Dyed-to-match buttons are one of the fastest ways to elevate a collection. The color carries from collar to cuff, the garment feels tighter, and the buttons stop reading as an afterthought. Here's exactly how we run dye-to-match at Buttonology.
From Pantone reference to finished button — here's how it works
Quick answer
To order dyed-to-match buttons: (1) send a Pantone number or ship a physical swatch, (2) we formulate the dye and run your lot in a single batch for consistent color, and (3) your matched buttons ship fast from NYC. No minimums. One flat rate per lot — whether you need 10 buttons or 10,000.
Our custom color service runs out of our NYC Garment District showroom. The pricing is flat per lot, there's no minimum order, and this guide walks through every step — which materials dye well, how to submit a reference, how lot pricing works, and what to expect on turnaround.
Which materials can be dyed to match?
We dye across five core materials — natural and synthetic. Metal and glass are not available for dyed-to-match.
C
Corozo
Tagua nut. Takes the full Pantone range. The workhorse for shirting and casualwear.
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S
Shell
Takes dye with the iridescence intact. The luxury choice for blouses and eveningwear.
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P
Polyester
Color-matched at the formula stage — any shade or finish. Ideal for production volume.
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N
Nylon
Dyes cleanly and holds color well. Durable for workwear, uniforms, and shirting.
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W
Wood
Absorbs dye into the grain for a warm, natural finish. Heritage, craft-driven pieces.
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Unsure which base fits your garment? Email info@buttonologyinc.com with the fabric and use case and we'll recommend one.
The three-step process
1
Submit your color reference
Send a Pantone number, or ship a physical swatch to our showroom — fabric, thread, leather, or ribbon all work. Email
info@buttonologyinc.com and we'll quote within one business day.
2
We match & dye
Our team formulates a dye to match your reference, and each lot is dyed in a single batch for consistent color across every button. For larger runs we send a physical sample to approve before committing.
3
Receive your buttons
Typical lead time is about one week from an approved reference. Your buttons ship from our NYC Garment District facility, and we keep a master sample so any repeat run matches exactly.
How lot pricing works
Pricing is structured around lots, not piece counts. One color dyed onto one material equals one lot — a single flat rate regardless of quantity.
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One color + one material = one lot. Whether it holds 5 buttons or 5,000, the price is the same.
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Two colors, same material = two lots. Each color is dyed in its own batch.
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One color, two materials = two lots. The materials are processed separately.
0
Minimum order
10 buttons or 10,000
~1 wk
Typical lead time
From approved reference
1
Flat rate per lot
By lot, not quantity
Before you submit
Best practices
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Send a physical swatch when you can. Matching to the exact fabric your garment is cut from gives the tightest result.
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Plan your lot count up front. Every color is a lot; every material is a lot. Consolidate where possible.
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Commit to the material before the color. The same Pantone reads slightly differently on corozo, shell, nylon, polyester, or wood.
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Expect natural variation. Corozo, shell, and wood have subtle grain — that character is part of the finished look.
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Send your reference today. A Pantone number, a clipping, or both — we'll quote within one business day.
Ready to match a color?
Send a Pantone number or a swatch and we'll quote within one business day.
Frequently asked questions
Which button materials can be dyed to match?
Five materials: corozo, shell, polyester, nylon, and wood — each takes color a little differently. Metal and glass are not available for dyed-to-match.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No. There is no minimum. Whether you need 10 buttons or 10,000, the price is one flat rate per lot.
What counts as a lot?
A lot is one color dyed onto one material. Two colors — even on the same material — counts as two lots, and the same color on two materials also counts as two, because the materials are processed separately.
Do I need a Pantone number, or is a swatch enough?
Either works. Send a Pantone reference or ship a physical swatch — fabric, thread, leather, or ribbon all work.
How long does custom dyeing take?
Typical lead time is about one week from an approved reference. We'll confirm current turnaround — and any rush options — within one business day.
How accurate is the color matching?
Highly accurate. Our specialists work at fashion-grade precision and provide physical samples for approval before full runs. Minor variation between natural materials is normal.
