General

Why are we still interested in buttons in the modern world? Collecting buttons used to be a hobby of mine and I hope to impart some of this curiosity to you by the end of this article. Buttons can tell us so many stories about our past and are an important part of our history as humans. They can be the cause of annoying shame or harbingers of unforgettable pleasure. Buttoning your clothes up requires time and attention, and unbuttoning someone else - consent and the highest level of trust. One button out of place can say more about its owner than their resume. The button contains an amazing amount of information about time, place and events, like a little packed bit of memory of the history of mankind. Its surface is sometimes comparable to the greatest works of art. Are we still talking about buttons? Yes, yes we are.

Firstly, each button has a history and each button can tell the story. There is actually a science to uncovering the stories of buttons. Carolyn White even calls buttons a “diagnostic artifact”.  

Buttons are the most common dress-related artefact recovered on archaeological sites. Archaeologists study buttons as a class of material culture and use buttons to enhance site interpretation. Buttons reflect styles of dress, modes of production, availability and popularity of materials, and can be used to assess status. Archaeologists classify buttons by material and form, and since buttons changed gradually through time and reflect changes in manufacturing techniques - use buttons as diagnostic artefacts.
- Carolyn L. White, Encyclopedia of Historical Archaeology (May 31, 2002).

We often get excited when someone uncovers a fossil such as a dinosaur bone. Yet, how often do we hear about the remarkable discoveries of a button? I used to have a hobby when I was younger of collecting buttons I would find around my hometown. I started to notice the differences in the types of buttons throughout the changing seasons and varying areas. It got me wondering about the story behind the lost button. I never had the ability to look into it any more than a passing hobby, but some historical documentaries and research about our past have often started by unearthing a simple button. So next time you lose a button, you may be helping the future learn a little about you.

Furthermore, buttons are complex items   Buttons are more than something used to fasten your coat. They were used as symbols of authority and even fashion statements. In the past, buttons were even used to designate the “gender” of the clothing. For example, men’s shirts button right to left but women’s clothes traditionally button left to right. Even military coats had a buttoned strap at the back to carry gear during the wars. fashionistas would buy buttons with precious stones or shells that would sparkle or provide colour. Even now, designers can use expensive materials to fashion the most unique buttons for red carpet looks.

Moreover, buttons are valuable and often hold sentimental value. Some rare and special buttons have been known to sell for hundreds of dollars, especially if they were worn by a famous person. Can you imagine how hard it would be to replace a special button from the Queen’s gown or Napoleon's military jacket?  Some buttons were even made with rare materials like pearls and crystals for the elite. Before machines, each button was handmade by an artisan, respected as a fine piece of art. What do your buttons mean to you? 

To sum up, buttons are amazing artifacts full of history and wonder. They have been used throughout history as a window into our past, and often pull at our heart strings with sentimentality. Buttons are everywhere and they are important. Even with the invention of zippers and Velcro, buttons have become part of our everyday language. For example, if you have ever lived in a cold climate, your mom probably always told you to button up and stay warm. She probably also thought you were as cute as a button. And as long as you never pushed her buttons, you were probably never told to button it.  So, after all is said and done, I hope you have come to think of the button as a useful tool for our everyday lives.