Gear + gadgets: Buttoning up

That scarf that won’t stay put, the cardigan that keeps opening up, the button-up shirt that’s just a tad too low-cut for this particular outing during your trip — forget about that old standby safety pin. Don’t poke holes in your clothes when you can use MagneButtons, twin round heavy-duty magnets that, by mutual attraction, fasten together whatever layers need to be joined.

MagneButtons are embossed with simple to fantastical designs, and once in place, look like classy buttons — without the hole. Design choices range from classic antique-looking metal or pearl-like domes, to bold and whimsical patterns printed on the surface.

Among our favorites: multi-colored paw prints, 3-D resin rose blossoms, kaleidoscope-like mandalas, and even an inspirational message — “KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON,” printed in bold black over a pastel diamond-patterned background.

Most MagneButtons are a diminutive 24mm in diameter (just a hair under an inch), but a few styles — faceted black crystal, creamy pearl, clear crystal — are available in a “jumbo” 32mm size (about 1 1/4 inch). The magnets will hold fast through thick shawls and suit lapels.

You can make MagneButtons part of your look, or keep them out of sight through some discreet fold maneuvers. You can even wear one as a decorative accent, holding together nothing but its twin selves on, say a hat brim or shirt pocket.

MagneButtons are $18 per pair in 24mm size; $24 in 32mm size; at www.magnebutton.com.

This story was originally published February 11, 2016 at 7:30 PM with the headline "Gear + gadgets: Buttoning up."