Shirts and blouses
Common for shirt fronts, cuffs and lightweight garments.
Free garment sourcing tool
Button size chart.
Convert button sizes between ligne (L), millimetres (mm) and inches. Use the chart to specify shirt, trouser, jacket and coat buttons more clearly.
Instant converter
Convert a button size.
Enter one measurement. The other units update automatically using 1 ligne = 0.635 mm.
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Manufacturing tolerances and material finishing can create small variations. Confirm the final diameter on an approved physical sample.
Reference table
Ligne to mm button chart.
Common apparel button sizes from 12L to 40L. Visual circles show relative size, not guaranteed physical scale on every screen.
| Visual | Ligne (L) | Millimetres (mm) | Inches | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12L | 7.5 mm | 5/16 in | Shirts and blouses | |
| 13L | 8 mm | 5/16 in | Shirts and blouses | |
| 14L | 9 mm | 11/32 in | Shirts and blouses | |
| 15L | 9.5 mm | 3/8 in | Shirts and blouses | |
| 16L | 10 mm | 13/32 in | Shirts and blouses | |
| 17L | 10.5 mm | 7/16 in | Shirts, trousers and knitwear | |
| 18L | 11.5 mm | 15/32 in | Shirts, trousers and knitwear | |
| 20L | 12.5 mm | 1/2 in | Shirts, trousers and knitwear | |
| 22L | 14 mm | 9/16 in | Shirts, trousers and knitwear | |
| 24L | 15 mm | 5/8 in | Shirts, trousers and knitwear | |
| 26L | 16 mm | 21/32 in | Trousers and jackets | |
| 28L | 18 mm | 23/32 in | Trousers and jackets | |
| 30L | 19 mm | 3/4 in | Trousers and jackets | |
| 32L | 20 mm | 13/16 in | Trousers and jackets | |
| 34L | 21.5 mm | 27/32 in | Jackets and coats | |
| 36L | 23 mm | 7/8 in | Jackets and coats | |
| 38L | 24 mm | 15/16 in | Jackets and coats | |
| 40L | 25 mm | 1 in | Jackets and coats |
How to measure
Measure the widest point.
Place the button flat and measure straight across its face from edge to edge. Do not measure between the sewing holes or around the circumference.
- Use callipers when possible.They give a more reliable diameter than a flexible tape.
- Measure the finished button.Coatings, rims and polishing can slightly affect the final diameter.
- Check the buttonhole.The opening must suit the button thickness, profile and garment construction.
Diameter
Measure edge to edge across the centre.
Common applications
Which button size should I choose?
Practical starting points—the correct size also depends on fabric weight, button thickness and design intent.
Trousers and knitwear
Versatile sizes for waistbands, cardigans and casual garments.
Jackets
More visual weight for tailoring, uniforms and structured garments.
Coats and statement styles
Larger buttons for outerwear and focal design details.
Button size questions
Frequently asked questions.
What does ligne mean in button sizing?
Ligne, abbreviated L, is a traditional button-industry unit. One ligne equals approximately 0.635 millimetres, so a 24L button is about 15.2 mm in diameter.
How do I convert ligne to millimetres?
Multiply the ligne size by 0.635. For example, 20L × 0.635 = 12.7 mm. Production charts may use a rounded nominal size.
Is button diameter the only measurement needed?
No. Thickness, shank or sew-through construction, hole spacing, rim profile and buttonhole construction also affect garment performance.
Can NZXTRIM make a custom button size?
Yes. NZXTRIM develops custom clothing buttons in different sizes, materials, colours, finishes and logo treatments. Tooling and minimum orders depend on the design.
Ready to develop your button?
Send us the size, material and artwork.
Our team can advise on diameter, thickness, construction, logo technique, sampling and bulk production.