In ancient Rome, at the first, buttons are used as ornaments, rather than tying the clothes. In 13th century, the function of the buttons had been changed. At that time, people had learned to open the buttonhole on the garments which greatly increased the practical value of buttons. In 16th century, buttons gained popularity. With the rise of fashion, buttons now has become creatively designed.
- Australia – Shell button
Australia is the least polluted and most clear place whose sea has the most high-quality shell. Pearl oyster which has grown in deep sea for 30 years, undergoing electing, punching, polishing, grooving, drilling, cleaning, bleaching these seven processes, is made of shell buttons that shine as pearls do. It is equally famous to gem, also used as material to ornament watches such as Rolex. Shell button is made of shiny side in shell by polishing it. Shell buttons of suit are usually black shells and pearl oysters, because of their various lusters, used to high-grade suit and leisure suit. - Africa – Horn button
Cape buffalo is one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Its huge size, ferocious temperament, makes it difficult to be tamed. To get the precious horns, people have to wait for about 12 years at the Cape buffalo’s end of life when its horn shedding naturally, then selecting the essence part to make buttons by polishing. The surface of horn button has naturally irregular pattern of good texture and hardness. The quality of horn button is also one of the criteria people measure customized clothes. - Panama – Fruit button In 19th century, people began to use fruit buttons to ornament advanced suit.These handmade buttons are almost made of ivory fruit come from southern Panama, Ecuador, and Bolivia. After being ripe and dried for 4 months under the tropical sun, this fruit will become hard material which is similar to ivory. These fruit buttons also often appear in the player’s custom orders.
- Other sorts: metal button, resin button, wooden button
Metal button includes brass button, silver button, gold plated button, alloy button. Common colors of metal button are golden, silver, brass, etc.
Resin button is the most used product on garments currently, but it maybe low to use it in the suit. The surface of resin button is smooth and clear, and can be made in different patterns and complex shapes.
In 18th century, aristocracy wore shell button to show their status, while wood button was somehow become a representative of the lower class. Now the suit with wood button mostly because of the originality of designers, but it is relatively rare in the market.