How to Replace Blazer Buttons: Give Your Jacket a New Lease of Life
There is something rather satisfying about finding a jacket that fits perfectly. The shoulders sit just right, the cut is flattering, and the fabric is exactly what you were looking for. But sometimes, despite everything else being spot on, something is missing.
More often than you might think, it's the buttons. Blazer buttons are one of those small details that can make a surprisingly big difference to the overall appearance of a jacket. Yet they're frequently overlooked, particularly on ready-to-wear tailoring.
The good news? You don't need to invest in an entirely new wardrobe to elevate your style. Simply replacing the buttons on an existing blazer or jacket can give it a completely different character.
And it's easier than you might think.
Why Replace Your Blazer Buttons?
A well-made blazer can last for years, but the buttons originally supplied with it aren't necessarily its finest feature.
Many off-the-peg jackets are finished with fairly ordinary plastic or imitation horn buttons. They're perfectly functional, of course, but they don't always do justice to the quality of the garment.
Replacing them with beautifully crafted brass metal blazer buttons can transform the appearance of a jacket, adding character, individuality and a sense of occasion.
Consider a classic navy blazer. With simple dark buttons, it might look like any other jacket. Replace those buttons with a traditional brass buttons in a gold or antique silver finish and design then suddenly it takes on an entirely different personality.
It's a relatively simple alteration, but one that can make a remarkable difference.
Discover the TYLER & TYLER Collection of Luxury Blazer Buttons
How to Choose the Right Blazer Buttons
Before reaching for the sewing kit, it's worth considering what kind of look you'd like to achieve.
Gold Blazer Buttons: A Timeless Classic
Gold blazer buttons have long been associated with traditional British tailoring, particularly navy blazers, sporting clubs and nautical-inspired clothing.
They're an excellent choice if you're looking to introduce a little heritage and character to your jacket.
A navy blazer with gold buttons, worn with grey flannel trousers, chinos or even well-cut denim, is a combination that rarely goes out of style.
Shop TYLER & TYLER London Coat of Arms Blazer Buttons
Silver Blazer Buttons: Understated Elegance
Silver blazer buttons offer a slightly more contemporary alternative.
They work particularly well with navy, charcoal and grey jackets, providing a subtle contrast without drawing too much attention.
An antique silver finish blazer button can also look excellent on textured fabrics such as tweed.
Shop TYLER & TYLER Three Lion Antique Silver Blazer Buttons
Personalised Blazer Buttons
For those who enjoy something a little more individual Personalised blazer buttons, featuring your own initials, take the idea a step further.
They're a particularly appealing option for someone who appreciates the finer details of menswear or wants to make an otherwise ordinary jacket feel uniquely their own.
Shop TYLER & TYLER Personalised Blazer Buttons
What Size Blazer Buttons Do You Need?
Choosing the correct button size is just as important as selecting the design.
Blazers generally use larger buttons on the front of the jacket and smaller buttons on the cuffs.
A common arrangement is 32 Ligne (20mm) for the front buttons and 24 Ligne (15mm) for the sleeve buttons.
Before ordering replacements, measure the diameter of your existing buttons and check the buttonholes.
It's also worth counting how many buttons your jacket requires.
A single-breasted blazer will generally require fewer front buttons than a double-breasted jacket, while the number of sleeve buttons can vary.
The TYLER & TYLER blazer button collection offers sets designed for both single-breasted and double-breasted jackets, making it straightforward to choose a coordinated set.
The single-breasted set contains 3 large/front buttons and 8 small/cuff buttons.
The double-breasted set contains 6 large/front buttons and 8 small/cuff buttons.
How to Replace Blazer Buttons: Step by Step
Shop the TYLER & TYLER Lion & Coronet Blazer Button
Replacing blazer buttons is a relatively straightforward alteration. If you're comfortable with a needle and thread, you may be able to do it yourself.
Alternatively, a local tailor or clothing alterations specialist can usually undertake the job.
