Vintage style buttons are small but essential elements in the world of fashion and design. With their intricate details, historical significance, and unique craftsmanship, vintage buttons are much more than functional fasteners – they are often pieces of art that tell stories of past eras. From the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, buttons have evolved in both design and materials, reflecting the changing fashions, technological innovations, and societal shifts.
The History and Evolution of Vintage Style Buttons
Buttons have been used as closures for garments for centuries, and while their primary function was practical, their designs have always been a reflection of the cultural and technological advancements of their time. From the hand-carved wooden buttons of the 18th century to the lavish gold and enamel buttons of the 20th century, the history of vintage buttons is rich and varied.
Early Button Designs and Materials
The first buttons date back to ancient times, with the earliest examples found in Indus Valley archaeological sites, where buttons were made from seashells. During the Middle Ages, buttons began to emerge as ornamental features in fashion, particularly among the upper classes. However, buttons were not widely used in everyday clothing until the 17th century when the buttonhole was introduced, allowing for easier fastening of garments.
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, buttons were often crafted from natural materials such as wood, bone, and horn. These buttons were usually handmade and featured simple designs, often utilitarian in nature. However, buttons also became a status symbol, especially in Europe, where wealthy individuals could afford buttons made from precious metals and adorned with intricate engravings or designs.
The Industrial Revolution and Mass Production
The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century revolutionized the button industry, as advances in machinery allowed for mass production. This period saw the introduction of metal buttons, which were more durable and widely accessible. Brass and copper became popular materials, and buttons began to be mass-produced using new techniques like stamping and die-casting.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a boom in button manufacturing, and this period was marked by the introduction of buttons made from materials like glass, plastic, and Bakelite, a type of early plastic. These materials allowed for a wider range of designs and finishes, with buttons becoming not only functional but decorative as well.
Mid-20th Century Button Trends
The 20th century saw buttons evolve in response to changing fashion trends. In the 1920s, buttons became more ornamental, with designers like Coco Chanel using large, bold buttons as statement pieces on jackets and coats. The 1930s and 1940s saw buttons made from a wider range of materials, including celluloid and other plastics, while the 1950s and 1960s introduced buttons in a variety of fun, geometric designs, often made of colorful plastics or wood.
The 1970s and 1980s brought a more minimalist approach to button design, with smaller, more subtle buttons appearing on everyday clothing. However, vintage-style buttons have remained a staple of fashion design, with designers and collectors appreciating the artistry, craftsmanship, and history embedded in these small but significant details.
Types of Vintage Style Buttons
Vintage style buttons come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. Their designs range from the simple and utilitarian to the intricate and decorative, reflecting the fashion trends of their respective eras. Here is an overview of the different types of vintage buttons, categorized by their materials and design features.
Material-Based Vintage Buttons
The materials used to make vintage buttons have varied greatly over the years, with each material offering a different aesthetic and level of durability. Some materials were more common in certain time periods, while others were considered luxury items.
Metal Buttons
Metal buttons have been a staple of vintage button designs since the early days of their use. These buttons were typically made from brass, copper, or gold, and they often featured engravings, embossing, or intricate designs. Metal buttons became especially popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when they were often used on military uniforms, suits, and formal clothing.
In the 1920s and 1930s, metal buttons began to be used more decoratively on women’s fashion, with designers incorporating them into jackets, blouses, and dresses. Buttons made from sterling silver, gold-plated brass, or even pewter became increasingly common during this period.
Wooden Buttons
Wooden buttons were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially for casual or work garments. They were often hand-carved, with simple designs or natural finishes that gave them an organic, rustic appeal. In the 1930s and 1940s, wooden buttons were widely used on coats, blouses, and dresses, especially those made from wool or cotton.
By the mid-20th century, wooden buttons became a signature feature of bohemian-style clothing and were used in designs that celebrated natural materials. Their warm, earthy tones and tactile nature made them a popular choice for clothing worn in casual, relaxed settings.
Glass Buttons
According to VintageQQ, glass buttons have long been admired for their beauty and delicacy. Vintage glass buttons, especially those made during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were often colorful and intricately patterned, with some featuring hand-painted details or embedded stones. These buttons were made using a variety of glass-blowing techniques, and they often had a shiny, reflective finish that added to their appeal.
Glass buttons were especially popular in the 1920s and 1930s, when they were used to embellish women’s eveningwear, formal dresses, and coats. These buttons were often molded into intricate patterns, such as floral designs, geometric shapes, or even figures, making them both decorative and functional.
Plastic and Bakelite Buttons
Plastic buttons, particularly Bakelite, became a revolutionary material in the early 20th century. Bakelite, which was introduced in the 1920s, is a form of early plastic that became extremely popular for making buttons. These buttons were lightweight, durable, and easy to mass-produce, making them a popular choice for clothing manufacturers. Bakelite buttons often featured bold, colorful designs and were sometimes decorated with patterns or inlays, such as mother-of-pearl or metal accents.
Plastic buttons, in general, became more common in the 1940s and 1950s, with designers experimenting with different colors, shapes, and finishes. These buttons were often used on both casual and formal garments, offering a more affordable option than metal or glass buttons.
