Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Imitation horn buttons (also called faux horn buttons) are buttons made of polyester resin, cast and finished to recreate the veining, colour shifts and depth of natural horn. They combine the classic look of a horn button with batch consistency, greater wash resistance and a more affordable price, which is why they are the standard choice for jackets, coats, cardigans and everyday clothing.
Imitation horn buttons: what they are made of
The base is unsaturated polyester resin – the same material from which most modern clothing buttons are made. The difference lies in the colouring method. Instead of colouring the resin in one tone, several pigmented components are introduced into it – light, medium and dark, sometimes semi-transparent. They do not mix completely but form streaks and clouds that imitate the natural structure of horn. The result is a material with depth: in the light, the veins seem to lie beneath the surface, as with real horn.
How imitation horn buttons are made
- Preparing the resin. The resin is mixed with a hardener and divided into several portions with different pigments.
- Casting a sheet or rod. The portions are poured into a centrifuge or a mould in a specific way so that colour shifts are produced rather than a uniform colour. Speed, temperature and the pouring sequence determine the pattern.
- Partial curing. The material is left to set to a consistency at which it can be cut but is not yet fully hard.
- Cutting blanks. Round blanks of the required diameter are cut from the sheet.
- Shaping. The profile, rim and recess are formed on a lathe, and the holes are drilled or the shank is shaped.
- Polishing. The buttons are polished in drums to a gloss, semi-matt or matt finish.
- Inspection and sorting. Size, thickness, holes and visual appearance are checked.
The process requires experience and precise control of the parameters, so quality imitation horn is produced by specialist manufacturers. It is the casting that gives each batch its own pattern.
Properties of imitation horn buttons
| Property | Imitation horn |
|---|---|
| Material | polyester resin with a multicolour effect |
| Look | veining, colour shifts, depth like natural horn |
| Durability | high; does not split or dry out |
| Washing | withstands machine washing and dry cleaning |
| Consistency | same sizes and holes throughout the batch |
| Colour | from light honey to black, as well as fashion colours |
| Personalisation | laser engraving, relief logo on cast models |
Why imitation is used instead of natural horn
Natural horn is a beautiful and noble material, but it has limitations. Each button is cut individually from raw material of varying thickness and colour, so it is more expensive and batches vary considerably. Horn is sensitive to prolonged soaking, high temperatures and drying out. Imitation solves these problems:
- the price is significantly lower than for natural horn, though higher than for plain polyester buttons;
- sizes and thickness are uniform, which is important for machine sewing;
- the buttons withstand the frequent washing of everyday clothes;
- shapes, colours and profiles are possible that natural horn does not allow;
- no raw material of animal origin is used – an argument for some brands and customers.
If you are still looking for the authentic material, see our horn buttons.
Types of imitation horn buttons
By profile
- flat with rim – the classic jacket button;
- with a recessed centre – the holes sit in a "dish", protecting the thread from friction;
- domed – for coats and knitwear;
- with shank – no visible holes, for coats and jackets.
By surface
- gloss – closest to polished natural horn;
- semi-matt – a natural, calm look;
- matt – a modern, more casual character.
By tone
Light honey and cream, medium brown and caramel, dark – chocolate, almost black, grey-black. Besides the classic tones, fashion versions are also produced – olive, burgundy, navy with a horn effect.
Where they are used
- men's and women's jackets and suits;
- coats, greatcoats, trench coats;
- waistcoats, knitted cardigans and button-up jumpers;
- shirts, in a thinner version;
- trousers – waistband button and brace buttons;
- children's clothing, where durability matters.
Imitation horn and other polyester buttons
Imitation horn is just one of many looks that polyester can recreate. The same material is used to make buttons with mother-of-pearl, marble, tortoiseshell, wood and stone effects. They are all cast using similar technology but with different pigments and mixing techniques. The horn effect is among the most popular because it is neutral, suits almost all fabrics and never goes out of fashion. The difference from single-colour polyester buttons lies in depth: a single-tone button looks flat, while imitation horn "comes alive" as the light changes.
How to recognise quality imitation
Good imitation has soft, natural transitions between tones, not sharp, repeating stripes. The veins look "deep" when the button is tilted towards the light. The rim is smooth, and the holes are cleanly drilled and polished inside so they do not cut the thread. The back is flat, without air bubbles. When several buttons are grouped together, their patterns should be similar but not identical – a sign of quality casting.
Imitation horn buttons from Polkom
Polkom is a Sofia-based manufacturer and wholesale supplier of garment accessories with over 30 years of experience. We offer imitation horn buttons in various sizes, profiles and tones, as well as other polyester buttons. We make samples, engrave logos and deliver across the EU. Send an inquiry with the size, tone and quantity.
