Argyll Buttons

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Irish Jackets have round buttons.

That's because I designed them so the jackets (originally made by Gaelic Themes) would look less Scottish. Scott Chalmers went to a lot of trouble ( and no little expense) having the buttons especially made.

The buttons on formal jackets tend to be silver (or "white metal" as it is properly termed) and square or diamond shaped because that's pretty much all that's available unless one has buttons custom made.

The "standard" doublet button is a "hand-me-down" from the buttons worn on some military doublets, hence their ready accessibility to tailors and manufacturers.

There is no reason you may not wear round buttons, and they may be of cut steel, silver, gold, faceted jet, or cloth covered. I've seen them all worn on formal highland attire, and they all look equally smart.

I have also seen a set of enameled buttons bearing the crest of the owner-- now that is smart.

But avoid sardines as buttons, unless you are the Duke of Argyll!