Step 1: Remove the Existing Buttons
Using a seam ripper or a small pair of sharp scissors, carefully cut the threads securing the original button.
Take care not to damage the fabric underneath.
Remove any remaining loose threads, and inspect the area before attaching the replacement.
Step 2: Mark the Button Positions
If the original button positions are not clearly visible, mark them lightly with tailor's chalk.
It's important to retain the original positioning so the jacket continues to fasten and hang correctly.
If you're replacing several buttons, working on one at a time can help preserve their positions.
Step 3: Choose a Suitable Thread
Select a strong thread in a colour that complements the jacket fabric.
For most blazers, a matching or closely coordinated thread will give the neatest finish.
Double the thread if necessary to provide additional strength.
Step 4: Sew on the New Buttons
Position the replacement button over the original attachment point.
For a button with a shank — a small loop on the back — pass the needle through the fabric and shank several times until the button is securely attached.
For a flat button with holes, allow enough space between the button and the fabric for the jacket to fasten comfortably. A thread shank may be needed for thicker fabric.
Avoid pulling the thread excessively tight, as this can cause the fabric to pucker.
Step 5: Secure the Thread
Once the button is firmly attached, secure the thread on the reverse side of the fabric with a few small stitches or knots.
Trim away any excess thread.
Repeat the process for the remaining buttons.
Step 6: Check the Finished Jacket
Try the blazer on and fasten the front buttons.
Check that they sit neatly, pass comfortably through the buttonholes and don't pull unnecessarily against the fabric.
Finally, inspect the sleeve buttons to make sure they're evenly positioned.
And there you have it — a simple alteration that can make an old favourite feel rather special again.
Should You Replace Blazer Buttons Yourself or Use a Tailor?
While sewing on a button isn't particularly complicated, there's nothing wrong with leaving the job to a professional.
In fact, we'd recommend using a tailor or alterations specialist if you're fitting an expensive set of metal buttons to a favourite jacket.
A professional can ensure the buttons are securely attached, correctly spaced and positioned to complement the cut of the garment.
It's a modest additional investment for an alteration that you'll hopefully enjoy for years.
For jackets with working sleeve buttonholes, particular care is needed to ensure the replacements fit and function correctly.
Can You Put Metal Buttons on Any Blazer?
In many cases, yes.
Metal buttons can be fitted to a wide variety of blazers, from traditional navy wool jackets to more contemporary styles.
The aim is to complement the jacket, rather than overwhelm it.
If you're uncertain, place your chosen buttons against the fabric before having them fitted. It's a simple way to see how the colours and finishes work together.
British-Made Blazer Buttons: The TYLER & TYLER Difference
At TYLER & TYLER, we believe that the smallest details often make the biggest impression.
Our family-controlled manufacturing business has been producing metal accessories in Birmingham, England, since 1908.
Our luxury blazer buttons continue that tradition.
Manufactured in-house from solid brass, our buttons are individually die-struck and finished by hand, combining established manufacturing techniques with distinctive British design.
Our collection includes traditional heraldic motifs, sporting designs, enamelled finishes and personalised buttons engraved with your own initials.
Whether you're upgrading a much-loved navy blazer, commissioning a new tailored jacket or looking for a distinctive gift, our buttons offer a way to make something ordinary feel a little more exceptional.
Explore TYLER & TYLER British-Made Blazer Buttons
A New Look Without Buying a New Jacket
Good style doesn't always require buying something new.
Sometimes it's about recognising the potential in what you already own.
A beautifully cut blazer/jacket deserves equally considered finishing touches, and replacing its buttons is one of the simplest ways to give it renewed character.
Whether you prefer traditional gold, understated silver or something more personal, the right buttons can transform the way a jacket looks and feels.
After all, when it comes to dressing well, it's often the little things that make all the difference.
Discover our collection of luxury metal blazer buttons, designed and made in Birmingham, England, and give your favourite jacket a new lease of life.
