A sleevebutton is a small fastening device or decorative accessory used to secure the cuffs of a shirt or blouse, typically made of metal or fabric. It is designed to hold the loose ends of a sleeve together, creating a neat and tailored appearance. The sleevebutton consists of two components – a buttonhole on one side and a button on the other.
This accessory serves a dual purpose: functionality and style. It prevents the sleeves from becoming loose or untucked during movement, keeping them in place and ensuring a polished look. Sleevebuttons also add a touch of sophistication and elegance to formal attire, as they are often crafted with intricate designs or embellished with jewels, pearls, or other ornamental elements.
To fasten a sleevebutton, the buttonhole is threaded through the button, securing it in place. This process is usually repeated on both cuffs of a shirt or blouse. The ease of attaching and detaching sleevebuttons allows for quick adjustments according to personal preference, the occasion, or even climate.
Although most commonly associated with men's dress shirts or formal attire, sleevebuttons can also be found on women's blouses, particularly those with French cuffs or tailored sleeves. Modern variations of sleevebuttons may incorporate innovative materials or unique designs, catering to individual fashion tastes while preserving their traditional role as practical garment embellishments.
The word "sleevebutton" is a compound word formed by combining "sleeve" and "button".
- "Sleeve" originates from the Old English word "slyfe" or "slefe", which referred to a garment worn on the arm. This term can be traced back to the Old Norse word "sloð" meaning "a track" or "path".
- "Button" is derived from the Old French word "bouton", which came from the Latin word "bottō" or "bottōnem", meaning "a bud" or "a button".
When combined, "sleeve" and "button" make up "sleevebutton", referring to a button or fastening device used on a sleeve to secure or adjust its fit or length.