble, bone or solid single-colour plastic. That is why polyester buttons are often sold under the name of the effect they imitate rather than the material.
Main properties
- Low weight – the button does not pull on fine fabric and does not distort pockets and plackets.
- Good mechanical strength – with the right thickness, it does not break during normal buttoning and machine washing.
- Precise colouring – the resin takes the pigment in the mass, so the colour is even and can be matched to the fabric.
- Machinability – it is easy to engrave with a laser or a milling cutter, can be printed and partially coloured.
- Price – production is automated, so polyester is among the most cost-effective materials for series garment making.
Limitations you should know
Polyester is a thermosetting resin, but its surface is sensitive to very high temperatures. In direct contact with an iron on the highest setting (for linen and cotton), the polish can lose its shine and thin models can deform at the edge. That is why, for garments ironed at high temperatures in an industrial press, garment technologists often choose urea buttons, which tolerate heat better.
The second limitation is the feel. Polyester is lighter and “warmer” to the touch than natural horn or mother-of-pearl. For the mass market this is not a problem, but upper-segment brands sometimes prefer natural materials for their weight and coolness.
Polyester buttons compared with other materials
| Material | Weight | Heat resistance | Colour choice | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Low | Medium | Almost unlimited | Shirts, trousers, coats, children’s clothing |
| Urea | Medium | High | Solid, matte tones | Workwear, garments pressed on an industrial press |
| Natural horn | Medium | Medium | Natural browns and blacks | High-end suits and coats |
| Metal | High | High | Finishes and plated colours | Jeans, jackets, uniforms |
Effects and surfaces
Polyester buttons come in several main groups of effects:
- Single-colour – solid or translucent, matte or gloss, for classic shirts and uniforms.
- Pearlescent – with added pearl pigment that gives a soft mother-of-pearl sheen.
- Imitations of natural materials – horn, bone, marble, wood; see for example imitation horn buttons.
- Two-colour and multicolour – with veins, gradients or a contrasting rim.
- Combined surfaces – a glossy rim and matte centre or vice versa.
Sizes and construction
Button size is measured in lignes (L), where 1L = 0.635 mm. In garment making, 14L–18L is most often used for shirts and blouses, 20L–24L for trousers and waistcoats, 24L–32L for jackets and 32L–44L for coats. Besides the diameter, the following also matter when choosing:
- number of holes – two or four; four holes give a more stable attachment;
- shank – moulded or drilled at the back, for thick fabrics and decorative models;
- profile – flat, rimmed, concave centre, domed;
- thickness – thinner buttons are more elegant, but thicker ones withstand greater load.
Which garments they suit
Practically all: from men’s shirts and women’s blouses through children’s clothing and knitwear to outerwear. The exception is products subjected to very aggressive treatment – for example heavy bleaching, enzyme washing with pumice or pressing at a very high temperature. For these, the button material must be tested in advance.
In children’s clothing the polyester button is preferred because it is light and does not shatter into sharp pieces, but the size and the strength of attachment must meet the safety requirements for children’s products.
How to choose a suitable polyester button
- Determine the type of garment and the fabric – this sets the size and thickness.
- Decide whether the button should stand out or blend with the fabric.
- Choose the effect and surface – matte, gloss, pearlescent or imitation.
- Check the care conditions – washing, ironing, dry cleaning.
- Ask for a sample to see the colour and sheen on the actual fabric.
You can browse the full range of models, sizes and effects in the polyester buttons category.
Polyester buttons from the manufacturer
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, with over 30 years of experience. We offer polyester buttons from stock and to order – in a chosen colour, size and profile and with your logo. We make samples quickly and deliver across the EU. Minimum quantities depend on the article, so the easiest way is to send us a request for a quote with a photo or sample of the desired model.
