Button Hooks were designed to fasten small buttons on gloves or shoes. They are rarely used nowadays, but are still very popular collectible items. They were extremely popular in Victorian and Edwardian times. The handles of button hooks can be ornate or plain and made from materials such as silver, silver plate or ivory.

Button Hooks became less popular during World War I as high top shoes and boots went out of fashion due to that scarcity of leather at this time.