Inside 2017 Fancy Button: Technical Details, Quality Standards, and Applications

Types of Fancy Buttons

In 2017, fancy buttons evolved beyond mere functional fasteners to become essential fashion statements that elevate the aesthetic of clothing and accessories. No longer just utilitarian, these buttons serve dual roles—providing secure closure while enhancing visual appeal across a wide range of garments. From denim to formalwear, each button type is engineered to complement both the fabric and the intended style, making them a key detail in modern fashion design.

Jeans Buttons & Rivets

Specifically designed for denim, these durable fasteners combine strength with rugged style, often seen as functional rivets or toggle-style closures.

Advantages

• High tensile strength for heavy-duty use
• Resists wear and tear from frequent washing
• Adds a vintage or industrial aesthetic
• Reinforces stress points on jeans

Limitations

• Limited decorative variety compared to fashion buttons
• Can damage washing machines if not secured
• Metal types may tarnish over time

Best for: Denim jeans, workwear, casual jackets, and utility clothing

Blazer & Suit Buttons

Elegant and often ornate, these buttons serve as focal points on formal jackets, enhancing the sophistication of business and evening wear.

Advantages

• Available in luxury materials (horn, mother-of-pearl, metal)
• Customizable with brand insignias or monograms
• Enhances the tailored look of structured garments
• Signifies attention to detail in high-end fashion

Limitations

• Can be expensive, especially in premium materials
• May require professional sewing for secure attachment
• Delicate materials like horn can crack over time

Best for: Business suits, tuxedos, structured blazers, and formal vests

Cape & Hooded Closure Buttons

Known for their bold shapes and decorative flair, these buttons are used on capes, cloaks, and hooded garments, often featuring artistic motifs like hearts, stars, or engraved metalwork.

Advantages

• High visual impact with unique designs
• Perfect for seasonal or theatrical fashion
• Often double as jewelry or accessory elements
• Ideal for statement outerwear

Limitations

• May be too bulky for everyday wear
• Limited functionality in windy conditions
• Can snag on fabrics or hair

Best for: Winter capes, fashion cloaks, hooded coats, and costume wear

Coat & Jacket Embellished Buttons

Ranging from military-inspired brass to artistically crafted pieces, these buttons blend function with fashion, especially in outerwear.

Advantages

• Excellent insulation retention when properly sealed
• Strong visual identity (e.g., double-breasted military styles)
• Available in themed designs (nautical, vintage, avant-garde)
• Can transform a simple coat into a designer piece

Limitations

• Heavy buttons may stretch fabric over time
• Complex fastening can be inconvenient
• May require replacement if lost due to unique sizing

Best for: Trench coats, pea coats, winter parkas, and fashion-forward jackets

Fashion Tip: When customizing a garment, ensure button size and weight are proportionate to the fabric thickness—oversized buttons on lightweight material can cause sagging, while small buttons on heavy coats may lack secure closure.

Fashion Integration of Fancy Buttons: Elevating Style Through Detail

Fancy buttons are far more than functional fasteners—they are pivotal design elements that redefine the aesthetics of apparel and accessories. In contemporary fashion, these embellishments transcend their utilitarian role, serving as focal points that convey personality, sophistication, and cultural expression. From haute couture runways to everyday streetwear, decorative buttons transform garments by adding texture, color, and narrative depth.

The Evolution of Buttons in Fashion Design

Historically, buttons were symbols of status and craftsmanship, often handcrafted from precious metals and gemstones. Today, their evolution continues in innovative materials and avant-garde designs. Designers leverage buttons not just to secure fabric, but to create visual rhythm, emphasize silhouettes, and introduce artistic flair. Whether subtle or bold, the right button can elevate a simple piece into a statement of elegance or rebellion.

Belly Button Rings: Jewelry as Structural Fashion

A belly button ring is more than body jewelry—it's a dynamic intersection of fashion and identity. As a form of navel adornment, it plays a strategic role in modern styling, especially in swimwear, crop tops, and sheer garments. The choice of ring—be it minimalist barbells, ornate hoops, or dangling charms—reflects personal taste and cultural influences.

