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