Hey there, sewing enthusiasts and shirt lovers! As a supplier of all things sewing buttons, I've seen it all when it comes to button placement on shirts. It might seem like a no - brainer, but getting the correct position to sew a button on a shirt is actually a bit of an art form. In this blog, I'm going to break it down for you and share some tricks of the trade.
First things first, why does the correct button position matter? Well, it's not just about aesthetics. A well - placed button ensures that your shirt functions properly. If the buttons are too far apart or too close together, it can make the shirt uncomfortable to wear. It can also affect the overall look of the shirt. A shirt with unevenly spaced buttons just doesn't give off a professional or polished vibe.
Let's start with the basics. Most shirts have a standard number of buttons, usually ranging from 3 to 7 depending on the style of the shirt. The top button is typically placed about 1 to 1.5 inches below the collar. This placement allows for a bit of breathing room and prevents the collar from feeling too tight when the button is fastened.
When it comes to the remaining buttons, they should be evenly spaced along the front placket of the shirt. To achieve this, you can use a simple measuring tool like a ruler or a tape measure. Mark the positions of the buttons with a fabric marker or a pin. Start from the top button and measure down at equal intervals. For a dress shirt, a common spacing between buttons is around 1.25 to 1.5 inches.
Now, let's talk about different types of shirts and how button placement might vary. For a casual shirt, you might have a bit more flexibility in button placement. You could experiment with a wider or narrower spacing between buttons to create a unique look. On the other hand, a formal dress shirt usually follows the standard measurements more strictly.
For shirts with a curved hem, you need to be extra careful when placing the buttons. The curve of the hem can affect the way the buttons line up. It's a good idea to try on the shirt and mark the button positions while wearing it. This way, you can ensure that the buttons will fasten smoothly and that the shirt will hang correctly.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the buttons. Larger buttons might require a bit more space between them to look balanced. Smaller buttons, on the other hand, can be placed closer together. At our store, we offer a wide range of buttons in different sizes and styles. For example, check out our Metal Round Plating Brass Sewing Shank Buttons. These buttons are not only stylish but also come in various sizes to suit your needs.
If you're looking for something more personalized, we also have Engraved Logo Sewing Shirt Coat Button. These buttons are perfect for adding a unique touch to your shirts. Whether you want to show off your brand logo or a custom design, these engraved buttons are a great option.
And for those who are environmentally conscious, we offer Recycled Shirt Buttons Dry Cleaning Resin Sewing Button. These buttons are made from recycled materials, so you can feel good about your purchase while still getting a high - quality product.
Now, let's get into the actual process of sewing the buttons on. Once you've marked the positions, it's time to thread your needle. Use a strong thread that matches the color of your shirt or the button. Double the thread and tie a knot at the end.
Start by inserting the needle from the back of the fabric at the marked button position. Bring the needle up through the front and place the button on the fabric. Then, insert the needle through one of the buttonholes and back down through the fabric. Repeat this process several times, making sure to go through all the buttonholes evenly.
After you've sewn the button on, tie a few knots on the back of the fabric to secure it. Trim the excess thread. It's a good idea to reinforce the button by sewing a few extra stitches around the base.
In addition to the vertical placement of the buttons, you also need to consider the horizontal alignment. The buttons should be centered on the front placket of the shirt. This ensures that the shirt will close neatly and that the buttons will line up with the buttonholes on the opposite side.
If you're sewing buttons on a shirt with a placket that has a fold, make sure to account for the thickness of the fold. You might need to adjust the position of the buttons slightly to ensure that they line up correctly with the buttonholes.
For shirts with a button - down collar, the collar buttons are usually placed about 0.5 to 0.75 inches from the edge of the collar. This placement allows the collar to fold over neatly and stay in place.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "Why should I go through all this trouble? Can't I just eyeball it?" Well, while you can certainly try to estimate the button positions, taking the time to measure and mark them accurately will make a big difference in the final result. A well - sewn shirt with properly placed buttons will last longer and look better.


So, whether you're a professional tailor or just someone who likes to do a bit of DIY sewing, getting the correct position to sew a button on a shirt is an important skill. And if you're in the market for high - quality sewing buttons, we've got you covered.
If you're interested in purchasing our buttons for your next sewing project, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to help you find the perfect buttons for your needs. Whether you're looking for a specific size, style, or material, we can assist you in making the right choice.
In conclusion, button placement on a shirt is a combination of science and art. By following the proper measurements and taking into account the style of the shirt, you can ensure that your buttons are not only functional but also add to the overall look of the shirt. So go ahead, grab your sewing supplies, and start creating some amazing shirts with perfectly placed buttons!
References
- "The Complete Book of Sewing" by Reader's Digest
- "Sewing for Dummies" by Sue Marchant