Materials like surgical steel, titanium, and 14k gold dominate the market for durability and hypoallergenic properties, while gemstone accents (such as cubic zirconia or diamonds) add glamour. In fashion photography and celebrity styling, belly rings are often highlighted to create a sensual yet tasteful exposure, turning the midriff into a canvas of self-expression.

Oversized Shirt Buttons: Drama and Volume in Tailoring

Oversized buttons have become signature elements in both casual and high-fashion shirt designs. Typically crafted from mother-of-pearl, resin, or engraved metals, these large-scale buttons introduce texture and visual weight to blouses, button-downs, and trench coats.

When placed on loose-fitting shirts or structured blazers, they draw attention to the center line of the body, subtly altering perceived proportions. Designers like Comme des Garçons and Alexander McQueen have used exaggerated buttons to challenge traditional tailoring norms, creating sculptural silhouettes that blur the line between clothing and art.

Decorative Buckles for Shawls & Wraps

A shawl secured with a decorative buckle transcends its role as a mere layering piece. These buckles—often inspired by vintage clasps, Art Deco motifs, or tribal metalwork—act as wearable art. Made from brass, enamel, or even recycled materials, they provide both function and aesthetic enhancement.

In cold-weather fashion, a well-chosen buckle can anchor an outfit, serving as a centerpiece around which scarves, capes, and ponchos are styled. Brands like Burberry and Max Mara frequently incorporate elegant brooch-style fasteners to elevate woolen wraps into luxury accessories.

Fancy Jacket Buttons: Signifiers of Elegance and Craftsmanship

On formalwear, jacket buttons are subtle yet powerful indicators of quality and attention to detail. Blazers, tuxedos, and tailored coats often feature buttons made from horn, corozo nut, or crystal-encrusted metal, each contributing to the garment’s overall prestige.

Gold and silver-tone buttons remain staples in men’s and women’s suiting, with double-breasted jackets using contrasting button rows to create symmetry and balance. In couture, Swarovski-embellished or hand-engraved buttons are used to signify exclusivity, often custom-made for specific collections or red-carpet events.

Why Fancy Buttons Matter in Modern Fashion

Important: While decorative buttons enhance aesthetics, functionality should not be compromised. Ensure secure attachment and material durability, especially for frequently worn pieces. Poorly affixed or low-quality buttons can detract from an otherwise polished look. Always consider the garment’s purpose—elegant buttons on formalwear should reflect longevity, while playful designs on casual wear can embrace trend-driven experimentation.

In conclusion, fancy buttons are indispensable tools in the fashion designer’s arsenal. Whether through a sparkling belly ring, a bold oversized button, or a refined jacket fastener, these details possess the transformative power to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. By thoughtfully integrating decorative closures, designers and wearers alike celebrate the artistry of fashion—one button at a time.

Designs of Fancy Buttons in 2017: A Year of Artistic Innovation

In 2017, fashion buttons transcended their traditional role as mere fasteners, evolving into bold artistic statements that defined entire collections. Designers embraced buttons as integral elements of visual storytelling, transforming garments into wearable art. From haute couture to casual wear, the year celebrated creativity, craftsmanship, and individuality through meticulously designed buttons that enhanced both function and fashion.

Crystal & Rhinestone Embellishments

One of the most defining trends of 2017 was the widespread use of sparkling embellishments. Buttons adorned with crystals, rhinestones, and hand-set beads became staples in eveningwear and red-carpet ensembles. These luminous accents caught the light with every movement, turning even simple silhouettes into dazzling displays of elegance.

• Designers like Swarovski collaborated with fashion houses to create custom-cut crystal buttons for luxury gowns
• Rhinestone-encrusted buttons were frequently used on cocktail dresses, blazers, and clutch closures
• Multifaceted designs maximized light reflection, creating a shimmering effect ideal for formal events
• Popular placements included tailored lapels, cuff details, and high-neck closures

Style Insight: These buttons elevated base fabrics like satin, silk, and velvet, adding opulence without requiring full beading.

Animal & Whimsical Shapes

Playfulness met sophistication with the rise of animal-shaped and thematic buttons. Giraffes, cats, birds, and hearts became popular motifs, especially in children's fashion and bohemian-inspired lines. These designs brought a sense of joy and personality to garments while maintaining high craftsmanship.

