Shank buttons are the workhorse of vintage sewing: a loop on the back instead of holes, so thread never shows on the face. That makes them the first choice for coats, blazers, and statement jackets where the button itself is the decoration. Our shank collection is the deepest part of the shop, spanning ornate metals, carved nylons, epoxy inlays, and novelty designs from the 1970s through the 1990s, most sold in packs of 6 or 12. Every listing shows the size in millimetres and ligne so you can match your pattern before ordering, and every order ships worldwide with tracking.
The Deepest Vintage Shank Button Archive Online
With more than a thousand shank designs in stock at any moment, this is the largest single category in the world's largest vintage button archive. Shank construction — a metal or nylon loop on the back of the button — is what separates tailored garments from everyday ones: the thread hides behind the button, the face stays uninterrupted, and the button sits slightly proud of the fabric so it catches light. Nearly every blazer crest, art deco showpiece and jewelled evening button ever made is a shank for exactly that reason.
How to choose: match the shank to the fabric weight. Heavy coats and blazers carry large metal shanks (20–36 mm) with pride; cardigans and dresses want lighter nylon or smaller metal designs (12–18 mm). Sewing tip — always use a thread shank extension on thick fabrics: wrap the thread a few turns between button and fabric before tying off, so the buttonhole side has room to sit flat.
Start narrow if a thousand options is too many: crests for blazers, art deco statements, or everything gold.
Vintage Shank Buttons — Questions, Answered
What is a shank button?
A button with a loop on the back instead of holes through the face. You sew through the loop, so no thread shows on the front — which is why decorated and metal buttons are almost always shanks.
How do I sew on a shank button?
Anchor your thread on the fabric, pass through the shank loop and fabric six to eight times, then wind the thread a few turns around the stitches between button and fabric before knotting. That thread wrap gives thick fabrics room to close without straining.
Are shank buttons better than sew-through buttons?
Not better — different jobs. Shanks suit coats, blazers and decorative closures because they hide the thread and sit proud of the fabric. Sew-throughs (2-hole and 4-hole) are flatter, machine-sewable and better for shirts and hard-wearing garments.
What sizes do vintage shank buttons come in?
Ours run from about 9 mm collar-size buttons to 40 mm statement pieces. Every listing shows the exact millimetre size, and many packs include the same design in two or three sizes for fronts and cuffs.
