removing the "bling" from an Argyll jacket

**RobertParker** · 27th April 10, 06:31 PM

I'm curious if anyone's done this, and has pictures. I have a nice Argyll jacket - very traditional black, etc. It's the one we all see. I got it because I needed a jacket, the store (on a visit to Scotland) had one in stock, and they did not have a charcoal tweed one in stock. I really wanted the charcoal one, and I probably should have just ordered one instead, but I really wanted a jacket right away and thought this one would be a good one for multiple occasions.

Well, 8 years later, I haven't worn it more than 15 times. A large part of the reason is that the chrome buttons all over it are a little too busy for me, even though they're pretty traditional (which I typically prefer). I don't think I want to sell or trade it, just because I do wear it on occasion. I was wondering if anyone had removed the chrome (at least from the cuffs and pockets). I think I'd be more likely to wear it if it wasn't so flashy, and I'm not able to buy another jacket at the moment.

**McMurdo** · 27th April 10, 06:37 PM

Perhaps you could switch out the shiny chrome buttons with the more antique variety, I like horn buttons however I feel they would look better on tweed instead of barathea.

**BroosterB1** · 27th April 10, 06:48 PM

You could go with a burnished pewter button; still keeping in the traditional but not so flashy. Not real expensive to do this, and a lot less than a new jacket.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 27th April 10, 06:50 PM

Two more choices: black, cloth covered buttons or black leather buttons.

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 27th April 10, 07:03 PM

I actually took the black leather buttons off my charcoal tweed coat and replaced them with brushed pewter buttons (three feathers) because I liked the look a bit better. They worked well and I'm pleased with the look.

If I can get my daughter to upload the pix she took I'll post it.

Dan

**CMcG** · 27th April 10, 07:56 PM

I put a thin coat of black nail polish over the shiny buttons on my Braemar jacket to give them an antique-like look. It toned down the brightness without having to actually swap the buttons out.

**EagleJCS** · 27th April 10, 08:50 PM

Maybe you can find some button covers (if they still make such things)? Then, you might only see the silver of the button stem.

**Jock Scot** · 28th April 10, 01:22 AM

My black barathea argyll has interchangeable silver, or, black buttons. I think the understated black buttons look very smart, for the right occasion. How is this done? Where each button goes there is a hole(with stitching round the edge) in the cloth, the button "eye" is passed through the hole from the outside and a very small "key ring" type thing is put on to hold the button in place. Some military tunics have the same facility and in these cases, it is for ease of cleaning the tunic and the buttons.

**ForresterModern** · 28th April 10, 05:20 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

My black barathea argyll has interchangeable silver, or, black buttons. I think the understated black buttons look very smart, for the right occasion. How is this done? Where each button goes there is a hole(with stitching round the edge) in the cloth, the button "eye" is passed through the hole from the outside and a very small "key ring" type thing is put on to hold the button in place. Some military tunics have the same facility and in these cases, it is for ease of cleaning the tunic and the buttons.

Jock, dear friend, you beat me to the punch again. My Argyll also has interchangeable buttons like Jock's, which to my understanding were to make it possible to remove the buttons for propper cleaning without the buttons either being in the way or getting damaged, then after cleaning the buttons were reattached. No reason, if your Argyll has these type, that you could not look for a similar set in a tone or hue more suitable to your tastes---perhaps antiqued, or brass, or solid black, even leather covered. There are some nice antiqued ones on ebay I believe.

jeff

**auld argonian** · 28th April 10, 06:09 AM

I'd love to be able to switch the buttons on my Argyll...and they do have the little key or cotter pin holding them in place...but the keys are within the lining and I'd have to slit the material to get at them. If I felt that I could do a neat job of it, I'd try but I don't want to cause more problems than I'm solving.

Best

AA