Do you own any button-fly jeans?
They are stylish, but honestly, putting them on and taking them off is a hassle, right...?
In this article, we will cover topics such as:
- What is a button-fly?
- What are the pros and cons of button-fly vs. zipper-fly?
- What are some tips for putting on and taking off button-fly jeans?
- How can you repair a button-fly?
And more!
If you want to know how to repair a button-fly right away, please tap "4. How can you repair a button?" in the table of contents to check it out.
B-1969-XX-J Straight Selvedge Denim
What is a button-fly?
Some of you might be wondering, "What even is a button-fly?"
A button-fly refers to the style of jeans where the front is opened and closed with buttons, as shown in the image above.
On the other hand, jeans that open and close with a zipper are called "zipper-fly," and today, zipper-fly jeans are more widely used than button-fly.
However, besides the appearance, what are the differences between button-fly and zipper-fly?
Button-fly vs. Zipper-fly! What are the pros and cons?
First, let's understand why jeans have both button-fly and zipper-fly options.
History: Originally, only button-fly existed!
Jeans were born in the United States in the 1870s, but since zippers didn't exist back then, there were only button-fly jeans.
Also, denim fabric at that time shrank more easily than it does today; if it shrank and twisted due to washing, the zipper wouldn't mesh properly, making button-fly a more practical choice.
Later, as anti-shrinkage technology developed, zipper-fly became widespread due to its ease of use.
Pros and cons of button-fly and zipper-fly
Why do button-fly jeans still exist even now that zippers are widespread? That's because both have their own unique appeal.
Button-fly jeans remain popular among denim enthusiasts who enjoy the fading patterns (atari) created by the buttons.
Also, the tack buttons used for button-flies are very durable, and even if one comes off, it is easy to replace—which is another advantage.
However, putting them on and taking them off is a pain...
As the fabric softens, unbuttoning becomes easier, but there is no way around having to button them one by one, so you just have to accept it as part of the process.
The advantage of a zipper-fly is that, unlike a button-fly, it is easy to put on and take off.
If you're used to the convenience of a zipper, you might find yourself not even wanting to wear button-fly jeans just by looking at them... (I am one of those people myself.)
However, once even a single part of a zipper breaks, it will no longer zip up.
Replacing the entire zipper requires a major repair, which is a downside.
Both have their pros and cons, so please choose based on what you prioritize.
Button-fly is a pain in the restroom!? What are the tips for wearing them?
Button-fly jeans are stylish, but they can be a bit of a hassle to put on and take off.
Especially when you're in a rush at the restroom, you might feel like venting your frustration at the button-fly, wondering, "Why are there so many buttons on this thing?!" (haha)
Actually, there is a trick to unbuttoning them.
Instead of undoing them one by one from the top, once you undo the top one, just pull the two sides firmly and the rest will come undone easily!
...However, you still have to button them one by one, so that part remains a hassle.
As you wear them and the fabric softens, it becomes easier to handle, so you just have to get used to it...
How can you repair a button-fly?
An advantage of a button-fly is that, unlike a zipper, you can easily repair it yourself.
We introduce how to repair broken tack buttons on jeans in this article:
Did a jeans button pop off? You can fix it at home in 10 seconds.
What about when the buttonhole itself starts to fray?
It depends on the extent, but if the fraying is too severe to fix easily by hand-stitching, we recommend taking it to a professional tailor.
Also, for those who think, "I'm tired of button-fly!" or "Button-fly is just too much of a pain!!", why not consider converting them to a zipper-fly?
Prices vary by shop, but replacing a button-fly with a zipper-fly usually costs around 4,000 yen.
It’s more expensive than simple adjustments like hemming because it's more labor-intensive, but if it's a pair of jeans you want to cherish for a long time, it's a repair worth considering.
Check out this article on how to find a tailor!
Is not hemming your jeans acceptable? A former clothing repair expert explains the key points
Bell-bottom Jeans Used Color / Unisex
Choose jeans that fit your lifestyle
We have explained the pros and cons of button-fly and zipper-fly, as well as how to repair a button-fly.
Jeans have certainly changed throughout their history.
As technology has progressed, they have become easier to handle and more durable.
Why not pick a pair that's right for you, break them in, and grow them over time... and enjoy the satisfaction of such dedication?
the B-1969-XX-J Straight Selvedge Denim, released as part of our journey as a jeans manufacturer established in 1969, is crafted as button-fly jeans!
It is a supreme pair of jeans that could be called the culmination of our technology. Please take a look at the details.
