7 Best Button Replacements For Vintage Coats To Restore Style

Vintage coats often serve as the perfect bridge between a child’s desire for unique, thrifted style and a parent’s appreciation for high-quality, durable textiles. Replacing a set of worn or mismatched buttons is one of the most accessible ways to teach a child about garment care and individual aesthetic expression. This small project transforms a bargain find into a personalized wardrobe staple that feels truly one-of-a-kind.

Benno’s Buttons Metal Crests: Best for Peacoats

Peacoats are an investment piece that can span several years of growth if the fit is generous, making button maintenance essential. Metal crest buttons provide a timeless, nautical aesthetic that elevates the look of even the most basic wool blend coat.

These buttons are particularly suited for older children (ages 10–14) who are developing a more refined personal style. The durability of metal ensures that the fasteners will survive the rigors of school hallways and transit while maintaining their luster.

M&J Trimming Horn Buttons: The Best Traditional Look

When restoring a classic wool overcoat, genuine horn buttons offer a weight and depth of color that plastic simply cannot replicate. They feel substantial in the hand, which helps children learn to appreciate the difference between fast-fashion materials and legacy-quality components.

This option is ideal for teenagers or pre-teens participating in more formal extracurriculars, such as drama performances or orchestra. Because these buttons are timeless, they increase the resale value of a coat when the child eventually outgrows it.

Dill Buttons Basketweave: Best for Heavy Wool Coats

Basketweave buttons offer a rugged, tactile texture that works beautifully on heavy winter coats designed for active play. The intricate pattern hides minor scratches and wear, making them a practical choice for younger children (ages 7–9) who may be harder on their gear.

These buttons are sturdy enough to withstand the daily strain of being buttoned and unbuttoned in a rush. Consider these a “high-utility” upgrade that ensures a vintage coat remains functional for seasons to come.

La Mode Pearlized Buttons: Best for Formal Attire

For a coat meant to be worn to holiday concerts or special family gatherings, a pearlized finish adds a sophisticated touch. These buttons catch the light and provide a polished contrast against darker fabrics like navy, charcoal, or forest green.

They are generally lighter in weight, which is beneficial for lighter-weight vintage blazers or dress coats. Choose these when the goal is to emphasize the “special occasion” nature of the garment.

Fritz-Willis Vintage Style: Best for Mid-Century Coats

If a child has unearthed a coat from the 1950s or 60s, finding buttons that match the period aesthetic is crucial for a successful restoration. Fritz-Willis designs often lean into the shapes and patterns common in mid-century fashion, ensuring the update feels authentic rather than modern.

This is an excellent way to engage an adolescent’s interest in fashion history. It turns a simple sewing project into a lesson on design evolution and garment construction.

JHB International Tortoise: Best All-Purpose Choice

When the goal is versatility, tortoise-shell patterned buttons are the industry standard for a reason. They bridge the gap between casual and formal, looking just as appropriate on a school-day wool jacket as they do on a coat for a weekend outing.

These buttons are a low-risk, high-reward purchase for parents looking to quickly refresh a thrifted find. They are widely available, durable, and universally flattering on almost any coat color.

Arrow Mountain Wood Buttons: Best for Creative Kids

For children who prefer a natural, earthy, or artisanal aesthetic, wood buttons provide a warm and tactile finish. They are perfect for kids who are involved in environmental clubs or outdoor-focused programs, as they celebrate organic materials.

These buttons often feature unique grain patterns, making every coat feel like a custom art project. They are an excellent choice for a child’s first sewing project, as the wood offers a better grip for small fingers than slick plastic.

Choosing the Right Button Size for Small Hands to Sew

Selecting the right size is about more than just the diameter of the buttonhole. For children aged 6–9, larger buttons are significantly easier to manipulate, reducing frustration during the sewing process.

• 18mm to 20mm: Ideal for standard coat buttons; large enough for steady handling.
• 25mm and up: Best for heavy, oversized decorative buttons on chunky knits or thick wool.

Always test a button against the existing buttonhole to ensure it slides through with ease but does not pop out unintentionally. Prioritizing ease of use encourages the child to actually wear the garment regularly.

Teaching Your Child the Proper Way to Secure a Shank

A shank button—which features a small loop on the back rather than holes through the face—is common on high-quality coats. Teaching a child how to sew a shank button requires them to understand the importance of creating a “thread bridge” to allow the fabric to sit neatly under the button.

Demonstrate how to wrap the thread around the base of the button five or six times to create a sturdy neck. This skill teaches attention to detail and patience, two core competencies in any craft or enrichment activity.

Restoration Skills: Teaching Kids to Value Quality Gear

Restoring a coat is a practical way to combat the disposable nature of modern clothing culture. When a child invests time in sewing buttons, they become more emotionally attached to the garment and are more likely to care for it properly.

Use this process to discuss the concept of “cost-per-wear” and the environmental impact of textile waste. Mastering these small repair skills empowers children to extend the life of their belongings, a lesson that translates far beyond their wardrobe.

Restoring a vintage coat is a wonderful way to foster a child’s independence and pride in their personal aesthetic. By choosing the right materials and involving them in the process, you turn a simple wardrobe update into a meaningful lesson in quality and care.