Due to the degradation of the hardware, the front button of a pair of jeans may occasionally come off.
Don't worry—it doesn't mean you can't wear them anymore.
I used a bit of a catchy phrase in the title, claiming you can fix it in "10 seconds at home" (haha), but it really is that easy to repair.
It's even easier than sewing on a regular button with a needle and thread!
So, in this article, I will explain:
- How to attach a jeans button when it comes off
- The types of jeans buttons and how to choose them
- Where to get jeans buttons at a low price
and more!
My jeans button came off! How do I attach it?
Jeans buttons are formally called "tack buttons" or "neoba buttons."
I will refer to them as tack buttons throughout this article.
Can I reuse the button that fell off?
The word "tack" implies pressing something in, and just as the name suggests, they are attached by being pressed into place.
A tack button is fixed by crimping two parts—the front and the back—together, which deforms the tip of the back piece.
Therefore, unfortunately, it is difficult to reuse a button that has already come off.
If you consult a professional jeans repair shop, they may occasionally be able to carefully remove the button without damaging the back part, allowing for reuse.
However, most standard neighborhood tailoring shops will tell you it cannot be reused and will replace it with a store-bought tack button.
If your button has a brand logo on it or you are particular about keeping the original button, please inquire with a specialty jeans repair shop.
How to fix it yourself
If you think, "It's not really in a visible spot, so it's fine if the design changes a little!", I recommend fixing it yourself.
Because it's easy! And it's cheap!
Tack buttons are sold in craft stores, and you can find various patterns and sizes online.
Instructions on how to attach them are usually printed on the box of the buttons you purchase, but generally, you just sandwich the fabric between the front and back pieces, put a piece of scrap cloth over it, and tap it with a hammer!
So, what you need is:
- Tack button
- Hammer
- Scrap cloth (to prevent scratches)
That’s it.
If I had to mention one point of caution, it’s to make sure you attach it on a flat surface.
Even if you take it to a professional tailor, they will replace it for about 1,000 yen, but you often won't be able to choose the design.
If you attach it yourself, it can be a bit cheaper, and you can choose a design you actually like.
Replacing a sew-on button with a tack button
For those of us with larger builds, a "pop!"—like in a manga—happens when the waist button flies off.
Most buttons that fly off like that are the type sewn on with needle and thread.
If your stomach is on the larger side, the thread tends to degrade faster, causing them to pop off easily.
If you have a "generous" body and sew-on buttons keep flying off, I recommend switching to a tack button.
While tack buttons aren't immune to coming off, they do so far less frequently than sewn-on buttons!
By the way, I even found a product like this on Rakuten...
Source: Rakuten Market
Maybe this will give your waist a little more room...? (Haha)
What are the types of jeans buttons, and how should I choose?
We've learned that jeans buttons are called tack buttons and can be easily attached by yourself if they come off.
However, not just any tack button will work.
Tack buttons have differences in:
- Size
- Type
- Design
For size, most buttons on store-bought denim are 17mm or 19mm.
Be sure to measure the size of your buttonhole and purchase a matching tack button.
Naturally, if it's too large, it won't pass through, and if it's too small, it will keep coming undone and won't serve its purpose.
Regarding the "type" of tack button, there are "swivel" and "fixed" versions.
The fixed type is just that—rigid and unmoving.
The swivel type is designed so that the button can spin around.
This has the benefit of being easier to fasten, even if you have long nails or are wearing gloves.
Designs vary from flat to donut-shaped, mortar-shaped, and more.
Source: Rakuten Market
Source: Amazon
Source: Amazon
There is no real difference in performance, so feel free to choose whichever you like best.
Are 100-yen shops the easiest place to get cheap jeans buttons!?
While tack buttons are sold for around 500 yen at craft stores, they are also sold at 100-yen shops like Daiso!
However, availability varies by store, so please check before making a special trip.
They should understand what you mean if you ask for "tack buttons" or "jeans front buttons."
Jeans that last: Take good care of them
I've introduced how to attach a jeans button when it comes off and the different types of tack buttons available.
I hope you now understand how easy they are to find and repair!
It's a waste to give up on your favorite jeans just because a button fell off!
I hope you take the time to fix them and keep wearing them for a long time.
At BOBSON, each pair of jeans is crafted with durability in mind.
If you are looking for long-lasting jeans, please check out the BOBSON Online Shop!
