Shank button

Types of shank buttons

Shank buttons are buttons with a protruding stem or shank at the back. The shank allows the button to be attached and provides space between the button and the fabric. This creates a three-dimensional effect, making the button stand out from the garment. Shank buttons are suitable for thick or heavy fabrics like denim, wool, and outerwear materials. They are easy to sew and handle, and their design prevents the button from pulling through the fabric layers, ensuring a secure attachment.

• Plastic Shank Button: Plastic shank buttons are versatile and widely used. They come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, making them suitable for different garments and accessories. Plastic buttons are durable, lightweight, and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for everyday clothing items. They can mimic the appearance of metal or glass buttons while being lighter and less expensive. Plastic shank buttons are easy to sew and handle, making them a practical option for both professional tailors and DIY enthusiasts.
• Metal Shank Button: Metal shank buttons are known for their strength and durability. They are often used in heavy-duty applications, such as outerwear, jeans, and tailored suits. These buttons provide a secure closure and add a touch of elegance and sophistication to garments. Metal buttons are available in various finishes, including gold, silver, and antique brass, which enhance their aesthetic appeal. They are suitable for formal wear and high-quality clothing items, offering a robust and stylish fastening solution.
• Glass Shank Button: Glass shank buttons are unique and decorative. They are often used in craft projects and as embellishments on special occasion garments. Glass buttons can be molded into intricate designs and patterns, adding a distinctive look to any item. They are fragile compared to plastic and metal buttons but compensate for this with their artistic and vintage appeal. Glass shank buttons are ideal for creating one-of-a-kind accessories and garments that stand out due to their craftsmanship and design.
• Fabric Shank Button: Fabric shank buttons are covered with the same material as the garment, providing a seamless and integrated look. They are often used in soft, structured garments like blouses, dresses, and lightweight jackets. Fabric buttons can be patterned or plain, allowing them to blend harmoniously with the fabric of the garment. They are lightweight and comfortable, making them an excellent choice for delicate and lightweight clothing items. Fabric shank buttons are suitable for both casual and formal wear, offering a subtle and cohesive fastening solution.
• Wooden Shank Button: Wooden shank buttons are eco-friendly and sustainable. They are often used in casual and rustic-style garments and accessories. Wooden buttons add a natural and organic touch to any item, making them suitable for bohemian and earthy designs. They are lightweight and durable, providing a unique and aesthetic fastening solution. Wooden shank buttons can be carved into various shapes and designs, adding a personalized and artistic element to garments and accessories. They are ideal for creating handmade and custom items that reflect a natural and rustic style.

Design of shank buttons

The shank button design entails its overall appearance and functionality. The button is composed of a round flat disc, which is typically made of metal or plastic. It also has a protruding shank at the center or back part of the button. The shank is the stem or loop that elevates the button from the fabric, making it easy to fasten and unfasten with one hand.

• Material: Shank buttons come in various materials. Plastic buttons are lightweight and flexible, thus making them suitable for different garment types. Metal buttons, on the other hand, are sturdy and provide an elegant look. Wooden shank buttons give a natural and vintage feel. The ceramic buttons are hard and have detailed designs, while the fabric-covered buttons have a soft touch and blend well with the material of the garment.
• Size and Shape: Shank buttons come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Round buttons are universal. They are common in jeans and coats. The shank buttons are slightly elevated, thus making them easy to fasten through thick fabrics. Oval buttons are stylish and they are mostly used in shirts and blouses. Square buttons are unique and they are used in some jackets and accessories. Rectangular buttons are used in double-breasted coats and are stable.
• Design Patterns: Shank buttons have diverse design patterns that enhance their aesthetic appeal and functionality. Some buttons have intricate designs, such as floral motifs, geometric patterns, or embossed details, which add a touch of elegance to garments. Others may have enamel or painted designs that allow for vibrant colors and patterns. These design patterns not only enhance the visual appeal of shank buttons but also provide a means of personalization and style for garments.
• Shank Type: There are various shank types, each with distinct characteristics. Some buttons have a solid shank, which is a solid protrusion or stem. Others have a loop shank, which is a shank with a small loop at its base. There are also buttons with a hollow shank, which is an empty shank. The solid shank provides strength and durability. The loop shank is flexible and the hollow shank is light.
• Decorative Elements: Shank buttons often incorporate decorative elements that enhance their visual appeal. These elements may include gemstones, crystals, pearls, or other embellishments that are attached to the button's surface or embedded within it. Decorative shank buttons are popular in formal wear, such as evening gowns and suits, where they add a touch of luxury and sophistication.
• Functionality: The design of shank buttons also focuses on functionality. The elevated shank allows for easy fastening and unfastening, even with thick or layered fabrics. This design is particularly useful for heavy-duty garments like coats and outerwear, where sturdy and reliable buttons are essential. Shank buttons are less likely to pull through fabric layers, making them ideal for structured garments.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of shank buttons

