#jeans button

A single, well-chosen button can elevate a garment from ordinary to extraordinary. They are the unsung heroes of fashion, the tiny details that pull an entire look together. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a fashion designer, or simply looking to replace a lost button, knowing how to choose buttons is a valuable skill. This guide will walk you through the key considerations of material, size, and style to ensure your next project is flawless.

1. Material Matters: More Than Just Looks

The material of a button dictates not only its appearance but also its weight, durability, and care requirements.

Plastic & Polyester: The most common types, offering incredible variety in color, shape, and finish. They are lightweight, affordable, and perfect for everyday garments like shirts and children’s wear.

Metal Buttons: These add a touch of weight, luxury, and durability. Think of the classic jeans button — almost always a sturdy metal button made from brass or nickel, designed to withstand constant strain and washing. Blazer buttons are also often metal, providing that sharp, professional finish.

Horn, Wood, & Shell: Natural materials bring unique, organic texture. Each button is slightly different, making your garment one-of-a-kind. They are perfect for adding a rustic or high-end artisanal feel to coats and cardigans.

Fabric-Covered: For a seamless, elegant look, fabric-covered buttons are ideal. They allow you to incorporate the exact garment material, creating a perfectly matched and sophisticated appearance, often seen on formal wear.

2. Getting the Size Right

Button size is measured in millimeters across the diameter (or “ligne”). Using the wrong size can throw off a garment’s balance.

Small (10–13mm): Perfect for delicate dress button placements on cuffs and blouses.

Medium (15–18mm): The most versatile size, excellent for standard shirt fronts and many types of dresses.

Large (22mm+): Best for statement pieces like coats, capes, and duffle bags. A large toggle or shank button works beautifully here.

A quick tip: If replacing a single button, always match the size of the existing ones. For a new project, lay buttons on the fabric to visually gauge the best proportion.

3. Style and Function: Flat vs. Shank

This is the crucial functional difference.

Flat Buttons (2 or 4 holes): These are sewn directly onto the fabric. They lie flat and are best for lightweight to medium-weight materials where the button won’t be under significant stress. Most standard shirt buttons are flat.

Shank Buttons: These have a small loop (shank) on the back. This design allows the button to sit proud of the fabric, creating space for thicker material to sit underneath without puckering. This makes a shank button the superior choice for heavy coats, blazers, and bags. The blazer button is the quintessential example of a shank style.

Matching Button to Garment:

For a Dress Button: Consider the dress’s style. A delicate silk dress calls for a small, pearl or fabric-covered button. A structured denim dress can handle a contrasting metal button.

For a Jeans Button: Durability is key. A rust-proof, heavy-duty metal button with a secure rivet-style prong is non-negotiable.

For a Blazer Button: This is where you make a statement. A classic blazer button is often a metal button in gold, silver, or gunmetal finish, frequently featuring a crest or logo. A horn button offers a more refined, traditional look.

A Final Word on Quality and Consistency

Denim jeans are more than just clothing; they’re companions in adventure. Sometimes, though, that sturdy hardware like Jeans Button closures and those iconic rivet jeans reinforcements need adjusting or replacing. Maybe a rivet is scratched, uncomfortable, or your style has evolved. Removing rivets might seem daunting, but with the right tools and care, it’s achievable. This guide focuses on how to remove rivets from jeans, ensuring you can preserve the integrity of your beloved denim.

Understanding Denim Hardware: Why Rivets Exist

First, some history! Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis patented riveted pants in 1873. The primary function? Preventing stress points — like pocket corners and the Jeans Button fly area — from tearing. Rivets add structural strength and a distinct industrial aesthetic. Traditional rivets often feature a decorative top cap (visible outside) clenched or pressed onto a separate post (inside). Brass button components were common historically, offering durability and a classic look, though modern rivets use various metals, including coated steel or copper alloys. Understanding this construction is key to safe removal.

Essential Tools & Preparation

Before tackling any rivets, gather the right arsenal:

Sharp Scissors or Seam Ripper are vital for cutting away any fabric threads securing the inside washer or covering the rivet post.

Pliers are essential: Needle-Nose Pliers for gripping and potentially bending/wiggling, and Locking Pliers (Vise-Grips) for extreme holding power and twisting (use cautiously).

A Small Flathead Screwdriver is often ideal for prying under rivet caps.

Consider a Rivet Removal Kit, which often includes a punch and anvil.

A Hammer is needed if using the punch method.

A Metal Punch & Anvil (or very Hard Surface) is crucial for the most controlled method. An anvil provides stable backing; a thick piece of scrap metal can suffice.

Safety Gear like Safety glasses is non-negotiable as metal fragments can fly. Protect your work surface as well.

Prepare Your Jeans:

Empty all pockets completely.

Set up a stable, well-lit workspace.

Identify the rivet type by carefully examining both sides — is it a post-through-cap or a simpler clinched type?

