Label before the connection is lost
Put each set of spare buttons in a small container or envelope with a plain description, such as navy work shirt or green wool coat. Include the brand or a photo if several garments look similar. Keep labels separate from delicate surfaces and avoid attaching loose metal pins to clothes. Thread can be grouped by color, with specialized fiber information retained when it matters for a future repair.
Keep a compact reference box
Store the labeled sets with your mending supplies so you can retrieve them during a repair. When a garment leaves the wardrobe, pass along its spare parts where useful or remove the now-unneeded label. Avoid combining unidentified buttons into the same envelope as a known matching set. Before paying for replacement parts, check the box. A small amount of labeling at purchase or laundry time can prevent a simple missing-button repair from becoming a long search through unrelated notions.
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