Replacing buttons on a sport coat/blazer

[BlvdDandy]

I bought an unlined cotton sport coat in Italy this summer and I love it except for one thing: the buttons are these too-large metal creations emblazoned with the manufacturer's name (which is Fay. As a side note, does anyone know anything about this manufacturer? I don't ever see them here and I'm curious). I'm wondering where one goes to find truly spectacular (not showy, just unique and refined) replacement buttons. What should they be made of? What color should/can they be for a light-khaki sport coat? What else should I know? Thanks...

 

[Alias]

The buttons should be made out of some natural material, since it's a sport coat. I'd steer away from metal unless they're going on a blazer. You can do fine with either cream-colored mother-of-pearl or corozo.

 

[faustian bargain]

horn is another material, comes in a range of colors.

 

[T4phage]

I bought an unlined cotton sport coat in Italy this summer and I love it except for one thing: the buttons are these too-large metal creations emblazoned with the manufacturer's name (which is Fay. As a side note, does anyone know anything about this manufacturer? I don't ever see them here and I'm curious). I'm wondering where one goes to find truly spectacular (not showy, just unique and refined) replacement buttons. What should they be made of? What color should/can they be for a light-khaki sport coat? What else should I know? Thanks...

Fay: excellent brand for men's outerwear. Very good quality, nice and simple designs. I have one of their "Aston" Jackets.

 

[BlvdDandy]

Thanks so much for the responses. But can anyone tell me where I can find all these different kinds of buttons? Is there a good place online where I can look at some or buy some? Will a good tailor have a selection? Thanks again.

 

[faustian bargain]

if you were in san francisco, i would recommend Britex Fabrics in union square. they have exactly 1 bazillion buttons in stock.

for pictures of buttons, you could check out ebay.

/andrew

 

[petescolari]

I noticed you are in Boston. If you are anywhere near Downtown Crossing, there is a store on Temple between Washington and Tremont, called Windsor Button Shop. It's been there forever and they have literally thousands of buttons. They should have a great selection of horn. If you find something there, I assume you could have a qualified tailor replace the buttons fairly easily. I just googled and they have a website as well. http://www.windsorbutton.com/

 

[stache]

Take the coat with you for button size and check how they look. Be sure to buy an extra one

 

[matcha]

Fay is a top brand. Some of the Neiman-Marcus stores carry Fay.

I don't where to find good natural buttons. For metal ones, Ben Silver has a great collection.