Flip the jeans inside out to locate the post. This end is usually a small metal circle (washer) pressed against the fabric. Use sharp scissors or a seam ripper to gently cut away any threads binding or covering this washer. Clear metal-to-metal contact is needed for the punch method later. For a woman tailoring fit or handling delicate fabrics in certain brands, extra care during this step is vital.

Methods for Removing Rivets from Jeans

Choose the method based on your tools and confidence:

The Punch Method (Most Controlled & Recommended)

Flip the jeans inside out and fully expose the washer end of the rivet post. Position the rivet directly over the opening in your anvil (or sturdy metal block). The rivet cap needs empty space beneath it, while the post/washer rests firmly on the anvil surface. Select a metal punch whose diameter is slightly smaller than the dome of the outer rivet cap but larger than any central hole. Place the punch tip firmly on the center of the outer rivet cap (from the right side of the jeans). Hold the jeans firmly on the anvil and deliver a single, sharp, forceful tap with the hammer. The goal is to dislodge the cap and post assembly downward. Usually, one good strike pops it out. If not, carefully reposition and strike again. Tools designed for handling delicate finishes, sometimes associated with Brass button removal, can be helpful here. Working near the main Jeans Button closure requires steady pressure.

The Drill Method (Use with Caution)

Flip the jeans inside out and find the center of the rivet washer. It’s often recommended to start with a very small pilot hole (1–2mm) drilled straight through the center of the washer/post. This guides a larger bit. Switch to a drill bit slightly larger than the rivet post diameter but smaller than the cap size. Carefully drill down through the center only until you feel resistance release — meaning you’ve drilled through the post connecting washer to cap. Drilling too far will damage the outer cap and denim. Once the post is drilled through, the cap should be loose and can be gently pried off with needle-nose pliers.

The Pliers Method (Least Preferred — High Fabric Damage Risk)

Try to get needle-nose pliers under the edge of the outer rivet cap. Apply extreme caution and gentle leverage to try and lift/bend the cap away. This is very difficult without significantly damaging the surrounding fabric. It is generally best to avoid this method, particularly on thinner denim often chosen by a woman, unless other tools are completely unavailable.

Cutting the Post (Backup Method)

Flip the jeans inside out and cut away any fabric/threads covering the washer. Use very sharp wire cutters or bolt cutters to carefully cut through the rivet post, just below the washer. Slipping risks fabric damage. Once the washer is detached, push or gently pry the cap off the front.

Post-Removal Cleanup

Inspect both sides of the fabric thoroughly for any remaining small metal fragments.

The rivet removal leaves holes that must be reinforced to prevent tearing. Sew a small, tight circle around the holes or iron on a piece of denim patch behind them. This reinforcement is crucial whether you leave the hole, sew it shut, or install a new rivet or snap buttons for jeans as an alternative closure. Replacing a damaged rivet, perhaps with a genuine Brass button, can restore the original heritage look, but requires specialized setting tools for security.

Why Remove Instead of Replace?

While snap buttons for jeans offer convenient alternatives, removal without replacement is sometimes the goal for comfort (e.g., a rivet digging into the hip), aesthetics (simplifying the look), damage (scratched/bent rivets), or recycling/upcycling vintage rivet jeans.

Replacing Rivets vs. Using Snap Buttons

Traditional Rivets: Provide maximum structural strength, ideal for high-stress areas like pockets and fly reinforcements, maintaining the classic Jeans Button area look. Setting requires specific tools (hammer + anvil or press). A genuine Brass button rivet offers a classic aesthetic.

Snap Buttons (like Prym): Much easier to install with pliers or a simple setting kit. Excellent for closures needing easy fastening (fly alternatives, pockets, cuffs). They offer distinct style choices and are often preferred by a woman looking for convenience or specific snap buttons for jeans detailing. However, they provide less structural strength than a solid post rivet.

Conclusion

Removing rivets from your cherished rivet jeans requires patience, the right tools (punch and anvil are highly recommended), and meticulous handling to protect the denim. The punch method offers the safest and most reliable path. Whether repairing a worn Brass button, replacing a damaged Jeans Button fly rivet, or customizing for better fit and comfort, mastering this skill empowers you to extend the life and tailor the personality of your jeans. For areas where ease-of-use or alternative aesthetics are desired, installing snap buttons for jeans is a viable option. Never forget the critical step of reinforcing the fabric after removal to ensure your denim adventures continue without a hitch.

Few items scream Vintage Fashion quite like a pair of authentic 90s baggy jeans. They embody an era of grunge, hip-hop, skate culture, and unapologetic rebellion. Look closely at these iconic trousers, and you’ll notice a recurring detail: significantly oversized buttons, particularly the Jeans Button used for the main closure. These weren’t subtle additions; they were bold, noticeable, and often hefty. But why this specific design choice? The answer lies in a fascinating intersection of aesthetics, durability, practical necessity, and a celebration of Vintage Buttons.

