How to Find and Style Retro Buttons and Fasteners: Secure Your Style

by

Secure Your Style: The Definitive Guide to Finding and Styling Retro Buttons and Fasteners

Buttons and fasteners are the unsung heroes of fashion. They secure our garments, yes, but they also offer a potent, often overlooked, opportunity to infuse personal style and historical depth into our wardrobes. A simple change of a button can transform a bland blazer into a vintage masterpiece, or a plain blouse into a conversation starter. This guide isn’t about the history of buttons; it’s a practical, hands-on manual for the modern fashion enthusiast. We’ll show you exactly how to find, select, and style retro buttons and fasteners to create a look that is uniquely and impeccably yours.

The Hunt: Where to Unearth Retro Buttons and Fasteners

The first step in this sartorial journey is the most exciting: the hunt. Forget big-box craft stores. The magic lies in seeking out hidden gems. This section details the most fruitful sources, complete with actionable strategies for each.

The Digital Dig: Navigating Online Marketplaces

The internet is a treasure trove for vintage components, but it requires a discerning eye. The key is to use very specific search terms and to know what to look for in product listings.

  • Search Strategy: Move beyond generic terms like “vintage buttons.” Instead, use specific descriptors to filter your search. Think “1940s celluloid buttons,” “Art Deco Bakelite fasteners,” “Victorian brass buttons,” or “mother-of-pearl shirt studs.” Include the material and the era you’re targeting.

  • Platform-Specific Tips:

    • Etsy: A goldmine for independent sellers specializing in vintage haberdashery. Use the “Vintage” filter and check seller reviews meticulously. Look for shops that provide detailed descriptions of the button’s material, era, and dimensions.

    • eBay: A vast, sometimes overwhelming, landscape. Use the “Used” or “Vintage” filter in the “Crafts > Sewing & Fabric > Buttons” category. Be prepared to bid and set alerts for specific keywords. Many sellers offer “button lots,” which can be a cost-effective way to build a collection.

    • Specialty Websites: Seek out websites dedicated to historical costuming or vintage textiles. These sites often have a curated selection and knowledgeable staff. A quick search for “antique button dealer” will yield results.

  • Evaluating Listings:

    • Photos are Key: Don’t buy from a listing with blurry, low-resolution photos. Zoom in to check for chips, cracks, or tarnishing. Good sellers will show the front, back, and often a size comparison (e.g., next to a ruler or a coin).

    • Dimensions Matter: A button that looks perfect online might be too large or small for your project. Always check the diameter in millimeters or inches.

    • Material Identification: Reputable sellers will specify the material. Understand the difference between Bakelite (a vintage plastic), celluloid (another early plastic), horn, wood, metal, glass, and shell. This will help you find the right weight and look.

The Physical Foray: Sourcing from the Real World

There’s no substitute for the tactile experience of sifting through buttons in person. The feel, the weight, the subtle patina—these are details lost online.

  • Thrift Stores and Antique Shops: These are the most common hunting grounds. Go straight to the sewing or notions section.
    • Thrift Store Strategy: Don’t be afraid to dig. Many stores have a small bin or box of miscellaneous buttons. Look for loose buttons, but also for vintage garments with unique buttons you can salvage. A beautiful button can justify a $5 purchase of an otherwise unwearable sweater.

    • Antique Shop Strategy: Antique shops often have curated collections. Ask the shop owner if they have any “sewing notions” or “haberdashery.” They may have a hidden drawer or box of treasures.

  • Estate Sales: The ultimate jackpot. Estate sales often feature entire collections of sewing supplies accumulated over a lifetime. You might find jars filled with buttons sorted by color or material.

    • Be Early: The best items go fast. Arrive right when the sale opens.

    • Look Everywhere: Check sewing rooms, craft desks, and even old junk drawers. Buttons can be stashed in the most unexpected places.

  • Flea Markets and Swap Meets: These are perfect for finding raw materials. You’ll often find vendors selling a jumble of items.

    • Bargain Hunting: Don’t be shy about negotiating a price, especially for a large quantity of buttons.

    • Look for the Unusual: Flea markets are where you find one-of-a-kind items, like buttons from old uniforms or unique handmade pieces.

The Selection: Choosing the Right Button for the Job

Now that you have a source, how do you choose the right button? This section provides a practical framework for making informed decisions that will elevate your project.

Matching Material and Era

A successful styling choice is often about historical continuity, or a deliberate, impactful break from it.

  • For Historical Accuracy: If you’re restoring a vintage garment, try to find a button from the same era and of the same material. For a 1920s flapper dress, look for delicate mother-of-pearl or glass buttons. For a 1940s wool coat, seek out large, robust Bakelite or carved wooden buttons.

  • For a Modern Twist: Pairing materials and eras is a powerful styling technique.

    • Example 1: A sleek, minimalist black blazer from the 2020s can be given a sophisticated, preppy feel with a set of ornate 1980s brass crest buttons. The contrast in styles is sharp and intentional.

    • Example 2: Take a simple, contemporary denim jacket. Replace the metal buttons with a mismatched set of colorful 1950s Bakelite buttons for a playful, eclectic look.

Considering Size, Weight, and Function

The physical properties of the button are paramount. An ill-fitting button can ruin a garment’s functionality and aesthetic.

