Buttonhooks & Shoehorns

What goes round, comes round and the fashion industry is no exception. We no longer use button-up boots and shoes nor long button-up evening gloves, so buttonhooks that were once an everyday item are now collectable. Shoehorns have stood the test of time and only recently changed their shape to make putting on shoes easier.

Buttonhooks

A buttonhook is a tool used to facilitate the closing of buttoned shoes, gloves or other clothing. It consists of a hook fixed to a handle which may be simple or decorative as part of a dresser set or chatelaine. Sometimes they were given away as promotions with product advertising on the handle. To use, the hook end is inserted through the buttonhole to capture the button by the shank and draw it through the opening.

Shoehorns

Originally, shoehorns were made from animal horns, hooves and even glass. Luxury shoehorns were made of ivory, shell or silver. Today, although shoehorns made of bulls’ hooves are still available, metal, plastic and wood are more commonly used.