Is it possible to shorten a sleeve with metal buttons like this?

[lespauldude]

I brought this shirt to my local tailor and they said they couldn't shorten this sleeve because of the metal buttons. As best as I can rephrase what they said, I believe the metal buttons are inserted too close to the fabric. I didn't quite get that and didn't press for clarification. At any rate, do the placket buttons need to be moved? I thought they could simply move the entire placket upwards. The buttons look like they do puncture the fabric or something. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[MikeDT]

Poppers or press studs or snaps, whatever they're called. They definitely puncture the fabric as there's two parts. They're basically riveted, attached using a special die with a hammer or a press. Not easily removed and re-attached, you'd have to get new ones, and removing them would definitely leave holes in the fabric. May even damage the fabric attempting to remove them, depending on how firmly they're attached.

Seems to be a bit of a fashion thing at the moment, dress shirts with poppers rather than traditional buttons., Don't like the idea myself. This method of fastening is OK for coats and jackets, not shirts IMO.