Suit Buttons Explained: Horn, Plastic and What to Inspect

Horn, corozo and plastic can all appear on a well-made jacket. Look at how the buttons are attached and how they work with the cloth. Those details are easier to judge than the material from a photograph.

Fasten and unfasten the main button a few times. It should pass through the hole without a struggle, sit securely and leave enough room for the cloth beneath it.

What the materials can look like

Horn often has subtle color variation or grain. Corozo, made from the tagua nut, can also show grain. Molded plastic can be plain or made to look like either material. A glossy or matte finish alone won’t reliably identify the button.

Check the stitching and ask about replacements

Look for loose threads, rough edges and fraying around the buttonhole. Check the inside pocket or the tag for spares. If a button goes missing and a matching one is unavailable, a tailor can often replace the whole visible set.