Natural Buffalo Horn Buttons

Horn buttons: an authentic natural material

Horn buttons are among the oldest fastenings people have used: horn was readily available, soft enough to work and strong enough for everyday use. Today, buffalo horn buttons are a mark of quality in premium menswear and womenswear. Polkom supplies wholesale horn buttons to brands, ateliers and manufacturers of suits, coats and knitwear across Europe.

Every button is unique. The pattern, colour and density of horn depend on the species and age of the animal, so no two buttons in a batch are exactly alike. It is precisely this natural irregularity that gives the garment its authenticity.

How horn buttons are made

The horn is cleaned and cut into plates, from which round blanks are cut. Then comes profiling, drilling the holes, sanding and polishing. Modern machinery allows precise shaping to the designer's specification without hiding the material's natural structure. Depending on the finishing, buttons can be:

• polished to a gloss: for formal suits and dinner jackets;
• matte: for smart-casual jackets and coats;
• with a rough, natural texture: for knitwear and rustic-style items.

Colours and patterns

Natural buffalo horn ranges from almost black to dark brown, with lighter honey, grey or beige veins. The light areas are rarer and therefore more prized. Horn can also be dyed, with the pattern remaining visible. The most sought-after are dark and marbled tones, which suit wool, tweed, cashmere and linen.

Sizes and applications

Horn buttons come in standard ligne sizes (1L = 0.635 mm): around 18L–20L for shirts and sleeves, 24L–32L for jackets and suits, 36L and above for coats. They are used for:

• men's and women's suits and jackets;
• coats, trench coats and outerwear;
• hand and machine knits, cardigans;
• premium shirts and trousers.

Engraving and personalisation

Horn engraves precisely with a laser, allowing a discreet logo or monogram on the button. We can also make buttons with a specific profile, rim or number of holes to your design. You will find more about engraving in our services.

Horn or imitation?

Natural horn is more expensive, but nothing replaces its feel and character. If your collection needs consistency and a lower price, see our imitation horn buttons. Other natural alternatives are corozo buttons and bone buttons.

Care

Horn is a natural keratin material. It withstands washing and dry cleaning but does not like prolonged soaking or direct contact with a hot iron. With proper care, horn buttons keep their appearance for years.

Why Polkom

Polkom has worked with garment trims for more than three decades and knows the requirements of brands in the premium segment. We select horn buttons carefully so the batch looks harmonious, make samples quickly and deliver across the EU. If needed, we also attach the buttons to finished garments.

How to order

Send us the size, colour, surface finish and quantity you want. We make a sample for approval and then prepare the batch. Minimum quantities depend on the item, so send an enquiry.