Anchors, ship wheels, ropes, and crowned naval motifs: nautical buttons are a genre of their own, and the reason double-breasted navy blazers exist. This collection gathers every maritime design in the shop, from solid brass anchor 4-holes to gold anchor-and-crown shanks. They belong on peacoats, blazers, and children's sailor outfits, and they are among the most-requested replacements we stock. Most packs are 6 or 12 matched buttons in multiple sizes.
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Nautical & Anchor Buttons: A Genre of Their Own
No motif has stayed in continuous button production longer than the anchor. From 19th-century naval uniforms to this season's breton stripes, anchor buttons are the rare decoration that never reads as costume — and this collection holds 75-plus vintage takes: solid brass anchor 4-holes, gold anchor-and-crown shanks, rope-rimmed designs, and ship's wheels.
The classic applications write themselves: peacoats (large antique brass anchors), double-breasted blazers (gold anchor crowns, six front buttons), children's sailor outfits (small nylon anchors), and the perennially restored vintage naval coat, for which our buttons are frequently the missing piece. Sizing follows blazer rules — 20–25 mm fronts, 15 mm cuffs.
Nautical projects usually also draw from brass buttons and crests; for the full maritime wardrobe, start there.
Vintage Nautical & Anchor Buttons — Questions, Answered
What buttons go on a peacoat?
Traditionally large (25–32 mm) anchor buttons in antique brass or black — a double-breasted peacoat takes 6–8 fronts. Our larger anchor shanks are the correct pattern; check listing sizes against your coat.
Are anchor buttons only for coats?
Not at all — small anchors are a children's-wear staple, mid-size ones suit cardigans and blazers, and crafters use them on bags and nautical décor. The motif scales.
Do you have real naval uniform buttons?
The collection is fashion-trade stock rather than military surplus, but several designs follow official patterns closely enough for restoration work. For a specific naval pattern, email a photo — the unlisted archive runs deep.
Which finish is right: gold, brass or silver anchors?
Navy fabric takes gold or brass (the naval tradition); black takes any; grey leans silver. Antique brass is the safest all-rounder and the most traditional for outerwear.
