Buttons #263 vs #B181: Which 17mm Button to Choose?

Quick answer

Choose Buttons #263 - 17 mm if you want the lowest cost per button for a standard 17mm shirt or blouse button. Choose Buttons #B181 | 20 mm if your garment needs a slightly larger button face or you prefer a 20mm look. Both are made from top-quality materials and designed to resist breakage and withstand frequent washing.

What the 17mm and 20mm sizes actually mean for your garment

Button diameter affects both the look and the function of a garment. A 17mm button is a common choice for shirts, blouses, and lightweight jackets because it fits standard buttonholes without overwhelming the fabric. A 20mm button gives a slightly bolder presence and can be easier to grasp, which matters for children's clothing or garments worn by people with limited hand dexterity.

The size also changes how much overlap the buttonhole needs. If you switch from a 17mm to a 20mm button, test the buttonhole first. A button that is too large for the hole will not close securely, and a button that is too small can slip out during wear.

Pack size and cost per button

Buttons #263 - 17 mm comes in a pack of 8 at USD 3.84, which works out to about 48 cents per button. Buttons #B181 | 20 mm comes in a pack of 11 at USD 4.40, which is about 40 cents per button. If you are sewing a shirt with 7 to 8 buttons, the #263 pack covers a standard front placket with little waste. The #B181 pack gives you three extra buttons for spares or for a matching cuff detail.

For a project that needs a specific count, compare the total pack price against how many buttons you will actually use. Buying a pack with extras is useful for replacements later, but it is not a saving if the style does not suit the garment.

Durability and washing

Both button styles share the same core construction claim: top-quality materials, resistance to breakage, and the ability to withstand frequent washing and handling. That makes either option suitable for everyday garments rather than only display pieces.

The practical difference is less about material and more about size and weight. A larger 20mm button can feel heavier on very light fabrics, while a 17mm button distributes less weight and may sit more quietly on fine shirting. Neither button is described as machine-specific, so always test a sample button on your fabric before sewing the full set.

How to match button size to fabric and project

Use this quick sewing button size guide when you are deciding between the two: for fine cotton, silk blends, and lightweight viscose, a 17mm button usually looks proportional. For medium-weight cottons, linen blends, and casual jackets, a 20mm button can balance the heavier fabric better.

If you are replacing buttons on an existing garment, measure the original button diameter and the buttonhole length before ordering. If the original is 17mm, stay with 17mm unless you are prepared to adjust the buttonholes. If you are designing from scratch, make a test buttonhole in a scrap of the same fabric and try both sizes.

Trade-offs: Buttons #263 vs Buttons #B181

• Size and proportion: Buttons #263 is 17mm, a standard shirt and blouse size. Buttons #B181 is 20mm, which gives a larger button face and a bolder look. Match the button to the buttonhole and the fabric weight, not just the style.
• Pack count and cost: Buttons #263 gives 8 buttons for USD 3.84. Buttons #B181 gives 11 buttons for USD 4.40, which is a lower cost per button. If you need spares or a larger project, the #B181 pack may be more economical.
• Everyday durability: Both buttons are described as crafted from top-quality materials and designed to resist breakage and withstand frequent washing and handling. Either button is a practical choice for everyday garments; choose by size and look.

Product facts at a glance

• Buttons #263 - 17 mm: Buttons #263 - 17 mm, pack of 8, catalog price USD 3.84 (comparison price USD 5.49). A standard 17mm size for shirts and blouses, with a pack count that covers a typical front placket.
• Buttons #B181 | 20 mm: Buttons #B181 | 20 mm, pack of 11, catalog price USD 4.40 (comparison price USD 6.99). A slightly larger 20mm button with more buttons per pack, useful for jackets or projects that need spares.

Which button should you choose?

Best for

• Shirts, blouses, and lightweight jackets that use a standard 17mm button
• Sewists who want a lower total pack price and a simple, classic button size

Not for

• Garments that need a 20mm button face or a bolder, larger button look
• Projects where you want extra buttons in the pack for spares or multiple garments