• Hand-painted ceramic animal buttons added charm to cardigans, coats, and smocks
• Heart-shaped buttons were widely used in Valentine’s collections and romantic-themed lines
• Wooden or resin animal toggles offered durability and whimsy for outdoor and casual wear
• Designers used these shapes to reinforce seasonal themes—butterflies for spring, reindeer for winter

Design Tip: These buttons worked especially well in collections targeting younger audiences or promoting comfort-driven aesthetics.

Geometric (Geo) Buttons

Minimalist fashion made a strong comeback in 2017, with geometric buttons leading the charge. Triangular, hexagonal, and circular metal or resin buttons offered clean, modern lines that complemented structured tailoring and architectural silhouettes. These designs appealed to fans of Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism.

• Matte black, brushed brass, and gunmetal finishes dominated high-end outerwear
• Used prominently on trench coats, wool overcoats, and minimalist jackets
• Asymmetrical button placements enhanced the modern art aesthetic
• Often paired with monochromatic color schemes to emphasize form and structure

Trend Note: Geo buttons blurred the line between fashion and functional sculpture, turning coats into wearable art pieces.

Sweater & Toggle Buttons

Fancy sweater buttons emerged as statement pieces in knitwear. No longer hidden fasteners, they became focal points in oversized cardigans, cable-knit hoodies, and ponchos. Crafted from natural materials like wood, horn, and antler, these toggles celebrated artisanal traditions while embracing modern knit fashion.

• Oversized wooden toggles provided both visual weight and practical durability
• Reindeer horn and buffalo horn buttons added organic texture to winter collections
• Carved patterns and inlays elevated the craftsmanship, often hand-finished
• Perfect for chunky knits where button size matched the fabric’s boldness

Functional Beauty: These buttons improved garment stability while offering unique styling opportunities.

Fabric & Eco-Conscious Buttons

Sustainability took center stage in 2017, with designers increasingly favoring eco-friendly materials. Fabric-covered buttons made from organic cotton, silk, and recycled textiles gained popularity. These buttons often featured intricate patterns like florals, paisleys, and abstract prints, aligning with the season’s romantic and artisanal themes.

• Buttons hand-covered in vintage-inspired prints added vintage charm to blouses and dresses
• Zero-waste fashion brands used fabric scraps to create custom buttons, reducing material waste
• Silk-covered buttons were used in bridal and luxury loungewear for a soft, refined look
• Natural dyes and biodegradable materials supported eco-conscious design values

Sustainability Highlight: These buttons allowed designers to promote ethical fashion without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

Material & Craft Innovation

2017 saw a surge in experimental materials and hybrid techniques. Designers combined traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, resulting in buttons that were as innovative as they were beautiful.

• Resin buttons with suspended botanicals or glitter created a 3D effect
• Laser-cut acrylic buttons offered precision and futuristic appeal
• Mixed-media buttons combined metal, fabric, and wood for layered textures
• 3D printing allowed for custom shapes and rapid prototyping in haute couture

Creative Frontier: These innovations reflected fashion’s growing intersection with technology and art.

Designer Insight: In 2017, buttons were no longer afterthoughts—they were design anchors. The most successful collections used buttons to reinforce theme, texture, and tone. Whether through sparkle, shape, or sustainability, buttons became a powerful tool for personal expression and brand identity.

Why 2017 Was a Turning Point for Button Design

The year 2017 marked a pivotal moment in accessory design, where buttons evolved from functional components to expressive fashion elements. This shift reflected broader trends in personalization, sustainability, and artistic craftsmanship across the fashion industry.

• Artistic Expression: Buttons became miniature canvases for designers to showcase creativity and brand identity
• Personalization: Unique button choices allowed wearers to infuse personality into their wardrobes
• Quality Over Quantity: Consumers increasingly valued well-crafted details over mass-produced fast fashion
• Cross-Category Influence: Trends in jewelry, home decor, and industrial design influenced button aesthetics
• Heritage Meets Innovation: Traditional materials like horn and wood were reimagined with modern shapes and finishes

Ultimately, the fancy buttons of 2017 proved that even the smallest details can have a major impact on style, function, and emotional resonance in fashion.

