How to Measure Garments Button Ligne/ Button Length ?

What is Button Ligne?

A button's ligne, refers to a button's size. The word ligne, is a French word that became the standard reference used by German button manufacturers in the early eighteenth century. Ligne is expressed as “L” which is the internationally recognized standard. Consensus at the time was that a "ligne" measured the inside diameter of a "round wick folded flat." One inch is equal to 40 English ligne, 11 French ligne, and 25.5 mm.

Measuring a button - When measuring buttons, we generally are referring to the diameter of the button.   A one inch diameter is called a 40-ligne, which can also be written as 40 Line or simply 40L.

Button Size Measurement Method in Garments Sector:

To measure the button size, we have to use ligne.

We Know,

1 inch = 25.4 mm = 40L

So, 1L = 0.635 mm

Button Ligne (L) = Button Diameter (mm)/0.635

Example-01:

If the button diameter is 14.20 mm then what will be the size of button?

Solution:

Here,

Button diameter = 14.20 mm,

So,

ButtonLigne(L) = Button Diameter (mm)/0.635

= 14.20 / 0.635

= 22 L

Different Ligne Button Used In Different Garments :

Typically shirt buttons range from 13 ligne on the Collar (if button down), 15 on the Sleeve, and 16 thru 20 ligne are generally used on the placket.  Pant buttons generally have a 22 or 24 ligne on the front closure, and either a 24, 27 or 28 ligne .On the back pockets.  Men’s Tailored Suits generally have a 24-ligne button on the sleeve and pant closure, and a 32 ligne on the Jacket closure, some double breasted suits use a 34 or 36 Ligne.

Button Quantities

Buttons are for the most part priced and sold by the gross or GG. One gross equals 144 individual buttons & also 1 GG equals 1728 individual buttons.  Although some high fashion buttons are priced by the piece or by the dozen, the standard unit we use at is gross.

Button Holes

This is in reference to the number of holes in the button. Buttons can be made with 2 holes, 3- holes, 4-holes and even 5-holes.  Menswear items typically are 4-hole, and Women’s clothing typically has 2-holes.  The button holes are frequently recessed from the edge, forming a “center well”.