Types of Buttons in Pakistan: A Complete Guide for Fashion and Apparel Industry
Walk through any fabric market in Pakistan and you will notice one small accessory that quietly supports every piece of clothing, buttons.
From traditional shalwar kameez to modern denim jackets, buttons do much more than just fasten fabric. The problem is, when you go to local markets to buy buttons, you are often confronted with a bewildering variety: some are decorative, some functional, and others are made specifically for industrial uniforms or luxury wear. Without the correct information, brands, tailors, and even individuals will choose the wrong type, and that will either make the outfit look like it has been spoiled or that the durability of it has been lowered.
The good news is that after you know the types of buttons in Pakistan, you will not have to struggle again to pick the right one for your clothing line, personal wardrobe, or manufacturing project. If you only need regular shirt buttons, strong jean rivet buttons, or decorative options for bridal wear, the button industry in Pakistan has covered all categories. Let’s examine them one by one in-depth so that you can take the right steps with trust and surety.
Plastic Button
Plastic buttons in Pakistan are the most popular due to their low cost, versatility, and almost limitless number of designs. Moreover, they are just right for shirts, children’s clothing, casual wear, and even uniforms. The majority of tailoring shops in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad usually have these in large quantities.
The reasons why they are loved:
- Light and long-lasting
- Available in either plain or patterned designs
- Easy to change your color through dyeing
Plastic buttons are the first and foremost choice in ready-to-wear clothing lines mainly because they play an important role in lowering the cost of production of the products without compromising their functionality.
Metal Buttons
These are the things that come first to mind when you imagine rugged jeans or military-style jackets: metal buttons. These are stout, cool, and long-lasting. Metal buttons are largely used for denim production, school uniforms, and corporate uniforms in Pakistan.
Common uses:
- Jeans and trousers
- Coats and jackets
- Industrial and workwear
Besides not adding only the required strength, metal buttons also provide a vivid and luxurious look that plastic can not match.
Wooden Buttons
Wooden buttons have become faddish in Pakistan’s fashion industry, mainly among environmentally friendly brands. The buttons are the main feature of ethnic wear, casual shirts, and handbags. Craftsmen in places like Sialkot and Multan decorate the wood by carving and thus giving it a unique handcrafted appearance.
Benefits:
- Environment-friendly
- Texture and color variation still keep the natural look
- You are a great fit for bohemian or rustic styles
Shell Buttons (Mother of Pearl)
Shell buttons are among the long-standing and most elegant choices, as they are made from natural seashells. You can see them in Pakistan, for example, in the luxury clothing line, formal shirts, and wedding gowns. The scenario is that they have a radiant finish that no other synthetic material can come close to.
Why they stand out:
- Smooth and radiant
- If care is taken, it can last for a very long time
- Symbol of high-quality craftsmanship
Coconut Shell Buttons
Coconut shell buttons are an alternative green product for the environment that is becoming more popular. They are easy to carry, long-lasting, and are mostly used in casual or semi-formal clothing. Pakistan brings in natural coconut shells and changes them into nature-loving, fashionable buttons.
Snap Buttons
Snap buttons, also called press buttons, are extremely practical for kids’ clothing, sportswear, and industrial uniforms. Instead of sewing, they lock into place with pressure, making them quick to open and close.
Everyday use in Pakistan:
- Baby suits and kids’ wear
- Jackets and sports kits
Bags and accessories
Shank Buttons
Unlike flat buttons with holes, shank buttons have a small loop at the back to attach them to fabric. This allows the button to sit above the material, preventing strain. In Pakistan, they are common in coats, blazers, and wedding wear.
Why designers choose them:
- Adds depth and dimension
- Keeps fabric smooth under tension
- Available in ornate, decorative designs
Toggle Buttons
These long, cylindrical buttons are often made of wood, horn, or plastic and are paired with loops instead of buttonholes. You’ll find them mostly on winter coats and cardigans in Pakistan.
Rivet Buttons
Denim jeans would be incomplete without rivet buttons. These are metal fasteners designed for heavy-duty strength. Pakistan’s denim industry relies heavily on rivet buttons, especially in export-quality jeans.
Key feature: they don’t just fasten, they reinforce fabric and prevent tearing.
Fabric-Covered Buttons
The buttons are covered with the same fabric that the garment is made of and look stylish as well as elegant. Consequently, in Pakistan, they mainly go with bridal dresses, the ladies’ section of the department store, and men’s formal wear.
Decorative Buttons
Not all buttons are intended for closing purposes. Enhance the attractiveness of the outfit with the small yet effective decorative buttons. In Liberty Lahore or Tariq Road Karachi type markets, one can easily come across thousands of beauties of the kind that got gem-like additions, pearls, or embroidery.
Horn Buttons
Horn buttons are considered premium, often made from buffalo or cow horn. They’re rare but available in high-end markets in Pakistan. They are mostly used in men’s suits and luxury coats.
Transparent Buttons
Clear plastic buttons may not be flashy, but they are extremely practical. They are widely used in school uniforms and under collars to secure fabric discreetly.
Jeans Buttons (Branded)
These are not just rivet buttons but are embossed with logos. Pakistani denim exporters rely on branded jeans buttons to create recognition and authenticity in their collections.
Novelty Buttons
Novelty buttons are whimsical, playful designs that could be flowers, animals, or cartoon characters. These are very common in children’s clothing in Pakistan, just to make the clothes more fun and eye-catching.
Magnetic Buttons
Magnetic snap buttons find their application in handbags, wallets, and jackets. They offer a neat, minimalist closing method. In Pakistan’s leather goods sector, these buttons are found everywhere.
Traditional Handmade Buttons
Handmade buttons from Sindhi and Kashmiri embroidery not only show intricate detailing but also convey cultural heritage throughout.
Those buttons are generally decorated with embroidery and are used in traditional wedding dresses, and are the first choice during wedding seasons.
Why Understanding Button Types Matters in Pakistan’s Fashion Industry?
Let’s designers choose the perfect style that fulfills functionality and beauty together.
- Mass production wastage is reduced to an extent
- Not only adds value to the garments, but it also stays durable
- Such a change allows the fashion industry to become more eco-friendly and sustainable, thus opening new market options
Once brands or individuals acquaint themselves with button types in Pakistan, they steer clear of blunders that may result in garment breakage or cheap-looking attire.
FAQs on Types of Buttons in Pakistan
School uniform buttons are usually made of plastic, and in most cases, they are transparent. They are affordable, long-lasting, and simple to replace.
Rivet buttons and branded jeans buttons are the most preferred by the denim industry of Pakistan for the reason of their being strong and able to hold fabric under pressure.
Both wooden and coconut buttons are indeed long-lasting; however, they are primarily recommended for everyday casual and semi-formal clothes.
Definitely, there are several alternatives, including wood, coconut shell, and even recycled plastic for fashion labels that are looking for eco-friendly solutions, which are city-wise sourced in Pakistan.
Fabric-covered buttons, shell buttons, and decorative rhinestone buttons are three of the highly desirable button types for the bridal and luxury clothing sector.
Yes, of course. The reason is artisans from Sindh, Punjab, and Kashmir who not only stitch but also bead and use unique materials to make the traditional buttons.
Final Thoughts
The decision of picking a suitable button may look like a small thing it is, however, responsible for a big difference in the appearance, holding, and durability of the garment. There is a vast variety of buttons in Pakistan, ranging from everyday plastic to luxury horn and shell, which gives every clothing brand, designer, and individual the opportunity to find an ideal match for their needs. Whether it is durability, elegance, or sustainability that you require, Pakistan’s markets and manufacturers are holding the perfect emulous for you.