Suggestions for Choosing Fancy Buttons

Selecting the right fancy buttons is more than a decorative decision—it's a strategic blend of functionality, aesthetics, and brand identity that significantly impacts the quality and appeal of apparel and accessories. Whether you're designing high-end fashion pieces or crafting everyday wear, the choice of buttons influences both the garment’s performance and its visual narrative. Thoughtful consideration of design, material, size, function, and sustainability ensures your products stand out in a competitive market.

Design Tip: Buttons are not just fasteners—they are statement pieces. A well-chosen button can elevate a simple garment into a fashion-forward item, acting as a subtle yet powerful branding element.

1. Align Design with Brand Aesthetic and Target Audience

The design of a fancy button should harmonize with the overall style of the garment and resonate with your target demographic. For example, minimalist designs suit modern, clean-lined collections, while ornate, vintage-inspired buttons enhance classic or bohemian styles.

• Embellishments: Embroidered motifs (like floral patterns or geometric shapes), cutwork, engraving, or enamel inlays can transform a basic button into a focal point.
• Thematic Consistency: Use seasonal or cultural themes (e.g., snowflakes for winter collections, nautical elements for resort wear) to strengthen brand storytelling.
• Avoid Overdesign: While decorative buttons add flair, overly intricate designs may limit versatility and make the garment difficult to pair with other pieces.

2. Choose Materials That Match Garment Weight and Texture

The material of the button affects not only appearance but also functionality and comfort. Different materials bring unique textures, weights, and durability levels to your design.

• Metal Buttons: Durable and sleek, ideal for jackets, coats, and structured blazers. Options include brass, stainless steel, and aluminum, which can be polished, brushed, or antiqued.
• Wooden Buttons: Offer a natural, earthy feel—perfect for casual wear, knitwear, and eco-conscious lines. Reclaimed or sustainably sourced wood adds environmental value.
• Glass Buttons: Provide elegance and translucence, often used in formal or bridal wear. Can be hand-painted or faceted for added sparkle.
• Plastic/Acrylic Buttons: Lightweight and highly customizable in color and shape. Best for children's clothing or trendy, fast-fashion items.
• Composite Materials: Resin or horn-look buttons offer the appearance of luxury at a lower cost and weight.

Expert Tip: Match the button’s weight to the fabric. Heavy wooden or metal toggles anchor thick wool coats beautifully, while lightweight plastic or acrylic buttons prevent delicate blouses or silks from sagging or misshaping.

3. Select the Right Size for Proportion and Function

Button size plays a crucial role in both visual balance and practical use. The wrong size can disrupt the garment’s silhouette or compromise closure security.

• Large Buttons (25mm+): Make bold statements and enhance drape in oversized or voluminous garments like trench coats or cardigans. Use sparingly to avoid overwhelming the design.
• Medium Buttons (15–20mm): Versatile and commonly used for shirts, dresses, and mid-weight jackets. They offer a balanced look and reliable functionality.
• Small Buttons (under 15mm): Ideal for fitted garments such as tailored blazers, children’s clothing, or delicate blouses. They maintain clean lines and proportion without drawing excessive attention.

Always consider the number of buttons and spacing—too many small buttons can clutter a design, while too few large ones may not secure the garment properly.

4. Prioritize Functionality and Placement

While aesthetics matter, the primary role of a button is functional. The design must support the garment’s use and wear pattern.

• Sweater Buttons: Often larger and flatter, designed to prevent snagging on knits while providing secure closure.
• Toggles and Loops: Used in overalls, outerwear, or adaptive clothing for ease of use and added durability.
• Shank vs. Flat Buttons: Shank buttons (with a loop on the back) are better for heavy fabrics as they allow space for fabric to sit between button and garment. Flat buttons (with two or four holes) are common in shirts and lightweight garments.
• Stress Points: Reinforce button areas on high-tension zones (e.g., waistbands, cuffs) with interfacing or bar tacks to prevent tearing.

5. Embrace Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

With growing consumer demand for eco-friendly fashion, sustainable button choices can enhance your brand’s reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.

• Opt for buttons made from reclaimed wood, recycled metals, or biodegradable materials like corozo (vegetable ivory).
• Look for certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for wood or recycled content labels for metal and plastic.
• Partner with suppliers who prioritize ethical manufacturing and transparent supply chains.

