I see this one all the time, and it drives me nuts: a guy in a two (or even three) button single-breasted suit or blazer with all of the buttons fastened. To quote Dom “Stick-Out-Your-Tush” Deluise in Blazing Saddles: WRONNGGG!
I remember one occasion, back when I was an actor, when I appeared on a TV series in a scene wearing a suit. In the last costume check before action, the costume designer “corrected” me by buttoning the bottom button of my suit before the cameral rolled. I’m not even a professional, and I knew better. I wanted her job and her paycheck. (For the record, I appear on the show properly unbuttoned.)
So… The bottom button? Leave it undone.
7 Comments
George, you are correct, of course, and I follow this buttoning rule myself… but then I see photos of JFK flouting the rule and wonder. Still won’t do it myself though. Thoughts?
I want your paycheck for this article because you never stated “Why”. All this amounts to is a rant, not an article.
Sorry, Dylan. Do you want your money back?
I usually follow this rule, but if you’re wearing a less-than-perfectly tailored suit and leaving that button open means that a lot of shirt-and-belt will peak through, doesn’t that draw more attenton than breaking the rule and buttoning all the way?
It might be a sign that your jacket is too short or has an unusually high button stance (i.e. the vertical position of the buttons on the jacket). Either way, the bottom button should NEVER be fastened.
And another thing…what are your opinions on the European-style of leaving the top button open? When is that appropriate?
That’s a stunt better left to professional style icons like Gianni Agnelli, who also wore his watch OVER his shirt cuff. He was also a guy rich enough and confident enough to pull off pretty much anything he wanted to. If you’re grooming yourself for full-time iconhood, go for it with gusto. Otherwise, it just looks like you’re doing it wrong.