Button

clothing · inventions · everyday

Holds fabric together. Buttons are fasteners that join two pieces of cloth by passing through buttonholes or loops. They've been keeping clothes closed for hundreds of years.

Made from many materials. Buttons can be crafted from bone, wood, metal, plastic, shell, or even gemstones. Different materials create different looks and durability.

Ancient invention. People have used button-like fasteners since ancient times, though modern buttons became common during the 1200s in Europe.

Sewn or glued on. Buttons attach to clothing through sewing thread that passes through holes in the button, or sometimes they're glued on for decorative purposes.

Fashion and function. Beyond holding clothes closed, buttons became decorative design elements that show style, status, and creativity in fashion.