When it comes to custom suits in Washington, DC, every detail matters. From the fabric and fit to the lapels and lining, each element plays a role in creating a suit that truly reflects your personal style. One often overlooked but essential aspect of a custom suit is the choice of buttons. The right buttons can elevate your suit from ordinary to extraordinary, making a statement about your taste and attention to detail, as well as customizing its use cases to be exactly what you need.

In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of choosing the perfect buttons for your Capitol Hill Clothiers custom suit, ensuring that your ensemble is nothing short of exceptional.

The Importance of Buttons

Buttons may seem like a small detail, but they can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of your suit. They are not only functional, keeping your jacket and trousers securely fastened, but also serve as a subtle accent that can enhance or detract from the suit's overall aesthetic.

Choosing high-quality buttons that complement your suit's fabric and design is crucial to achieving a polished and refined look. Here are some factors to consider when selecting buttons for your custom suit:

Material

Buttons come in a variety of materials, including horn, corozo (also known as vegetable ivory), various metals, and mother-of-pearl. Each material has its own unique properties that can contribute to the overall style and feel of your suit.

• Horn: Genuine horn buttons are made from the horns of buffalo, cows, or deer. They are durable, natural, and come in a range of colors and patterns. Horn buttons are an excellent choice for a classic, timeless look.

• Corozo: Corozo buttons are made from the seeds of the tropical tagua palm tree and are an eco-friendly option. They have a smooth, matte finish and are available in various colors. Corozo buttons are ideal for those seeking a sustainable, yet stylish button choice.

• Metal: Metal buttons, such as brass or silver, are reserved for blazers or specialty-use/fashion suits. They generally come with a crest or other ornate textured design and provide a stark contrast from the base fabric.

• Mother-of-Pearl: Mother-of-pearl buttons are made from the inner lining of mollusk shells, giving them a unique iridescent sheen. They are perfect for adding a subtle, luxurious touch to your suit. Take note though, genuine mother-of-pearl is delicate and care should be taken when dry-cleaning and storing your suits to preserve them.

Color

When choosing button colors, it's essential to consider the color of your suit fabric. As a general rule of thumb, choose buttons that either match or complement the fabric color. For example, if you are designing a navy suit, the subtle option would be to opt for navy or dark brown buttons, whereas if you wanted to add a bit of contrast, a tortoiseshell or chili brown button might suit your fancy. Similarly, if you're creating a light grey suit, similarly toned buttons, such as gray or mother-of-pearl will be the best matches, while black or bourbon buttons would add a nice contrast.

Style

Button style is another important factor to consider when selecting buttons for your custom suit. Buttons can be flat or raised, with various edge finishes and shapes. Classic suit buttons are typically round with four holes, while more modern styles may feature two holes or a shank (a small loop on the back of the button).

Consider the overall style of your suit when choosing its buttons. A classic, conservative suit may call for simple, understated buttons, while a more fashion-forward or bold suit might benefit from unique or statement-making buttons.

Note that a suit jacket with contrasting buttons can also be very easily used as a sport coat with separate pants, as the buttons on sport coats generally have more contrast anyway. Going this route offers more versatility to your suit and if you’re working with a plaid, windowpane, or heavily textured fabric, this versatility can go a long way and add hundreds of options to your wardrobe.

If you are designing a custom tuxedo, dinner jacket, or smoking jacket, satin buttons are going to be your absolute best choice. They offer a matching level of formality and can come in sleek satin, grosgrain, and other colors to match your black-tie garment.

Conclusion

Your Capitol Hill Clothiers custom suit is a reflection of your personal style, and the right buttons can make all the difference in creating a polished, cohesive look. By considering factors such as material, color, and style, you can select the perfect buttons to enhance your suit and showcase your attention to detail. So, take the time to explore your options, and remember – it's the little details that make a big impact. If you’re ready to start the custom process, just click the link below and schedule a fitting with Capitol Hill Clothiers!