Have you ever stumbled upon a treasure trove of vintage buttons from the 1920s-1950s? These tiny pieces of decorative art may seem insignificant, but they hold a fascinating history within their intricate designs. From delicate floral patterns to bold geometric shapes, these buttons were more than just functional fasteners – they were a reflection of the time period they were created in.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of vintage buttons and explore their different styles thru the 1920s-1950s.
So buckle up and get ready to discover the charm and nostalgia of these tiny relics from the past.
Note: This post is inspired by a comment that Theresa from Vintage Style Files said on a past clothing blog post:
“They had some of the coolest buttons and buckles on clothing back then”
As I sat back and thought about her comment, I realized that she was completely right! So for today’s post I want to show off those little beauties of the clothing and accessories world.
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Note: If you click on an item and it is no longer available, don’t fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000’s of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.
Vintage Buttons-The Little Beauties of the Clothing World
To begin here is a fantastic article by Hobby Lark on “Vintage Button Guide-Ways to Identify Antique Buttons” . This article will get you up to date on the different types of buttons out there (Bakelite, Celluloid, Lucite, Metal etc.), how to identify them and how to clean them. An excellent read for all vintage clothing enthusiasts out there.
Now examples of Vintage Buttons:
Vintage Celluloid Buttons. Celluloid buttons became very popular during the late 1900’s through the 1920’s. They can be opaque, transparent or both and they come in all shapes, sizes and colors (Source).
Set of twelve Art Deco matching vintage buttons in a striking art deco design. The buttons are styled from plastic with a grooved design and a scalloped edge to the top.
Source: Etsy
Bright Green Celluloid Buttons. Very Art Deco looking.
Buttons don’t have to come in just the round shape, they can come in all shapes and sizes. Like these Celluloid ‘Ribbon’ buttons. What kind of outfit or accessory do you think they were used for?
Vintage Cornflower Blue art deco buttons from the 1940s-50s, made of an early plastic called casein.
Source: Etsy
Bakelite Buttons-not the first plastic buttons, but are some of the most sought after and highly collected. They come in all shapes and sizes and are heavier than Celluloid buttons (Source).
The below buttons are Vintage Black and Apple Juice Bakelite. Called apple juice because at one point the yellow was white and has gone yellow over time.
Further Reading: Bakelite! The Must Have Vintage Fashion Accessory
Vintage Apple Juice Bakelite Buttons.
Source: Etsy
Cream Corn Fluted Vintage Bakelite buttons. These look like little works of art.
Lucite Buttons were most popular from the 1930’s on through the 1960’s. It’s a low density material but stronger than plastics that came before it. They can be clear or opaque and different colors, shapes and sizes and could also be carved (source).
Here is a beautiful example of 1940’s Lucite buttons, looking like miniature flower bouquets.
Vintage 1930s Blue Hand Painted Heart Hearts Buttons
Source: Etsy-RagsandBonesVintage
Yooza look at these! Hands down my favorite buttons of this whole blog post. Lucite Cherry Candy Buttons. I can envision these beauties on a sweet 1940’s/50’s summer dress. Could you?
1940’s Bow Buttons-Cute as a….Button. Now I know what the reference to buttons means in that saying! Because at one point all the buttons were “cute”.
You could purchase these buttons for the packaging alone (it’s that cool) but you don’t have to because these ‘Teen Agers’ themed 1940’s plastic buttons are together and in mint condition.
1950’s and the Kitsch continues with these adorable Plastic Shoe Buttons.
I will now end this vintage button extravaganza with one more 1950’s kitschy plastic button, this time in the shapes of fruit. Carmen Miranda would of loved these.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed seeing what buttons looked like in various decades. I know I did!
Question Time: Do any of your vintage outfits have some outstanding buttons? Or maybe you own a collection of vintage buttons yourself. Please share!
I have also started an Etsy collection of vintage buttons for sale (updated monthly) that you can shop at right now!
Liz
Oh now you’re talking my language! I loooooove vintage buttons and have a huge collection. I try to use them as much as I can in my sewing but I still have loads waiting for the perfect outfit.
I love the buttons you’ve featured, particularly the red and white ones at the top of the list. They’re so Art Deco! xx
It’s exciting that there are so many vintage buttons out there and I love hearing when vintage loving guys and gals add them to their sewing projects.
Great post! I love vintage buttons, and have bought several vintage coats just for their buttons. My favourite was a 1950’s swing coat with really large buttons with a mother-of-pearl inlay in the centre. The coat is threadbare and torn under the arms in a way that can’t be repaired, but I’m holding onto it until I can find another use for those big, beautiful buttons. I also have really fond memories of the cardigans my grandma knitted for me–she always added the cute novelty buttons. She also had a fruitcake tin full of leftover buttons, and I loved to play with them and sort them!
What a lovely story about your grandma Ann, thanks so very much for sharing that. And I’m sure that one day you will find a way to use those buttons (maybe a cool brooch?).
Oooh lovely. I have a lot of buttons, but they are mostly plain and almost entirely unmatched! And I’m with Ann on the childhood entertainment of sorting through a big tin of buttons!
Yay another fun memory with buttons in it, Love it! All the buttons I own, are mismatched ones off current outfits lol!
another great post I love vintage buttons. I dont have any ive collected but some of my repro and authentic vintage clothing has great buttons
I really like that some of the reproduction brands are paying attention to the details like buttons. I too have some great buttons on reproductions as well. Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
What a lovely post! My grandma has a jar full of the cutest vintage buttons and when I was a child, my favouritest thing on earth was to upturn that jar and look at all the buttons, separating them into sets and picking them for the next sweater she would knit for me. She has quite a few like the ones you listed here and since she collected the buttons from thrifted clothes, she has quite the odd collection. This is really close to my heart. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this story! It seems that this was a regular activity for many of my readers..sorting thru their grandmothers button collection. I just love this is a wonderful memory for you. Once again thanks for sharing that 🙂
I have plenty of vintage buttons I collect and try to use them as much as possible in my sewing. Making my outfit today for our Swing out to Victory dance soon! Can’t decide which buttons though….
ohhh I look forward to seeing what buttons you chose for your SOTV outfit! good luck in choosing.
I love buttons and have several button tins, including my grandmas. I keep all my vintage ones in a separate tin and use them on my knitting and sewing. I love the 1940’s bow buttons and painted flower ones here.
Seems like everyone keeps their buttons in tins, I love it. I also love that my vintage sewing friends still use them in their sewing today 🙂
Hi I came across your site today and wish to congratulate for your interest and sharing of buttons and your findings. I live in Canada and have been an avid button collector for years. Today I incorporate my buttons into my art work and would love to share with you and your followers as I do custom art work to create family heirlooms for those who have kept their mother’s or grandmother’s buttons hidden away in tin cans. Send me an email where we can communicate and share some of my artwork and knowledge of buttons. Wishing you a great day and hope to hear from you.
Hi Rose! Thanks for stopping by. Vintage buttons are wonderful and I’m thrilled to hear how you are incorporating them into your art. I would love to see them. You can email: thevintageinnblog@gmail.com
Thanks!
Liz
Hi Liz,
I have a container full of various buttons from the 40s, 50s and 60s era. My mother has passed away and hopefully some of them can be part of a collection. Please advise if you would be interested or someone else that you know. I would be glad to answer any questions you may ask.
Thank you in advance.
Paul Bonnevie
Hi Paul,
Sorry for your loss 🙁 I don’t personally need buttons (I don’t craft or sew) but I would look at vintage groups online on Facebook that might be interesed. Or sewing groups, crafting.
Liz