Pearl Button

Definition and Overview

Pearl buttons are buttons that incorporate a pearl-like luster, milky white tones, and a rounded shape into their design. Most use imitation pearl and combine fastening function with decoration. In addition to round shapes, there are also heart-shaped designs and specifications combined with other materials.

This does not mean using natural pearls themselves for buttons; it generally refers to buttons that artificially express a pearl-like appearance. Shell buttons are a different material that uses the luster of the mother-of-pearl layer of shell, and differ from pearl buttons in both material and appearance.

Materials and Structure

Imitation pearl is used for the pearl portion, and the surface is finished to make the most of its luster and color tone. Not only buttons that are entirely pearl-like, but also combination specifications paired with a metal-like base, rhinestones, resin, and other materials are available.

The representative attachment structure is a shank button with a loop on the back for threading sewing thread. Because the shank has thickness, the button sits slightly above the fabric surface, making the rounded design easier to show. Depending on the product, there are also hole styles such as two-hole and four-hole types.

• Shank button: A shape attached by threading sewing thread through the shank on the back.
• Two-hole / four-hole button: A shape attached by threading sewing thread through the holes on the surface.
• Combination button: A button that combines pearl-like parts with different materials.

Size Representation and Applications

Sizes are indicated by diameter in mm, and also written in lignes. Lignes are the customary size unit for buttons, and in specifications, standardizing whether lignes notation or mm notation is used makes ordering and buttonhole design easier to confirm.

Used for blouses, shirts, cardigans, dresses, skirts, jackets, and more. In particular, they are used as accents for front openings, cuffs, and necklines in neat, feminine, and formal-leaning designs. Shape, height, and the strength of the luster are selected to match the feel of the garment fabric and design.

How to Attach and Handling Notes

For shank types, stress tends to concentrate at the base of the shank, so do not tighten the sewing thread too much, and if necessary, add a wrapping stitch at the base to leave appropriate space between the button and the fabric. On thin fabrics and highly stretchy fabrics, attaching a backing button on the reverse side can help reduce fabric damage and button wobble.

Resistance to washing, dry cleaning, and ironing varies depending on the construction, such as the pearl layer, adhesive section, and base. Check not only the garment care label but also the handling conditions for the attachment itself, and do not apply a hot iron directly. It may crack from impact or pressure, or its surface may become scratched, and discoloration may also occur due to chemicals or prolonged light exposure.

Differences from Similar Terms

Shell buttons are buttons made by processing shells such as white mother-of-pearl shell and trochus shell, and individual pieces vary in pattern and luster derived from natural materials. Pearl buttons, on the other hand, focus on a pearl-like appearance, and are characterized by a rounded bead-like look and uniform luster in many cases.

Glass buttons are buttons that make use of the transparency and light refraction of glass, and differ from pearl buttons in both decorative effect and handling precautions. Also, while buttons with rhinestones place the stone-like decoration at the center, pearl buttons use pearl-like components as the main design element.

Frequently Asked Questions