Side-by-Side Comparison
Trims & Care
Buttons vs. Zippers
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Buttons
Zippers
Button sizing is globally standardized using the French Ligne scale (symbol 'L'), where 1 Ligne equals exactly 0.635 mm (1/40 inch or 0.025 in). Sized from 14L (collar button-downs) and 18L (shirt plackets) to 32L (suit coat fronts) and 40L (overcoats), the scale determines standard buttonhole cutting lengths.
Zipper sizing standards under ASTM D2061 and ISO 28219 classify zippers by the physical width of the closed interlocking teeth (chain) in millimeters. Designated as #3 (4.5 mm), #5 (6.0 mm), #8 (7.5 mm), and #10 (10.0 mm), zipper chains are built in Nylon Coil, Molded Vislon Plastic, and Clamped Metal styles.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
ASTM D5171 / Traditional Ligne Standard | ASTM D2061 / ISO 28219 / BS 3084 |
|
Base Unit Definition
|
1 Ligne (1L) = 0.635 mm = 1/40 inch (0.025") | — |
|
14L Shirt Collar / Gauntlet
|
8.89 mm (0.350") | Button-down collars and sleeve placket gauntlets | — |
|
16L Shirt Cuff
|
10.16 mm (0.400") | Dress shirt sleeve cuffs | — |
|
18L Standard Shirt Front
|
11.43 mm (0.450") | Dress shirt center front placket buttons | — |
|
24L Suit Sleeve
|
15.24 mm (0.600") | Tailored suit jacket sleeve cuffs and formal vests | — |
|
30L / 32L Suit Front
|
19.05 / 20.32 mm (0.75 / 0.80") | Suit jacket and blazer front closures | — |
|
40L Overcoat
|
25.40 mm (1.000") | Heavy trench coats, pea coats, and wool overcoats | — |
|
#3 Zipper Chain Width
|
— | 4.0 to 4.5 mm (0.16–0.18") | Dresses, interior pockets, cushion covers |
|
#5 Zipper Chain Width
|
— | 5.8 to 6.0 mm (0.23–0.24") | Universal jacket front, jeans, hoodies, backpacks |
|
#8 Zipper Chain Width
|
— | 7.5 to 8.0 mm (0.30–0.31") | Heavy winter parkas, motorcycle jackets, duffels |
|
#10 Zipper Chain Width
|
— | 10.0 to 10.5 mm (0.39–0.41") | Heavy luggage, tents, marine boat canvas |
|
Chain Constructions
|
— | Nylon Spiral Coil (CFC) | Molded Vislon Plastic (POM) | Clamped Metal Teeth (M) |
|
Slider Lock Mechanisms
|
— | Auto-Lock (clothing) | Non-Lock (luggage) | Pin-Lock | Reversible |