Brass or gilt buttons were worn by Officers, Chief Petty Officers and Petty Officers on the uniform jacket, and in miniature, on the officer's rank epaulettes. Brass buttons also were worn on the cuffs of chief petty officer's uniforms as part of their rank badge. Black horn or plastic buttons were worn on Petty Officer's jackets, Class III jackets and rating's greatcoats. White plastic buttons were worn on certain white Class III jackets.

Royal Navy buttons were often worn by Canadians during the First World War and up until the late 1930s. During the Second World War, RCN and RCNVR buttons were worn. Officer's pattern buttons bore the crown and anchor bordered by a rope, petty officer's buttons lacked the rope. A special pattern of button was worn by flag officers (Rear Admiral and above), consisting of the crown and anchor surrounded by laurel leaves.

RCN Flag Officer Pre 1953

RN Flag Officer Pre 1953

RN Officer Pre 1953

RCN Officer

RCNVR Officer

RCN Officer (bronze)

RN & RCN Flag Officer

RCN Officer

RN Rating

RN Rating (horn)

RCN Rating

RCN Rating (plastic)

RCN Rating (plastic)

RCN Rating Post 1953

Concave buttons worn as rank insignia on the jacket cuffs by Chief Petty Officers.