The button is a simple yet revolutionary invention with a long history that spans thousands of years. While it is difficult to pinpoint a single person as the inventor of the button, it evolved over time through various cultures. Here is an overview of the history of the button:
Origins of the button (circa 2000 BCE)
– Ancient Indus Valley Civilization (Modern-day Pakistan and India): Some of the earliest buttons were found in the Indus Valley, dating back to around 2000 BCE. These buttons were made of seashells and used primarily as decoration rather than for fastening. They had small holes in the middle and were worn as ornaments or jewelry.
Buttons in ancient cultures (circa 500-1200 CE)
– Roman Empire and Ancient Greece: Buttons were still more decorative than functional in many ancient cultures. They were often used in clothing as adornments, with brooches or pins used to fasten garments instead of buttons and buttonholes.
– Medieval Europe (13th Century CE): The functional button, as we know it today, emerged in Europe during the 13th century. This marked a significant shift, as buttons began to be used in combination with buttonholes to fasten clothing securely. Their introduction was revolutionary because it allowed for tighter and more form-fitting garments, especially for the nobility.
The button’s rise in fashion (14th-18th centuries CE)
– 14th Century CE: Buttons became a symbol of wealth and status. They were made from expensive materials like gold, silver, ivory, and gemstones, especially among the European aristocracy. Tailors began to use buttons for practical purposes like tightening sleeves and closing garments, and they became increasingly common in men’s and women’s fashion.
– 17th-18th Centuries CE: By this time, buttons had become an essential part of European fashion. During the Baroque and Rococo periods, highly decorative buttons were a status symbol. It was common to use buttons as a decorative element in large numbers on clothing.
The Industrial Revolution and mass production (19th century CE)
– 19th Century CE: The Industrial Revolution changed the production of buttons dramatically. With the advent of machines, buttons could be mass-produced, making them accessible to the general population. Buttons began to be made from cheaper materials like bone, wood, and eventually plastic in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Modern times (20th century onward)
– Plastic Buttons and Global Standardization: By the early 20th century, plastic buttons had become the most common type, making them affordable for nearly everyone. Today, buttons are made from a wide range of materials, including plastic, metal, wood, and fabric.
Cultural significance of buttons
Throughout history, buttons have had practical, decorative, and even symbolic roles. In some cultures, buttons were given as gifts or worn as talismans. In the 20th century, buttons were used as political or social statements—think of campaign buttons or decorative pins that carry messages.
The button is a small yet incredibly impactful invention, evolving from a decorative item to an essential fastener in everyday clothing. Though no single person can be credited with its invention, the button has been shaped by various cultures and innovations throughout history, particularly during the Middle Ages and the Industrial Revolution.
See the history of the button on TED Talks:
