Comments on: Art of Manliness Suit School: Part III – A Primer on Suit Buttons

By: Erico

Erico — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:46:17 +0000

WHere can I find that first suit? The one with one button?

By: Arunner

Arunner — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 02:21:59 +0000

If the bottom button should never be fastened, then why put it there to begin with?

By: Jon Zo

Jon Zo — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:12:41 +0000

Browsing for suits today and came across this great blog. My two cents: double breasted suits are for tall men. That means 6′ 2″ or higher. The rest of us mere mortals (5′ 11″ here, same as Daniel Craig) should stick with a one or two button.

By: Hans

Hans — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:20:13 +0000

With regards to typically overlooked buttons: the sleeve buttons on well-made suits are usually functional, rather than merely decorative. In some circles (in my case student/business in the Netherlands) it is a mos to undo the button closest to the wrist.

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 01:00:51 +0000

I’ve always wondered, do I have to unbutton when I have my hands in a pockets?

By: Ricardo Reis

Ricardo Reis — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 18:15:05 +0000

In this comunity’s opinion what is the best “body bult” to wear the 6×1 double breasted jacket?? I do intend to go to a tailoring service of long trust and order one.

By: Leo

Leo — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 03:13:30 +0000

@Brad – There are a lot of advertisements that don’t work well in real life. Generally, suits are not cut to fasten the bottom button and still look sharp.

@Chad – Updated pics, just for you.

By: Brad

Brad — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 14:39:49 +0000

Check the ‘net for suit advertising from the 30′s to the 50′s (and later). Everywhere you turn we are told NEVER to fasten that bottom button, but both buttoned and unbuttoned have been accepted for most of the last century. Many old ads show both side by side.
Properly cut, a 2 or 3 button jacket can be buttoned fully without ‘pulling’ or looking odd. I do it on my 2 button often, especially when it’s windy; drape-cut there is enough fabric to allow it.
It’s like leaving the jacket open while standing in a 3 piece. So many people saying it is ‘not done’; but plenty of well dressed gents have been doing it for years! Wear what looks good for you, with confidence.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 05 May 2010 05:25:51 +0000

Regarding Thomo’s explanation,

I also have heard a remarkably similar explanation from a few sources. I’ve been lead to believe that the bottom button rule originated from Napoleonic era soldiers who rode on horses back. The reasons for my belief in this explanation is that the modern suit originates from the old military uniforms from roughly that era; and also as Thomo has mentioned, ridding on horses without it undone would be most uncomfortable. This seems like it would also flow on into the bottom button of a waste coat being left unfastened for the same reasons.

Another thought, in regards to the King Edward VII theory. I would believe that the lower button would be the easiest for a rotund gentleman to fasten, not the top buttons that are situated over a man’s widest part. Just my humble thoughts, take them or leave them.

All the best everyone, and many thanks to the author for his artical,

Patrick

By: pierre

pierre — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:49:26 +0000

My advice for getting the correct suit (and fit): find a quality haberdasher. You will never want to buy clothes any other way.