There are details of history that shout and details that whisper. A thundering artillery piece shouts. A gleaming regimental banner shouts. But sometimes, the most telling clues, the most intimate connections to the past, are found in the whispers—in the subtle, often overlooked items that defined a soldier's daily reality.

I remember handling an original officer's service dress tunic for the first time. The weight of the wool, the faint, musty scent of age... it was all there. But my eyes were drawn not to the polished pips on the shoulder, but to the small, woven leather buttons on the pockets. They weren't shiny. They weren't meant to impress on a parade ground. They felt… personal. They told a story of quiet professionalism and practicality, a story that begins in the tailor shops of London and ends in the muddy trenches of the Western Front.

The Unsung Detail: Why British Officers Chose Leather Buttons in the Great War

It’s a small thing, a button. A simple disc used to fasten a coat. Yet, in the world of the British officer during the First and Second World Wars, the choice of button was a subtle but significant statement. While the enlisted man wore gleaming brass buttons, polished to a mirror shine as part of his regimental pride, many officers opted for something different: the subdued, handsome, and eminently practical leather button.

More Than Just a Fastener: The Symbolism of the Leather Button

Why the deviation? The answer lies in the unique position of the officer class. Unlike the "other ranks," who were issued their uniforms, officers were required to purchase their own kit from private military tailors. This opened the door for a degree of personal choice and a reflection of status that went beyond standard-issue equipment. Leather buttons were, in essence, a quiet upgrade.

A Matter of Class and Practicality

On a practical level, leather buttons offered a distinct advantage in the field. They didn’t glint in the sun, potentially giving away a position to an enemy sniper. They were durable, quiet, and didn't require the constant polishing that brass did—a welcome relief for an officer's batman. But beyond pure function, they carried an air of the country gentleman. Leather was associated with equestrian pursuits, with tweed jackets and country estates. For an officer class drawn heavily from the gentry, it was a familiar, comfortable, and understated symbol of their social standing. They were the quiet aristocrats of the uniform, a subtle nod to a life beyond the wire and the mud.

The "Football" Button Nickname

These buttons are often referred to as "football buttons," and it's easy to see why. Their woven, knotted, or pressed leather construction strongly resembles the panels of an old leather football or rugby ball. This charming nickname adds to their unique character, separating them from simple horn or metal fasteners and grounding them in a distinctly British sporting and cultural aesthetic.

From the Trenches to the Drawing Room: Where Were They Worn?

The versatility of leather buttons meant they appeared on some of the most iconic garments of the era. They were a common feature, chosen by officers to add that final touch of quality and distinction to their privately purchased uniforms.

The Officer's Service Dress Tunic

This was the primary garment where these buttons made their home. While larger leather buttons would fasten the front of the tunic, the Small Leather Buttons (15mm) were perfect for the chest pockets, cuffs, and shoulder straps. They provided a handsome, cohesive look that was both martial and refined.

Overcoats and the Iconic Trench Coat

Perhaps no garment is more associated with the WWI officer than the trench coat. Leather buttons were a natural fit for these rugged, weatherproof coats. Their resilience to the elements and their earthy tones complemented the khaki drill fabric perfectly. The feel of a leather button under your thumb while huddling in a downpour is one of those sensory details that brings a reenactment impression to life.

Getting the Details Right: Authenticity in Modern Reenactment

For today's historian and reenactor, these small details are everything. Getting the buttons right is just as important as the cut of the tunic or the color of the puttees. It’s what separates a good impression from a great one. Our high-quality reproductions are designed to capture that original spirit.

Why Size and Color Matter

As per the originals, we offer these buttons in multiple sizes and color variations. The larger buttons are for the main front closure of a coat, while these 15mm small leather buttons are dimensionally perfect for pockets and cuffs. Having authentic brown, dark brown, or black options allows you to match the buttons to your specific tunic or overcoat, achieving a truly accurate and personalized look for your impression.

What Our Customers Say About It

We're proud of the authenticity of our products, and our customers agree. One reviewer noted they had been searching all over for these, saying, "finally the ones I need." Another highlighted their incredible versatility, showing that their use isn't just limited to historical reenactment: "These are perfect for replacing old, worn, or inferior buttons on tweed attire... if you want to make one of WPG's military Scottish kilt jackets into a civilian summer jacket... replacing the brass buttons with these football buttons will do the trick!" This is a fantastic testament to their timeless style and quality. You can read more customer feedback here: Product Reviews.

Disclaimer: Historical information provided for educational purposes only. For accurate product specifications and details, please check our product pages, reviews, or contact customer service.