Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Coconut button sizes are measured in lignes (L), where 1L equals 0.635 mm. The most common sizes are 14L–20L (about 9–13 mm) for shirts and blouses, 22L–28L (about 14–18 mm) for dresses, cardigans and light jackets, and 30L–40L (about 19–25 mm) for bags, decorative accents and bulkier knits. The choice depends on the garment, fabric and buttonhole length.
What does size in lignes mean?
The ligne (from French, abbreviated L) is a traditional button sizing unit. It measures the button’s diameter, not its thickness. The formula is simple: multiply the size in lignes by 0.635 to get the diameter in millimeters. For example, a 24L button has a diameter of about 15.2 mm. In wholesale orders, sizes are almost always specified in lignes, so it’s useful to know the conversion.
Table of coconut button sizes
| Lignes (L) | Diameter, mm | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 14L | 8.9 | shirt collar, children’s clothing, small cuffs |
| 16L | 10.2 | shirt collar and cuffs, blouses |
| 18L | 11.4 | shirt front, blouses |
| 20L | 12.7 | denser shirts, dresses, baby cardigans |
| 22L | 14.0 | dresses, tunics, light cardigans |
| 24L | 15.2 | cardigans, linen jackets, trousers |
| 28L | 17.8 | knits, summer jackets, pockets |
| 32L | 20.3 | thicker cardigans, bags |
| 36L | 22.9 | bags, cushion covers, decorative accents |
| 40L | 25.4 | bags, home textiles, bulky knits |
The millimeter values are rounded to one decimal place. Actual button sizes may vary by a few tenths of a millimeter due to the handmade nature of natural coconut shell processing.
How to choose coconut button size by garment
Shirts and blouses
Classic shirts use two sizes: smaller buttons for collars and cuffs (14L–16L) and slightly larger ones for the front (16L–18L). Linen and resort-style shirts with looser cuts often choose 18L–20L because the larger coconut button better showcases its texture.
Dresses and tunics
Here, size is mostly a design choice. Decorative rows on the back or front are usually 18L–22L, while functional belt fastenings tend to be 22L–24L.
Knits and cardigans
Knitted fabrics are thicker and stretchier, so buttons need to be larger to avoid slipping out of the buttonhole: 24L–32L depending on yarn thickness. Children’s and baby knits typically use 18L–22L.
Bags and home textiles
For bags, cushion covers and throws, buttons often serve as visible accents – 32L and above. If the fastening uses a loop instead of a buttonhole, even larger sizes are possible.
Button size and garment proportions
Besides functionality, size strongly affects appearance. The same coconut button looks different on fine batiste and coarse linen. As a rule of thumb: the coarser the fabric and the larger the silhouette, the bigger the button can be without looking heavy. For slim and delicate designs, smaller sizes preserve a clean line. For oversized garments, consider one or two lignes larger than standard – this way the natural shell texture is visible from a distance. The spacing between buttons also depends on size: larger buttons are usually spaced further apart.
Coconut button thickness
Coconut shell is thin and slightly curved, so coconut buttons are mostly flat. This is an advantage for shirts – the button passes easily through the buttonhole and sits close to the fabric. However, very large sizes may look “light” compared to bulky garments. For coats or thick jackets requiring buttons over 32L with a solid profile, compare with wooden buttons, which can be made thicker.
Buttonhole and button: how to match them
A practical rule is that the buttonhole length equals the button diameter plus its thickness plus a small allowance for the fabric. For thin fabrics, the allowance is about 1–2 mm; for knits and thick materials, more. Always make a test buttonhole on the actual fabric with the real button before bulk sewing. Coconut buttons have no elasticity, so a tight buttonhole will tear at the edges.
- note the button diameter and thickness from the sample;
- make a test buttonhole on the same fabric with the interfacing you will use;
- check the fastening several times and after one wash;
- fix the buttonhole length in the model’s technical sheet.
How many buttons to order
Calculate the number of visible buttons per garment by size, add a spare button (often sewn on the label or hem) and allow a small reserve for sewing defects. Different sizes on one garment count as separate items in the order – for example, 16L for cuffs and collar and 18L for the front.
Common mistakes when choosing size
- mixing lignes and millimeters in technical specs;
- choosing based on photos only, without a sample in hand;
- too small buttons for knits that slip out;
- forgetting spare buttons when calculating quantities.
You can see available sizes in the coconut buttons category, and an overview of materials in the buttons section.
Samples by size from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags from Sofia with over 10,000 items. If you hesitate between two sizes, we will send you samples to try on the actual fabric and buttonhole. We also produce coconut buttons with logos. Send a request for a quote via the contact page with the model, sizes and approximate quantity.