Part 1: More Than Just a Fastener — The Role of the Jeans Button

Before diving into the “big,” it’s crucial to understand the Jeans Button itself. For over a century, the jean’s primary closure hasn’t been a zipper alone (though those became dominant later), but rather a robust button-on-button system. This involves a metal shank button permanently attached to the waistband and a corresponding hole/reinforced buttonhole on the opposite side of the fly. Historically, this closure predates zippers and was chosen for its immense strength, essential for the heavy workwear denim jeans originated as.

When mass production embraced Metal buttons for jeans (think Levi’s iconic copper rivets on pockets, introduced in the late 1800s), the main closure button followed suit. Metal buttons, often made of brass or steel with various coatings (like nickel or copper plating), offered unparalleled durability. They resisted repeated friction, bending, and the strain put on the crucial waist closure point. The toughness of Metal buttons became synonymous with the ruggedness of denim itself.

Part 2: The Rise of the Baggy Silhouette and its Demands

The 1990s saw a seismic shift in denim. Moving sharply away from the form-fitting styles of the 80s, baggy jeans became a defining element of youth culture. Driven by hip-hop artists sporting jeans several sizes too large and skaters needing freedom of movement, these jeans featured:

Loose Fits: Significantly wider legs, dropped crotches, and oversized seats.

Thicker Denim: Authentic baggy styles, especially those popularized by brands like JNCO, Kikwear, and even mainstream giants like Levi’s Silvertab, often used thick, heavy-weight denim (14oz and above) to hold their exaggerated shape.

Heavy Construction: Extra stitching, double-layered knees, reinforced belts loops, and ample pocket space were common. This wasn’t flimsy fashion; it was built to withstand the lifestyle it represented.

This shift in proportions and fabric weight created a new set of requirements for the fly closure. The traditional small-to-medium Jeans Button, perfectly adequate for lean, 501-style jeans, suddenly looked visually incongruous and potentially functionally inadequate when confronted with the sheer scale of baggy jeans.

Part 3: Why Big Buttons Solved the Problem

This is where the large buttons came into their own, addressing several key issues:

Visual Proportion & Aesthetic Boldness: The primary driver was likely aesthetics. A standard-sized button would look tiny and insignificant lost in the expanse of a wide waistband. Large, prominently featured Metal buttons created a visual anchor point. They balanced the exaggerated proportions, adding a bold hardware element that complemented the statement-making nature of the jeans. This aligned perfectly with the maximalist, unapologetic attitude of 90s streetwear and alternative cultures. The button became a visible feature, not just a hidden fastener — a piece of Vintage Fashion hardware demanding attention.

Enhanced Durability Under Strain: The heavier fabric weight of many baggy jeans naturally created more tension at the point of closure. Wearers would also naturally pull harder to fasten jeans sitting lower on the hips. A larger Jeans Button inherently has:

Greater Surface Area: This distributes the force exerted when fastening and the pressure during wear across more metal, reducing stress points and the risk of the button bending or snapping off the shank.

Stronger Grip: Larger buttons offer more surface area for fingers to grip when fastening and unfastening, making the process easier, especially with cold hands or stiff new denim.

Reinforcing the Rugged Identity: Large Metal buttons reinforced the utilitarian, industrial heritage of jeans while translating it into 90s Vintage Fashion. They echoed the substantial rivets on pockets, creating a cohesive, sturdy look. The size emphasized their metal construction, making a statement about durability and non-preciousness.

Manufacturing Consistency & Branding: Using a single, larger, standardized Jeans Button across multiple styles and sizes (even if slightly oversized for smaller waistbands) was potentially more efficient than managing multiple button sizes. Furthermore, the oversized button became a distinctive branding element for certain labels, easily recognizable to fans.

Part 4: Beyond Function — Big Buttons as Iconic Vintage Details

The large buttons on vintage baggy jeans transcend their practical origins. For collectors and enthusiasts of Vintage Fashion, these Vintage Buttons are key authenticity markers. Spotting a pair of 90s jeans often involves checking not just the wash and fit, but the distinct size and patina of the Metal buttons. They hold historical value:

Design Authenticity: They are intrinsically linked to the specific design language of late 80s/90s baggy denim. Seeing that large button instantly signals the era.

Material Patina: Metal buttons develop a unique character over time. Scratches, tarnishing, the fading of coatings — these tell the story of the jeans’ life. Larger buttons simply offer more surface for this patina to develop and be appreciated.

Nostalgic Connection: That oversized, sometimes clunky feel when buttoning them is a direct sensory link to the past. It’s a tangible piece of fashion history.

The oversized buttons on vintage baggy jeans are far more than a quirky design choice; they are a functional and stylistic solution born from the demands of the garment itself. The convergence of heavy denim, exaggerated proportions, and the need for robust fastening necessitated hardware that matched the scale and attitude of the jeans. Large Metal buttons provided the necessary durability, improved grip, and crucially, the bold visual presence that balanced the baggy silhouette and became an integral part of the aesthetic language of 90s streetwear and alternative fashion.

So I’ve had this jeans button for a few years (think I found it in my high school but at this point who knows) and I have no idea where it’s from or what the jeans it came off of look like so if anyone out there knows what jeans this button is from lmk!