Sustainability Insight: Brands that highlight their use of eco-friendly buttons in marketing materials often see increased customer loyalty and perceived value.

Final Recommendations for Apparel Businesses

• Always order physical samples before bulk purchasing to assess quality, color, and fit.
• Test buttons under real wear conditions—check for loosening, chipping, or discoloration after washing.
• Document button specifications (size, material, supplier) for consistency across product lines.
• Train design and production teams on button selection best practices to maintain brand coherence.
• Consider custom-designed buttons for signature collections to strengthen brand identity.

In conclusion, the selection of fancy buttons is a nuanced process that blends art and engineering. By carefully evaluating design, material, size, function, and sustainability, fashion brands can enhance both the aesthetic and functional quality of their garments. This attention to detail not only improves customer satisfaction but also strengthens brand equity and drives long-term sales success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trendy and Functional Fashion Buttons

2023 has seen a surge in creative and eye-catching button designs that blend fashion-forward aesthetics with craftsmanship. The standout trends include:

• Embellished Buttons: Featuring intricate details such as hand-set gemstones, rhinestones, and shimmering sequins, these buttons add luxury and elegance to garments, especially evening wear and statement coats.
• Oversized Buttons: Larger-than-life buttons are being used as bold design elements on blazers, trench coats, and knitwear, offering both visual impact and improved functionality.
• Transparent & Resin Buttons: Made from lucite, glass, or high-clarity resin, these see-through buttons provide a modern, minimalist look that complements contemporary silhouettes.
• Eco-Friendly Buttons: Crafted from sustainable materials like coconut shell, corozo nut, bamboo, and recycled wood or ocean plastics, these reflect the fashion industry’s growing commitment to environmental responsibility.

Designers are increasingly using buttons not just as closures but as integral parts of the garment's storytelling—merging art, function, and sustainability.

Absolutely. While their primary function is to secure garments like jackets, shirts, and coats, fancy buttons play a significant secondary role in fashion design:

• Decorative Enhancement: Buttons can elevate the visual appeal of a piece, acting as focal points on collars, cuffs, or plackets.
• Brand Identity: Signature button styles (e.g., horn buttons on heritage brands or branded metal insignias) help establish brand recognition.
• Accessory Integration: They are widely used on handbags, belts, and footwear as both functional closures and stylish accents.
• Textural Contrast: Designers use buttons to introduce texture—glossy, matte, rough, or smooth—adding depth to otherwise flat fabrics.

In essence, fancy buttons are both functional components and artistic details that contribute to the overall design narrative of a garment.

Yes, selecting the right button material is crucial for both durability and aesthetic harmony. The choice depends on the garment’s weight, structure, and intended use:

Matching button weight and strength to the garment ensures both longevity and design cohesion.

Sweater buttons are specially designed to meet the unique demands of knitted fabrics:

• Size & Strength: Typically larger and more robust than regular buttons to distribute pressure across thick yarns and prevent tearing.
• Shank Design: Often feature a reinforced shank or stem that allows the button to sit above the knit, reducing stress on individual stitches.
• Material: Made from durable materials like dense resin, wood, or composite to handle repeated use without cracking.
• Aesthetic Role: Due to their size and placement, sweater buttons often become key design elements, influencing the neckline and front panel appearance.

Unlike flat buttons on shirts, sweater buttons are engineered to preserve the integrity of the knit while maintaining a polished look. Improper button selection can lead to stretched buttonholes or sagging fronts.

Yes—when thoughtfully designed and sourced, decorative buttons can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainable fashion:

• Natural & Biodegradable Materials: Buttons made from coconut shell, corozo (vegetable ivory), bamboo, or recycled wood reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics.
• Recycled & Upcycled Components: Some designers use buttons crafted from reclaimed ocean plastics, vintage stock, or repurposed materials, minimizing waste.
• Low-Impact Production: Artisan-made buttons support small-scale, ethical manufacturing with lower carbon footprints compared to mass-produced plastic alternatives.
• Longevity & Timelessness: High-quality, stylish buttons encourage garment repair and reuse, aligning with slow fashion principles.

As consumers demand greater transparency and eco-consciousness, sustainable buttons are becoming a hallmark of responsible design—proving that even the smallest details can make a big environmental difference.