Wholesale Imitation Horn Buttons

Polyester buttons made by Polkom with the veining and colour shifts of natural horn: an authentic look, consistent quality and a more affordable price for large runs.

Imitation horn buttons: the look of horn, the practicality of polyester

Imitation horn buttons recreate the warm shades, veining and depth of natural horn, but are made from polyester resin. A well-made imitation is hard to tell apart from the real material, both in appearance and to the touch. Polkom offers wholesale imitation horn buttons for jackets, coats, cardigans, denim and casualwear, from stock and made to order in your colour and with your logo.

For many brands this is a sensible compromise: the garment gets the classic look of horn buttons, while the price and batch consistency stay under control.

How the horn effect is achieved

The secret is in the casting. Several colours of resin are blended in a special way so that they form colour shifts and veins instead of a uniform tone. Once cured, the blanks are cut, shaped and polished. The process requires specialised machinery and experience, which is why these buttons are produced by larger manufacturers.

An important point: every batch has its own unique pattern. Even working to the same recipe, it is hard to reproduce exactly the same tone. That is why we recommend ordering the full quantity for a collection at once, with a small reserve for repairs and extra pieces.

Advantages over natural horn

  • Lower price: more expensive than ordinary polyester buttons, but considerably more affordable than natural horn.
  • Consistent batches: size, thickness and holes are identical across all buttons.
  • Durability: they withstand machine washing and dry cleaning without cracking or warping.
  • Design freedom: thinner or heavier models, different profiles, two or four holes, or a shank.
  • Colour of your choice: from light honey tones to dark brown and black, as well as fashion colours.

Sizes and finishes

Imitation horn buttons are made in standard ligne sizes (1L = 0.635 mm), usually from 16L–18L for shirts up to 36L–44L and larger for coats. The surface can be polished to a gloss, matte or a natural-looking semi-matte. The back is often left with a different texture to heighten the resemblance to horn.

Personalisation and logo

Like all polyester buttons, imitation horn allows engraving, lettering and logos. The logo can be laser engraved or moulded in relief, and the holes and profile can be adapted to your design. This makes the buttons a good fit for brands that want a classic look and a recognisable detail.

Applications

  • men's and women's suits and jackets;
  • coats, trench coats and outerwear;
  • cardigans and knitwear;
  • denim, casual and smart-casual clothing.

How to choose the shade

The best result comes when the button is one or two tones darker or lighter than the fabric and the veining suits its texture. Honey and light brown shades look natural on beige, camel and olive fabrics, while dark and near-black tones suit grey, navy and black. Send us a fabric swatch and we will suggest several suitable options.

Ordering imitation horn buttons

Send us a photo or sample of the model you want, plus size, colour and quantity. We will prepare a proposal and a sample for approval. For sizing information see quantities and sizes. Minimum quantities depend on the item, so send an enquiry.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell an imitation horn button from natural horn?
A quality imitation is very close to natural horn in colour, veining and lustre. The differences are in the details: natural horn has a unique pattern on every button, slightly varying thickness and a denser feel. The imitation is more uniform across the batch. For most end customers the difference is practically unnoticeable.
Why is it recommended to order the full quantity at once?
The horn effect comes from blending several colours of resin during casting. Even with the same recipe, every batch has a slightly different pattern and tone. If you order buttons for one collection in parts, they may not match perfectly. That is why it makes sense to order the full quantity at once with a small reserve.
Are imitation horn buttons suitable for frequently washed garments?
Yes. Because they are made from polyester, imitation horn buttons withstand repeated machine washing and dry cleaning without cracking or losing colour. This makes them a more practical choice than natural horn for everyday clothing, denim and childrenswear. When ironing, avoid direct contact between the hot iron and the buttons.
Custom offer

Looking for a specific model, colour or size?

Send us an inquiry with a description or photo – you will receive an offer, samples and a production lead time.