The Rules of Suit Jacket Buttoning
Let’s have that conversation about jackets… and how to button them up.
Just looking at a jacket, you can observe that there are buttons, and there are holes intended for each one. If you decide you want to wear that jacket, your first thoughts would be to put it on, then fasten the buttons.
Simple, right?
At first, it may look that way, but the truth is, there are rules to be followed.
Here are two reasons why we need to follow them.
#1. You send out the message that you pay attention to details.
Those who violate these simple rules will unwittingly broadcast to the world that they don’t wear a suit regularly. By knowing these rules and following them, you’ll be classified as part of men’s elite. You’ll belong to the “in-the-know” group.
#2. Almost every time, following these simple rules will make a man look better in a suit.
A buttoned suit when standing cuts a cleaner silhouette. Once seated, though, unbutton your jacket. This allows you to sit more comfortably. Add to that, it will prevent wrinkles and button popping.
What are the rules on buttoning a suit? Why are there even rules on buttoning suits?
Well – the rules are easy enough to learn. I’ve laid them out in the suit buttoning infographic above.
But why do we do this? Why even care about suit buttoning rules?
Two Reasons
1) It sends a signal that you pay attention to the details.
The vast majority of men who violate these rules do so because they do not wear a suit regularly. These small rules are used by “those in the know” to identify other men “in the the know.” It’s like a secret knock!
Childish? Illogical? Perhaps, but it’s the reality.
2) In most situations, this makes a suit look better on a man.
A buttoned suit when standing cuts a cleaner silhouette – when seated unbuttoning allows you to sit more comfortable and prevent wrinkles and button stress/popping. In addition – many 3 button suits re not made to be buttoned on the top (called 2 1/2 suits) and the lower button is almost always in a position where it restricts movement (and provides no added silhouette forming features vs. a single button buttoned!).
Important to note that we’re talking about SUITS here. Sports jackets are usually buttoned the same way but the rules are much more relaxed because it’s a more casual style.
Single-Breasted Jackets
Most modern suits have a single-breasted jacket. How to button it depends on two factors: the number of buttons the jacket has and where the buttons are in relation to your waist.
A jacket with a high stance has buttons at and above the natural waist, while a jacket with a low stance (more common these days) has its buttons at and below the waist.
One-button jackets
Single-breasted one-button jackets are becoming more common (and the classic choice for Black Tie) , and should always be buttoned when standing.
You may unbutton when seated.
Two-button jackets
- Conventional way to button a two-button jacket is to button the top button and leave the lower undone. A few possible exceptions:
- Men who like a very long lapel sometimes button the lower button and fold the lapel all the way down past the top buttonhole.
- An unusually high-stance jacket might look more proportional buttoned at the lower button.
- Very tall men may need to use the lower button rather than the upper to keep the jacket from spreading out above their waist and exposing the trouser-front and belt buckle (looks unsightly with a buttoned jacket).
Three-button jackets
Conventional method is to always button the middle button and to button the top button if desired, while always leaving the bottom button undone.
Fastening all three buttons at once looks stiff and should be avoided!
Double-Breasted Jackets
Double-breasted jackets are almost always worn buttoned. It’s very unusual to unbutton one.
Double-breasted jackets are described with the total number of buttons on the suit front followed by the number of working buttons — so a “six-on-four” jacket has six buttons but only four buttonholes.
Generally speaking you want to button all the buttons that have working buttonholes.
If you plan to leave some buttons undone, it is most traditional to fasten the top button. However, men who prefer a longer line have been leaving the lowest button undone instead for quite a few years now, including members of the British royal family, so you’re probably safe either way.
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