I’lll be introducing the names of buttons with feet, button with holes, and metal button. I hope you are able to refer to this when looking for a specific button on ApparelX.
Buttons with feet (button with holes in the back) (button with feet in the back)
Shank Button, buttons that have no holes on the front but have holes on the back, are also sometimes called buttons with feet.
When the front and back are made of the same material, they are called “shared feet,” but when the front is made of a different material and has metal feet, they are called “kinashi.”
Since the part where the buttons are sewn on is not easily visible from the outside, they are often used on fashionable clothing such as cardigans and blouses.
Metal buttons are used on uniforms and other items.
These are highly decorative, so they often have a three-dimensional design and have the disadvantage of being easy to fall off, but their cute designs can add a touch of elegance to even the most simple of clothes.
Tunnel Hole Buttons
These buttons have holes carved into them in the shape of a tunnel for thread.
Stick feet (weights)
It is shaped like a mushroom with a hole in the stem (feet).
Shelf Shank button
This button has a raised back with a hole in it.
Loop shank button
The legs are metals wires, shaped into a loop
Buttons with a pin going through the center are also called pin curls.
Metal button names
Hollow button
These are made by placing a front part over a leg part and crimping them together.
They are often used in uniforms, etc. They are lighter than other metal buttons because they are hollow.
Concho Buttons
Vintage decorated footed buttons are sometimes called concho button.
Names based on shape, form, etc.
Go stone type
The buttons look just like go stones from the game of Go (east asian board game)
It’s also shaped like M&Ms, or Skittles.
Half round type
The button is flat at the bottom and gently rounded at the top.
Half Sphere (Semi-Jade)
The button is shaped like a sphere cut in half.
Round ball
It’s a perfectly spherical button.
They are often made with pearls and are stylish, so they are often used for women’s cardigans.
Noseko Buttons
This button type is made by placing the surface part on the leg part and gluing it together. The part that is placed on top is called the “noseko.”
Items that can be dyed are stocked separately (top and bottom) and may require gluing. If they are made of different materials, they are sometimes called combination buttons.
Covered Buttons with Feet
There are covered buttons with metal shanks or holes.
The Japanese name for covered button “kurumi” can also be translated to walnut, so some web pages that are automatically translated will translated to walnut buttons…. but it has nothing to do with walnuts!
ApparelX is a BtoB ecommerce platform for brands, tailors and the like to order from small MOQs from a variety of manufacturers in one order. And we ship worldwide!
Check out our FAQ page, Youtube, and LinkedIn if you have basic questions or looking to stay connected.
If you are looking to bulk order, custom order, or have any other questions, contact us through our contact form and a member on the Global Strategy Team will get back to you within the next business day. (Please understand that we are based in Japan and our office hours are 9am-6pm so we are only able to answer during that time).