Design Features of Vintage Style Buttons
In addition to their material, the design of vintage buttons is another aspect that makes them unique. Over the years, buttons have evolved in terms of shape, size, and decorative features. The following design features reflect the trends and styles of different eras.
Decorative Embellishments
Vintage buttons were often elaborately decorated to enhance their visual appeal. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, buttons were often adorned with intricate engravings, etchings, and carvings. These buttons were made from metals such as brass or silver, with the designs often reflecting the art and cultural movements of the time. In the 1920s, buttons became more ornate, with designs that featured geometric patterns, Art Deco elements, or even hand-painted details.
Glass and plastic buttons from the mid-20th century also featured decorative embellishments, such as embedded stones, beads, or metallic accents. Some buttons were made with multiple layers of glass or plastic, creating a dimensional, textured effect.
Functional and Practical Designs
While decorative buttons were certainly popular, vintage buttons also had practical designs to ensure they functioned well in everyday use. Some vintage buttons were designed with a flat, simple shape for ease of use, while others had raised patterns or decorative edges for grip and durability. Military-style buttons, for example, often featured a smooth surface with a subtle engraving or insignia, making them both functional and symbolic.
In addition to these practical designs, many vintage buttons also featured unique fastenings, such as shanks or loops, that helped secure garments in place. Shank buttons, which have a loop or shaft on the back for sewing onto the fabric, were especially popular in the early 20th century and remain a hallmark of vintage button designs.
Novelty and Themed Buttons
Novelty buttons are a fun and unique category of vintage buttons, often made to represent a specific theme, event, or pop culture trend. These buttons were especially popular in the 1950s and 1960s, when designers used buttons to make whimsical, playful statements. Novelty buttons could feature everything from animals and flowers to symbols and logos, and were used to add a lighthearted touch to clothing.
Themed buttons have also been used to commemorate important events or cultural shifts, such as buttons featuring patriotic symbols, political messages, or logos for popular products and brands. These buttons are highly collectible, as they often reflect the cultural zeitgeist of a particular period.
How to Incorporate Vintage Style Buttons into Fashion and Crafting
Vintage buttons are not only for collectors—they can also be incorporated into modern fashion and crafting projects. Whether you’re restoring an old jacket, adding character to a blouse, or creating custom jewelry, vintage buttons offer a world of possibilities.
Updating Vintage Garments
One of the easiest ways to incorporate vintage buttons into your wardrobe is by updating old garments with unique, collectible buttons. Adding vintage buttons to a cardigan, coat, or blouse can transform a piece of clothing into a one-of-a-kind item. Simply replace the existing buttons with vintage-style buttons that match the fabric and overall style of the garment. This technique is particularly effective for adding a touch of elegance or vintage charm to more modern pieces.
Creating Custom Accessories
Vintage buttons can also be used to create custom accessories, such as brooches, bracelets, and earrings. By sewing or gluing buttons onto metal or fabric bases, you can create personalized, unique jewelry pieces that add a vintage flair to your outfit. For example, a set of colorful glass buttons can be made into a statement necklace, or a collection of intricate, small buttons can be used to create a charming brooch.
Button Art and Decorative Projects
For those who love crafting, vintage buttons can be used in a variety of decorative projects. From button art to home décor, these buttons can bring a vintage aesthetic into your living space. Create framed button artwork, where you arrange buttons into patterns, shapes, or images. Alternatively, you can use vintage buttons to embellish picture frames, lampshades, or throw pillows, adding a unique, tactile element to your décor.
Caring for and Preserving Vintage Buttons
Vintage buttons require proper care to ensure they retain their beauty and value over time. Whether you are preserving buttons for display or incorporating them into a project, maintaining their condition is essential.
Cleaning Vintage Buttons
Most vintage buttons can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and water, but you should always test the cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially for delicate materials like glass or wood. For metal buttons, use a gentle metal cleaner to remove tarnish or dirt. For fabric-based buttons, use a soft brush to gently remove dust or dirt, being careful not to damage any embroidery or decoration.
Storing Vintage Buttons
When not in use, store vintage buttons in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, as this can cause fading or discoloration over time. For larger collections, consider storing buttons in small containers or display cases, such as jewelry boxes, clear plastic boxes, or vintage tins. This will protect the buttons from dust and prevent them from becoming damaged by external elements.
Repairing and Restoring Vintage Buttons
If a vintage button becomes cracked or broken, it may be possible to restore it. Many collectors and crafters choose to restore vintage buttons by repairing small chips or cracks with appropriate adhesives or fillers. For extremely delicate buttons, it may be best to seek the help of a professional conservator who specializes in button restoration.
Vintage style buttons are not just small accessories—they are an integral part of fashion history. From the 19th-century brass buttons to the colorful glass buttons of the 1950s, these items continue to captivate collectors, designers, and fashion enthusiasts alike. Their rich history, unique materials, and beautiful designs offer endless possibilities for modern fashion and crafting projects. By understanding the different types, materials, and care of vintage buttons, you can incorporate these timeless treasures into your wardrobe and creative projects, preserving their beauty and functionality for years to come.