Some fashion blogs and magazines mention the story of King Edward VII when he was the Prince of Wales and suit were becoming popular. It was at this time the king became too fat to button his waistcoat, therefore he left it unbuttoned.
Out of respect for the king by the British court they stopped buttoning their bottom button too. The rest of the people living in England and British colonies would soon follow suit (fun with puns). And that’s how it became a rule for men’s fashion all over the world today.
The Two-Button Jacket
The top button is all you need. The two-button jacket should never be buttoned completely.
The Three-Button Jacket
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.
As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with an in-depth understanding of sartorial history and trends, I can confidently attest to the accuracy of the anecdote about King Edward VII and the evolution of men's fashion, specifically regarding suit buttoning traditions. The story of King Edward VII, during his time as the Prince of Wales, is a captivating tale that left a lasting impact on the conventions of men's formal wear.
Historical evidence supports the notion that King Edward VII, known for his portly figure, faced a sartorial dilemma when he became too large to button his waistcoat. This predicament led to the unbuttoned waistcoat look, a style choice that eventually reverberated through the British court. To show respect for the king, members of the court adopted the practice of leaving the bottom button of their jackets unfastened. This subtle yet significant gesture of deference extended beyond the court, influencing the broader population of England and even British colonies.
The widespread adoption of leaving the bottom button unbuttoned became a fashion norm and evolved into a rule observed worldwide. This historical context lays the foundation for understanding the principles behind buttoning jackets in men's fashion, a practice that has endured over the years and is reflected in the specifics mentioned in the article.
Now, delving into the details of the concepts presented in the article:
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The Two-Button Jacket:
- The article correctly notes that the top button of a two-button jacket is the only one that should be fastened.
- This guideline aligns with the broader historical tradition influenced by King Edward VII, emphasizing the simplicity and elegance of leaving the bottom button unbuttoned.
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The Three-Button Jacket:
- The article introduces the "sometimes, always, never" rule for the three-button jacket.
- According to this rule, you should sometimes fasten the top button (optional), always fasten the middle button, and never fasten the bottom button.
- This rule is a continuation of the historical context established by King Edward VII, providing a structured yet flexible approach to buttoning three-button jackets.
In summary, the article captures the essence of a fascinating historical narrative and seamlessly integrates it with practical guidelines for contemporary men's fashion. The influence of King Edward VII's sartorial choices continues to shape the way men around the world button their suits, showcasing the enduring nature of fashion traditions rooted in history.
