2 Button Suit vs. 3 Button Suit - BALANI Custom Clothiers (2024)

When purchasing a suit, whether its custom or off-the-rack, its important to find a cut and style that is up-to-date and proportional for your body type. One of the most common questions men ask us, is whether they should purchase a two-button or three-button suit. There are two factors that come into play when making this decision: proportion and trend.
Proportion:

Ever wondered why you see football players in two-button suits, and basketball players in a three butt on or even four-button suit? Simple, it’s all about proportion.

Height is the most significant factor when deciding between a two-button versus a three-button suit. The biggest misconception of a three-button suit is that it gives the illusion of height; when in fact, it’s the exact opposite. A three-button suit looks best on men who are at least 6 feet or taller, because when the top button of the jacket is buttoned, it rests higher on the chest shortening the v-cut shape of the jacket.

While a three-button suit looks best on tall men, the two-button suit is much more versatile and looks great on men who are tall or short. This is largely due to the button placement of the jacket. On a two-button suit, the top button of the jacket should fall right above your navel, giving you a balanced look while visually elongating your torso.

Trend:

Like skinny ties, pleated pants, and tassel loafers, three-button suits are considered a trend and like all trends, it will go in and out of style over the next 20 years. Currently, three-button suits are considered somewhat dated and are largely substituted for it’s two-button counterpart.

So, next time you’re in the market for a new custom suit, remember proportion and trend, and you’ll be set for making the perfect suit purchase.

As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a specialized focus on men's suiting and tailoring, my expertise stems from years of immersion in the fashion industry, coupled with a profound understanding of the principles governing suit cuts, styles, and their suitability based on individual body types. My insights are drawn from practical experience, continuous research, and a keen eye for evolving trends within men's fashion.

The article delves into two primary considerations when purchasing a suit: proportion and trend. Let's break down the concepts and details mentioned in the piece:

  1. Proportion: This refers to the visual balance and harmony between the suit and the wearer's body type.

    • Height Consideration: Tallness plays a pivotal role in determining whether a two-button or three-button suit is more suitable.
      • Three-Button Suit for Taller Men: A three-button suit is suggested for men over 6 feet tall. When the top button is fastened, it elevates higher on the chest, altering the V-shape of the jacket. However, this doesn't visually elongate the wearer but rather shortens the jacket's appearance.
      • Versatility of the Two-Button Suit: The two-button suit is highly versatile and suitable for both tall and short men. Its button placement, situated just above the navel, creates a balanced look and can visually elongate the torso, contributing to a flattering appearance.
  2. Trend: This pertains to the prevailing fashion inclination and the cyclic nature of fashion trends.

    • Three-Button Suits as a Trend: Similar to other fashion trends like skinny ties or pleated pants, three-button suits are considered a trend. Currently, they are seen as somewhat dated and are being replaced by the more popular two-button suits.
    • Evolution of Style: Fashion trends have a cyclical nature, meaning styles that go out of vogue often make comebacks after some time. However, at present, the two-button suit is the more prevalent choice.

Ultimately, when investing in a new suit, understanding how the cut, style, proportion, and current trends complement your body type and fashion sensibilities is crucial. Balancing timeless elegance with contemporary trends ensures a sophisticated and fashionable appearance.

If there's any more specific information you seek or if you have further queries regarding men's suiting or fashion, feel free to ask!

2 Button Suit vs. 3 Button Suit - BALANI Custom Clothiers (2024)

FAQs

2 Button Suit vs. 3 Button Suit - BALANI Custom Clothiers? ›

While a three-button suit looks best on tall men, the two-button suit is much more versatile and looks great on men who are tall or short. This is largely due to the button placement of the jacket.

Should I get a 2 or 3-button suit? ›

If you are particularly tall and have felt awkward in a two-button suit, a three-button suit may be more flattering. The top button of this suit will sometimes be buttoned, the middle will always be buttoned, and the bottom will never be buttoned.

Are 3-button suits out of fashion? ›

In conclusion, while some people may believe that the 3-button suit is an outdated trend, it is still a timeless style that can be worn by stylish men around the world. It is a classic look that has stood the test of time, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Is a 2 or 3-button suit appropriate for a funeral? ›

The Best Funeral Suit to Wear to a Funeral

We find a classic two-button styles is most appropriate, with three-piece suits or double-breasted suits better suited to other formal events such as weddings.

What is the etiquette for 3-button suits? ›

The three-button suit, like others, comes with a simple rule: "sometimes, always, never." This means you should sometimes fasten the top button (if you want to), always fasten the middle button, and never fasten the bottom.

What is the 2 button suit rule? ›

The two button suit rule says you should button the top button while the button on the bottom is left open. Like every other type of suit jacket design, this style exudes a timeless and bold look. This can also be seen in how designers cut the suit to accommodate this style.

Do 3 piece suits make you look slimmer? ›

A three-piece suit can be very slimming because the waistcoat gives you the illusion of having a smaller waist.

When did 3 piece suits go out of style? ›

By 1985-1986, three-piece suits were on the way out and making way for cut double-breasted and two-piece single-breasted suits. The late 1990s saw the return to popularity of the three-button two-piece suit, which then went back out of fashion some time in the first decade of the twenty-first century.

What is the 3 piece rule in fashion? ›

This rule is simple but incredibly effective: when putting together an outfit, always add a third piece to elevate the look.

How many buttons should a suit have? ›

It depends on your style, preference, and the occasion you are wearing the suit for. Four buttons are a classic choice that will never go out of style, while five buttons can add a touch of modernity to your outfit. Going down to three or even two can sometimes have their benefits aesthetically-speaking!

Should I get a one or two button suit? ›

Aspect1 Button2 Buttons
Ideal forSlim and TallVersatile (almost everyone)
OccasionBlack Tie, Evening EventsVersatile
Bottom ButtonButtonedNever Buttoned
Accessorizing AdviceMinimalist; focus on a statement watch or cufflinksOpen to versatility; pocket squares and tie bars work well
Mar 27, 2024

What suits are acceptable for a funeral? ›

Types of Suits

Almost any type of suit will be allowable at a funeral, except for a tuxedo styles (unless explicitly requested for some reason). So your usual formal dress code is a double-breasted or three-piece suit. You are in the clear.

What color suit is best for funeral? ›

In the Western world, black is the traditional color of mourning. Your suit should be a dark color, preferably black. If you don't own a black suit, a dark gray, charcoal or navy blue suit is okay as well. What's most important is choosing a muted color that doesn't distract from the occasion.

Is a three piece suit too formal for business? ›

When Should You Wear a Three Piece Suit? Three pieces suits exude sophistication, so they are often reserved for formal events such as the races, weddings or important business meetings. However, if styled correctly, they can also be an excellent choice for semi-formal occasions too.

Can you wear a 3 piece suit unbuttoned? ›

How to wear a 3 piece suit? Jacket can be worn buttoned or unbuttoned. The waistcoat must always be worn buttoned all the way up, leaving the bottom button open.

Is a 3-piece suit buttoned or unbuttoned? ›

To be sure you wear it the right way, follow these two, very simple, rules:
  1. Always leave the last button on your dress vest unbuttoned.
  2. The waistcoat should be long enough to cover your belt line, but not much longer than that.
Feb 1, 2024

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