Wholesale Mother-of-Pearl Buttons

Mother-of-pearl buttons: the natural lustre of a fine shirt

Mother-of-pearl buttons are made from the inner layer of mollusc shells, known as nacre or mother of pearl. The material has a soft, iridescent lustre that changes with the angle of the light and cannot be fully recreated by synthetics. Mother-of-pearl buttons are the traditional choice for premium shirts, women's blouses, silk dresses and handmade items. Polkom supplies them wholesale to brands, ateliers and garment factories across Europe.

How mother-of-pearl buttons are made

The raw material comes mainly from Asia, with the Philippines and Japan among the best-known sources. Round blanks are cut from the shells, then sanded, profiled, drilled and polished. Modern technology has made mother-of-pearl buttons considerably more affordable without taking away their natural beauty.

Typically, the face is lighter and more lustrous, while the back is darker and often keeps the rough texture of the shell. Mainstream models are dense and durable and do not break easily in normal use.

Because of its natural origin, mother-of-pearl is favoured by brands looking for plastic-free natural materials. Every button has its own pattern and slightly different hues, and up close you can see the fine layered structure of the shell. This is the detail by which a trained eye recognises a quality shirt before even touching the fabric.

Types of mother-of-pearl buttons

• White mother-of-pearl: the classic clean lustre, ideal for white and light shirts.
• Dark and grey mother-of-pearl: deeper, iridescent shades for dark fabrics and eveningwear.
• Dyed mother-of-pearl: dyed so that the natural iridescence remains visible.
• Raw-effect: buttons that keep the look of a flake or piece of shell, for designer collections.

Mother-of-pearl button sizes

The most commonly used sizes are 14L to 18L (about 9–11.5 mm), standard for shirts, blouses and cuffs. For special requirements we also make larger models, up to 40L (about 25 mm), for jackets, waistcoats and decorative accents. We offer options with two or four holes, in different thicknesses and profiles: flat, with a recessed centre or with a rim.

Personalisation

Mother-of-pearl can be laser engraved, letting your brand logo or monogram sit discreetly and elegantly on the button. Engraving brings out the contrast between the lustrous surface and the matte engraving. For budget runs with a similar look, see our polyester buttons with a pearl effect, and for menswear our men's buttons selection.

Applications and care

• premium men's shirts and dress shirts;
• women's blouses, silk dresses and lingerie;
• knitwear, cardigans and childrenswear;
• handmade and boutique items.

Mother-of-pearl withstands washing and ironing but does not like bleach or harsh chemicals, which can dull its lustre. We recommend ironing garments through a cloth or working around the buttons.

Why Polkom and how to order

We have worked with mother-of-pearl buttons for more than three decades, keep stock in the most popular sizes and make samples quickly. If you are looking for another natural material, compare our corozo buttons. Send us the size, colour and quantity via our contact page. Minimum quantities depend on the item.