How to Choose the Right Garment Buttons

There are a few old sewing kits around that have the little black and white, two hole button included. You know the one, it had thread, needle, and two small buttons to replace on your shirt.  Have you ever wondered how the maker of the emergency sewing kit knew what buttons to include? Why does your Tailor seem to always have the right size and match for the button you lost? It seems there are standards (regulars) in the button world, but no hard rules to use them. Well, then how do you know what to choose?

​Decisions
The first thing you probably want to think about is what do you have in mind for buttons?  Will this idea work for the garment or item? Ask yourself if you need sturdy, thick buttons - or will light and small suffice? Do you want decorative or plain? Big or small? Functional or faux? Have you ever stood in front of the buttons rack and stared for minutes, taking them all in view at once? It can be mesmerizing and overwhelming. 

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Choices
I've done a bit of searching on the question, "How many types of buttons" exist, and not one strong answer was found;  some people answered four; most say thousands! I'm pretty certain my own button box has thousands (Above: just one small bag of my "gem" buttons.). I don't know how many types there are, but if I have to name a few:  
Shank, Toggles, Flat, Frogs, Poppers (Snaps).  Some flat buttons have ridges, some are beveled - so that's not really flat, right? 

Let's toss another twist in the answer; styles of buttons. Oh, there are so many styles! Gems, pearl, covered, branded, plastic, glass, wood, shell, metal, and cloth. Some have two holes, some four with no absolute rule to be followed (Thank goodness!  I can't imagine having to remember which button goes with what!)
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Which buttons to use?

The Answer
The button you choose depends on what you want.  That's it! With no hard rules to follow, you can put any button on any item you desire ( assuming you can attach it somehow). There are conventional styles, sure; however, the choice is ultimately up to your creative instincts and designs. Size is important too, but still, it's all about the statement you want to make with your garment. ​

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Ask yourself these questions when choosing buttons: 
1. Is there a specific color or are you coordinating? 
2. Is there a specific size needed? 
3. Is this functional or faux?
4. Is there a type that is needed or works best? 

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So, you can see there are some decisions to be made before you make your final choice.  There are times when a random button may do in a pinch (when mending in emergency)., but you will ultimately change the button to the original set or create an entire new look with the change of buttons.  

What ever you choose, I wish your decision to be made with success and inspiration, today and always! 
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