Shank buttons are easily attached and are therefore very convenient to use. The following are some of their wearing and matching suggestions:

• Matching Shank Button to Fabric

  The button should be matched to the weight of the fabric being used. Heavy fabrics require large and heavy buttons. Light fabrics require small and light buttons. This maintains balance and proportion. The size of the button should be matched to the size of the garment. Large garments require large buttons. Small garments require small buttons. This maintains visual balance.

• Color Matching

  Buttons should be matched to the color of the garment. This creates a cohesive look. Shank buttons should blend with the garment color. They should not stand out unless they are meant to be a focal point. Contrast can be used for visual interest. Complementary colors create harmony. Opposite colors on the color wheel add drama. The purpose of the design should guide color matching.

• Texture and Finish

  The shank buttons should be matched to the texture of the fabric. Smooth buttons on smooth fabrics create a sleek look. Textured buttons on textured fabrics add depth. Matte buttons on matte fabrics produce subtlety. Glossy buttons on glossy fabrics enhance shine. The finish of the button should match the finish of the garment. Polished buttons on formal wear suit elegance. Oiled buttons on casual wear suit relaxation. This approach ensures consistency in the tactile and visual experience of the garment.

• Style Cohesion

  Match button style to garment style. Classic buttons suit traditional clothes. Modern buttons fit contemporary designs. Casual buttons work for everyday wear. Formal buttons suit special occasions. This ensures visual harmony. The shank buttons should complement the overall design of the garment. They should enhance, not clash with, other elements like collars, cuffs, and lapels. Consider the era or theme of the garment. Vintage buttons match retro styles. Minimalist buttons fit simple designs. This maintains a cohesive look and feel across the entire outfit.

Q&A

Q1: What are the advantages of using shank buttons over flat buttons?

A1: Shank buttons offer several advantages over flat buttons. Their raised design creates space between the button and the fabric, reducing the risk of the button pulling through the fabric and causing damage. This is particularly beneficial for thicker fabrics or those with heavy weaves. Additionally, shank buttons are easier to fasten and unfasten, as they provide more room for fingers or a tool to grip. This makes them ideal for larger garments or accessories that require a secure closure.

Q2: What materials are shank buttons typically made from?

A2: Shank buttons are crafted from various materials, each offering distinct aesthetic and functional qualities. Common materials include plastic, metal, wood, shell, and glass. Plastic shank buttons are lightweight and versatile, often mimicking the appearance of natural materials. Metal shank buttons provide durability and a robust look, making them suitable for outerwear and accessories. Wooden shank buttons add a natural, rustic appeal, while shell and glass buttons offer elegance and a unique, iridescent finish.

Q3: How are shank buttons attached to garments?

A3: Shank buttons are typically sewn onto garments using a needle and thread, similar to flat buttons. The button's shank is inserted through a small opening in the fabric, and the button is secured by sewing around its base. Some shank buttons, particularly those used in heavy-duty applications, may be attached using adhesives or metal fasteners. It's essential to ensure that the button's shank is positioned above the fabric to create the necessary space for fastening.

Q4: Can shank buttons be used for both functional and decorative purposes?

A4: Yes, shank buttons serve both functional and decorative purposes in apparel and accessories. Functionally, they provide secure closures for garments, making them ideal for coats, jackets, blouses, and skirts. Decoratively, shank buttons add visual interest and style to garments. They come in various designs, colors, and finishes, allowing them to enhance the overall aesthetic of an item. Whether used for their practicality or decorative appeal, shank buttons are versatile and valuable components in fashion.