  • Size (Diameter): The button should be proportionate to the garment and the buttonhole. A large button on a delicate blouse will look clumsy and pull the fabric. A tiny button on a heavy coat will look insignificant and be difficult to fasten. Measure the existing button or the buttonhole before you buy.

  • Weight: The button’s weight must be appropriate for the fabric. A heavy metal or glass button on a light silk or chiffon blouse will drag the fabric and cause it to sag. A light plastic button on a heavy wool coat will feel cheap and insubstantial.

  • Function:

    • Shank vs. Sew-Through: Know the difference. Sew-through buttons have holes drilled through the button itself. Shank buttons have a loop (shank) on the back. Shank buttons are often used on heavier garments like coats and blazers because they sit further from the fabric, making them easier to fasten. Sew-through buttons are more common on shirts and blouses.

    • Number of Holes: Sew-through buttons can have two or four holes. This is an aesthetic choice. Four-hole buttons offer a classic look and are more secure.

    • Studs and Snaps: Don’t forget non-button fasteners. Vintage shirt studs, snaps, and clasps can be used to add a unique touch to cuffs or plackets.

The Application: Styling and Attaching Your New Buttons

Finding the perfect button is only half the battle. This section provides a step-by-step guide on how to integrate these treasures into your wardrobe, ensuring a professional, polished result.

The Full Set: Replacing All Buttons

This is the most impactful and straightforward method. Replacing every button on a garment creates a cohesive, intentional look.

  • Blazers and Coats: This is the ideal canvas for a full button swap.
    • Example: A navy blue blazer with generic plastic buttons. Replace them with a set of six antique brass anchor buttons. The result is a nautical, tailored aesthetic that looks custom-made.

    • Process: Carefully snip the threads of the old buttons. Use a seam ripper to remove any stubborn threads. Sew on the new buttons, ensuring they are evenly spaced and securely attached. Use a thimble to protect your finger and a strong thread (button and carpet thread is excellent).

  • Cardigans and Sweaters: A set of new buttons can completely change the character of a simple knit.

    • Example: A simple gray cardigan. Replace the plain buttons with a set of vibrant, swirled Bakelite buttons in amber and green. The sweater instantly becomes a statement piece.

    • Tip: When sewing buttons onto knits, a small piece of stabilizer fabric on the inside can prevent the button from pulling the knit.

The Statement Button: Using Buttons as Embellishment

You don’t need to replace every button. A single, unique button can serve as a focal point.

  • The Top Button: On a shirt or a vest, replace only the very top button with something special.
    • Example: A classic white button-down shirt. Replace the collar button with a small, carved mother-of-pearl button. When worn with the top button fastened, it provides a subtle but elegant detail.
  • The Cuff Button: A pair of striking buttons on the cuffs of a blouse can elevate a simple garment.
    • Example: A silk blouse. Replace the standard plastic cuff buttons with a set of delicate, vintage glass buttons. When you roll up the sleeves, the sparkle catches the eye.

Styling with Fasteners Beyond the Button

Expand your creative horizons beyond the traditional button. Fasteners offer a world of possibilities.

  • Shirt Studs: Vintage shirt studs aren’t just for tuxedos. Use them on a simple blouse or a denim shirt for a touch of unexpected luxury.
    • Example: A stiff denim shirt. Punch small holes where the buttons would go and use a set of antique gold shirt studs to fasten it. The studs create a clean, minimalist line down the front of the shirt.
  • Toggle Closures: A classic toggle closure can transform a simple jacket or coat.
    • Example: A simple trench coat with a plain belt. Replace the belt and add a set of large, carved wooden toggles and loops for a rustic, sophisticated look.
  • Hooks and Eyes: Vintage hooks and eyes are not just for the back of a corset. Use them on a blouse or dress to create an invisible closure or as a decorative element.
    • Example: A wrap dress. Instead of a simple tie, use a series of small, ornate hooks and eyes down the side to create a more secure and elegant closure.

The Maintenance: Caring for Your Retro Buttons

Once you’ve secured your style, you must maintain it. Vintage buttons, especially those made of delicate materials, require care.

  • Bakelite and Celluloid: These early plastics can become brittle with age. Avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause them to yellow. Clean them with a soft, damp cloth.

  • Metal Buttons: Brass and silver buttons can tarnish. Use a non-abrasive metal polish specifically designed for that metal. Be gentle and use a cotton swab to get into small crevices.

  • Mother-of-Pearl and Shell: These are durable but can crack. Avoid dropping them and use a mild soap and water for cleaning.

  • Washing Protocol:

    • For garments with particularly fragile or ornate buttons, handwashing is always the safest option.

    • If machine washing, turn the garment inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag to prevent the buttons from clashing against the drum or other garments.

    • Avoid using a machine dryer, which can damage delicate buttons and their threads.

Conclusion: Beyond the Button

Retro buttons and fasteners are more than mere closures; they are miniature works of art, historical artifacts, and powerful tools for personal expression. This guide has equipped you with the practical knowledge to not only find these hidden gems but also to seamlessly integrate them into your wardrobe. By taking the time to seek out unique pieces and thoughtfully style them, you are moving beyond generic fashion and into the realm of truly curated, sustainable style. Your clothing becomes a narrative, each button a word, each fastener a punctuation mark, telling a story that is entirely your own. Now, go forth and secure your style, one button at a time.