Today, I want to talk about a fashion rule that many people may not be aware of: why you never button the bottom button on a suit, sport coat, or blazer.

The tradition of leaving the bottom button undone dates back to the early 19th century, when King Edward VII of England was too large to button the bottom button on his waistcoat. Rather than have the button moved, he simply left it undone, and the style caught on among his peers. Over time, this practice extended to jackets as well, and it is now considered a classic fashion rule.

The reason for leaving the bottom button undone is twofold. First, it allows the jacket to drape properly and hang in a way that is flattering to the wearer’s body shape. When the bottom button is fastened, the fabric can bunch up and create an unflattering bulge around the midsection. Second, it allows for greater ease of movement, especially when sitting or walking.

Single Breasted vs Double Breasted Jackets

The rule about leaving the bottom button undone applies to both single-breasted and double-breasted jackets, but there are some differences in how the rule is applied.

For single-breasted jackets, which have a row of buttons down the front, the rule is simple: always leave the bottom button undone. Whether the jacket has one, two, or three buttons, the bottom button should always be left undone. This applies to both formal and casual jackets.

Double-breasted jackets, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated. Because they have two rows of buttons, there are different rules for each row. The top row should always be fastened, while the bottom row should always be left undone. This applies to both formal and casual double-breasted jackets.

1 Button vs 2 Button vs 3 Button Jackets

Another factor to consider is the number of buttons on the jacket. This can affect how the jacket drapes and how the rule about leaving the bottom button undone applies.

1-Button Jackets: With a one-button jacket, there is no need to worry about leaving the bottom button undone, since there is only one button to begin with. This style is often seen in more modern, slim-fitting jackets and can give a sleek, streamlined look.

2-Button Jackets: With a two-button jacket, the rule about leaving the bottom button undone applies. The top button should be fastened, while the bottom button should be left undone. This is the most common style of jacket and works well for both formal and casual occasions.

3-Button Jackets: With a three-button jacket, the rule about leaving the bottom button undone also applies. However, the top button may be left undone as well, depending on the occasion and personal preference. Leaving the top button undone creates a more casual look, while fastening it creates a more formal look.

Overall, the rule about leaving the bottom button undone is an important one to keep in mind when wearing a suit, sport coat, or blazer. It may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in how the jacket looks and feels. Whether you are wearing a single-breasted or double-breasted jacket, and whether it has one, two, or three buttons, remember to always leave the bottom button undone.