It is hard to imagine relatively ‘modern’ times without buttons for the uses known to them today. Yet it was not until 13th century Germany when buttons featuring that most important counterpart, buttonholes, were used to keep clothing closed and they also started to be used for fastening shoes, tunics, surcoats, hoods, etc. In Europe, close-fitting clothes became stylish among nobles and royalty, and buttons were used to help the garments fit more snugly around the wearer. By the 13th and 14th century, buttons were widespread throughout Europe.