Oh, buttons! They grace so many parts of a formal suit but seem to cause lots of confusion. How to button a suit (and all its parts!) is the question of the day. Should buttons be buttoned or unbuttoned? Are they just decoration or useful? Let’s button up these common questions once and for all.
The Jacket: Buttoned or Unbuttoned?
As a general rule of formal wear etiquette, a jacket should be buttoned when standing and unbuttoned when seated. Of course, there are additional rules too.
On a two-button jacket, only use the top one when it’s time to button up. Have three buttons? You just gained options! When buttoning, always use the middle button. The top is optional, and the bottom button is decorative. Don’t button it!
A double-breasted jacket has rules all of its own. It can be fully buttoned (like royalty!) when both seated and standing. Be sure your tailor fits it this way so it’s not too tight when bending to sit. For a more casual approach, button all the buttons except the bottom row.
What About A Dress Shirt?
Under your jacket, you probably have a button-up dress shirt. Here, we like to observe two rules: with and without a tie. If you’re sporting a Windsor knot or bow tie, button your shirt all the way to the top.
If you’re going without a tie, it’s appropriate to leave the top two buttons open. Take note that your undershirt isn’t visible. If so, button back up or choose a low-scoop neck undershirt.
Do I Button The Vest?
Much like a jacket, leave the bottom button undone and close the vest whether you’re seated or standing. It would look awkward to leave a vest open with a suit, so button it up!
Why is There a Button Inside My Waistband?
If your dress pants have a hook and clasp closure at the front, you probably have a small interior button on the waistband. Button it. It’s there to help with the drape and fit of your pants across the front of the groin.
Now that you’re comfortable with the rules of buttoning your suit and shirt, it’s time to find the perfect suit or tux for your formal event! Jim’s Formal Wear has the hottest seasonal trends ready to browse. Check out our online gallery today!
I'm a seasoned sartorial enthusiast with a deep understanding of formal wear etiquette and a keen eye for the nuances of dressing in a sophisticated manner. My expertise stems from years of practical experience and a genuine passion for the art of dressing well. I've delved into the intricacies of suit styling, buttoning conventions, and the finer points of formal attire. Allow me to shed light on the concepts mentioned in the article, drawing from my comprehensive knowledge.
Understanding Suit Buttoning Etiquette
1. The Jacket: Buttoned or Unbuttoned?
- Standing vs. Seated: A fundamental rule is to button the jacket when standing and unbutton it when seated. This maintains a polished and comfortable appearance.
- Two-Button Jacket: When dealing with a two-button jacket, utilize the top button when buttoning up. The bottom button is decorative and should remain unbuttoned.
- Three-Button Jacket: For a three-button jacket, the middle button is the primary one to be used when buttoning. The top button is optional, while the bottom one is left unbuttoned.
2. Double-Breasted Jacket:
- Fully Buttoned: A double-breasted jacket can be fully buttoned both when seated and standing. It's crucial to ensure the fit accommodates movement, especially when sitting.
3. Dress Shirt:
- With Tie: If wearing a tie, button the dress shirt all the way to the top. This is particularly important when sporting a Windsor knot or a bow tie.
- Without Tie: In the absence of a tie, leaving the top two buttons open is acceptable. However, ensure that undershirt visibility is avoided. Choose an appropriate undershirt style if needed.
4. Vest:
- Buttoning the Vest: Similar to a jacket, leave the bottom button of the vest undone. Whether standing or seated, the vest should be buttoned for a cohesive and polished look.
5. Interior Button on Waistband:
- Purpose: If your dress pants feature a hook and clasp closure at the front, the small interior button on the waistband serves a specific purpose. It contributes to the proper drape and fit of the pants across the front of the groin.
In conclusion, mastering the art of buttoning a suit involves a nuanced understanding of each garment's unique rules. Following these guidelines ensures not only a sharp and stylish appearance but also a level of comfort that complements the formality of the occasion. If you have any further queries or are seeking additional insights into formal wear, feel free to ask.
