Replacement button for Levi jeans: Here’s What To Know

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Wearing Levi jeans both looks great and feels great. There’s nothing else like strutting around downtown in that awesome denim style.

And then, the unthinkable happens. The button either breaks, or pops right off! Now what? For those of you needing a replacement button that just broke, or wanting a replacement for the old one, read on!

How do I replace a button on my Levi jeans?

It can be as simple as snapping another one into place.

To start, you’ll need the appropriate tools and materials, such as having a replacement button ready to go. Thankfully, these items are fairly cheap. 

Next, you’ll need something sturdy to rest your jeans on. It can be a table, bench, anything that’s solid and won’t move much while you work.

Remember, if the old button is still on there, you’ll have to remove it first before starting! 

Removing a button can be done in several ways. From using a screwdriver and pliers, to shearing off the old button with a set of wire cutters, you have options.

It’s highly recommended that you don’t use your hands when doing this, as jean buttons are made to be permanent, meaning once the button is in place, it’ll stay there and will need serious force to remove. 

Regardless of which method you use to remove the button, practice safety by wearing a pair of safety glasses or something similar. Once that old button pops off, it can shoot off in any direction, and your eyes could be in the way! 

If the hole where the button goes is slightly ripped, you’ll need to repair that as well before putting a new button on. This can be done using a simple zig zag motion using a needle and thread.

If that doesn’t do the trick, you may need an extra patch of durable fabric to sew onto the area as well. 

With all that out of the way, your next step is to unzip or unbutton the fly and fold the button hole over so you have access to the backside.

Next, insert the tack portion of the new button through the back. Then, take the top portion of the button and place it over the sharp part of the tack. 

There may be some button types out there that will allow you to snap the two parts together with your fingers, but for those tougher options, you’ll need a small hammer or mallet to deliver the final touch.

To prevent damage, you’ll also need another solid surface to place between the back and front of the jeans.

If you’re concerned about smacking your fingers with the hammer, try holding the button still using a pair of pliers if you have some available.

Lastly, test it out! Button and unbutton your jeans several times to ensure they work as they should. 

Does Levi’s offer their own button repair service?

Yep!

For those in need of speedy button repair or are willing to spend a bit of extra cash, Levi’s does indeed have repair services.

Simply take your damaged pair of jeans to the closest Levi’s tailor shop.

Repairing a jeans button on your own can save money and teach you a valuable life skill, but it can also be incredibly time-consuming, especially if you’re fixing it for the first time. 

Also, if, for whatever reason, your jeans become so worn down that repair becomes impossible, Levi’s also has a jeans recycling program that allows you to drop off the pair at any Levi’s store to prevent it from ending up in a landfill.

Considering how much water goes into making a single pair of new jeans, recycling an old pair of Levi’s can go a long way in helping the environment!

How do I prevent a button blow-out in the first place?

By buying a pair that’s the right size.

The most common button damage you might see is the button hole becoming too stretched out, and won’t function the way it needs to anymore.

If the jeans feel too tight when you try them on, you may need to go a size up to prevent future wear and tear. Too much stretching might require a sewing fix. 

Another prevention method is washing your jeans periodically to get rid of any dirt and other debris. Jeans that accumulate too much dirt can have the denim fibers wear down quickly. 

For smaller messes, you could also use a clothing brush to get rid of anything too small for a full wash cycle. Not every stain will require a trip to the washing machine. 

Bonus content: what to do in case of injury.

Accidents happen.

Especially when it comes to using hammers to secure a new jean button in place. If you hit either your thumb or finger too hard, get it treated sooner rather than later.

If it’s too painful to be a minor bruise, try using an ice pack and some over-the-counter pain medication. If it hurts so much that you can’t bear the pain anymore, go see a doctor right away. 

Final Thoughts

Replacing a button can seem like a chore, but will become much easier once you get it started. Thankfully, jean buttons are cheap enough.

Remember to gather any tools you need, such as a hammer and pliers, and keep yourself safe from injury!