The London Lounge

Gentlemen,


Today I spent quite a while perusing the selection of over 40,000 metal buttons at http://www.waterburybutton.com I could not help but find myself in Hamlet mode, unable to make a decision. And so I ask for your opinions. What images on buttons do you favor for your blazers?

Brass with a shank, and neat etched pattern. Perhaps MOP on a really lightweight summer blazer. I also have a heavy blue wool odd jacket with blue horn buttons, but I wouldn't call that a blazer.

The best-looking blazer buttons I ever saw were wrought of gold, in a simple basket-weave pattern. They were on a jacket worn by a much older friend of mine. When I called admiring attention to them, he got my drift immediately. "Michael," he said, "these buttons have been willed to my nephew." Next topic!

Ben Silver has some interesting variations too. Gold looks so rich. . .

I have also been thinking of ordering some from Ben Silver (though perhaps with the enamel) they do look good.

stbdtack wrote:Ben Silver has some interesting variations too. Gold looks so rich. . .

I sympathize entirely, having spent an hour or two browsing the Waterbury site. For metallic buttons, I think pewter or matte silver buttons would strike a subtler balance than the shine of brass or gilt buttons.

arkirshner wrote:Gentlemen,


Today I spent quite a while perusing the selection of over 40,000 metal buttons at http://www.waterburybutton.com I could not help but find myself in Hamlet mode, unable to make a decision. And so I ask for your opinions. What images on buttons do you favor for your blazers?

I like some of the basketweaves (coarse or very fine). Also, an extracurricular interest of mine might cause me to bite on the Lyre pattern. You know if these guys do retail sales?

In the UK the suppliers I recall included Holland & Sherry, Richard James Weldon and a company called Firmin & Sons. I have gilt buttons from the first and last, and both of them have lasted well.

Benson & Clegg are another go-to source in the UK.

One codicil: the range of expression is quite vast, but under no circumstances does a proper gentleman wear regimental buttons belonging to an outfit with which he has not served. And that goes for regimental neckties, as well. Ben Silver offers a comprehensive selection of British regimental ties, and I trust their customers buy the things in droves. But for persons who are members of this club, higher standards must apply.

There are many tasteful button choices available. I think that Sterling adds the right tone to a well cut jacket; pewter is also a good option--gold or brass have a common effect, particularly when one considers their universal appeal.

under no circumstances does a proper gentleman wear regimental buttons belonging to an outfit with which he has not served

Well said. Same applies to any other institution, whether a club or educational establishment. If the decorative nature of arms or a crest appeals, one can always have some specially cast with the family crest, or a personal motto or cipher.

TVD wrote:

under no circumstances does a proper gentleman wear regimental buttons belonging to an outfit with which he has not served

Well said. Same applies to any other institution, whether a club or educational establishment. If the decorative nature of arms or a crest appeals, one can always have some specially cast with the family crest, or a personal motto or cipher.

We stand on the same solid ground, TVD.

Absent a family crest or personal motto, properly engraved initials are a worthy option. In addition, general symbols like fleur de lis are perfectly acceptable, even if one does not belong to a royal house....

Interesting that I had previously overlooked this thread. I had been hoping to commission a green blazer from W.W. Chan, but I passed on it and just ordered some shirts this go-round because I didn't like any of their blazer button options for a green blazer. I had wanted something in a copper color, but they had nothing available. They do have some very nice enameled blazer buttons from Holland & Sherry suitable for blue blazers.

On the e-mailed encouragement of exigent, I began a search for the right blazer buttons for a green blazer. I could have ordered all manner of designs from Waterbury, some quite appealing, although I don't know what the costs of one of their minimum orders would be. In the end though, I went with Benson & Clegg and ordered their enameled buttons with a lion passant gardant, or, on a burgundy field. Should be quite striking, I think!

JLibourel wrote:Interesting that I had previously overlooked this thread. I had been hoping to commission a green blazer from W.W. Chan, but I passed on it and just ordered some shirts this go-round because I didn't like any of their blazer button options for a green blazer. I had wanted something in a copper color, but they had nothing available. They do have some very nice enameled blazer buttons from Holland & Sherry suitable for blue blazers.

On the e-mailed encouragement of exigent, I began a search for the right blazer buttons for a green blazer. I could have ordered all manner of designs from Waterbury, some quite appealing, although I don't know what the costs of one of their minimum orders would be. In the end though, I went with Benson & Clegg and ordered their enameled buttons with a lion passant gardant, or, on a burgundy field. Should be quite striking, I think!

An excellent choice!

Thanks for your approbation, Jack! Your encouragement has been invaluable!