Everything you wanted to know about buttons, but were afraid to ask !! Measuring a button - When measuring buttons, we generally are referring to the diameter of the button. A one inch diameter is called a 40-ligne, which can also be written as 40 Line or simply 40L. Ligne gauges are found below and additional are available upon request. To use the ligne gauge simply open the top of the ligne gauge and clamp it on the button. Read the top of the gauge for the correct ligne size, the bottom of the gauge measures in millimetres. Typically shirt buttons range from 13 ligne on the Collar (if button down), 15 on the Sleeve, and 16 thru 20 ligne are generally used on the plackett. Pant buttons generally have a 22 or 24 ligne on the front closure, and either a 24,, 27 or 28 ligne.on the back pockets. Mens Tailored Suits generally have a 24-ligne button on the sleeve and pant closure, and a 32 ligne on the Jacket closure, some double breasted suits use a 34 or 36 Ligne. Outerwear garments typically have a 40 or 45 ligne closure. Button Measurement Chart  

Ligne Measuring Gauge (Email us to inquire about obtaining a Ligne Gauge) Button Quantities - Buttons are for the most part priced and sold by the gross. One gross equals 144 individual buttons. Although some high fashion buttons are priced by the piece or by the dozen, the standard unit we use at  is gross. Buttons are generally packaged in box lots, then packed in cartons. We generally require a customer to order a full box lot (6,12,20 or 24 Gross, the size determines the box and carton packing) 

Minimum Requirements  
Vary per size, material, color. Contact our customer service or our sales representative for specifics.

Button Holes  
This is in reference to the number of holes in the button. Buttons can be made with 2 holes, 3- holes, 4-holes and even 5-holes. Menswear items typically are 4-hole, and Women’s clothing typically has 2-holes. The button holes are frequently recessed from the edge, forming a “center well”. This is not just for decoration, but also to slow down thread wear and facilitate automatic sewing on high-speed sewing equipment. Center wells can also have different geometric shapes, as in a fisheye or a slotted button. Some button materials can also be made with shanks. For examples – see below. Also newer technologies allow us to make the button holes square, rectangular, or triangular, go to our Product Line, and select Novelty buttons, for a selection of these interesting new concepts.


Button Shapes or styles. 
This refers to the actual geometric shape of the button. All polyester buttons, and carved urea buttons offer an unlimited ability to form shapes as requested by our customers. We have the ability to match any shape that can be presented. Present an idea to our design team thru your sales or service representative and we will develop or duplicate the look. If you are wanting us to duplicate a style that already exists, please submit a minimum of 1 dozen samples. 

Button Finishes  
This refers to the gloss of the button, just as you would select a gloss in a paint store.  Manufacturers offers 3 standard button finishes. They are Matte (Dull - no gloss), Satin (Semi Gloss), and Polished, (High Gloss). Samples for finish can be sent to you upon request.