You may think that buttoning your jacket is an obvious thing and that it doesn’t matter how you do it. However, because of its simplicity it can easily be overlooked and done incorrectly.
Follow our guide on how to button the three most common types of suit jackets. This will identify you as a stylish man in the know.
Two Button Jacket
When wearing the classic two button suit, or even blazer, it is simple and straightforward. Always fasten just the top button and never the bottom one. When seated the jacket should be unbuttoned.
Two and a Half Button Jacket
The two and a half button jacket may be confusing. It is basically a three-button jacket, but one of the button holes is softly rolled into the lapel. It is otherwise known as a three-roll-two lapel and is an elegant take on the three-button jacket.
For this style, fasten the middle button. However, if you want extra coverage then do button the top button aswell. But as a rule, stick with just the middle button fastened and never do up the bottom one.
Double-Breasted Jacket
These 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. Of those outer buttons, two can be fastened. Again, button the middle button and leave the bottom one alone. Also make use of the inner button that isn’t seen, this keeps the jacket in position. Keep the double breasted jacket buttoned when you sit and only undo it when you are taking it off.
Slim fit Double-Breasted Jacket
This style has the same look of 6 buttons, however two of them are just for show and can’t be used. In this case just fasten the middle outer button, and as before still use the hidden inner button.
by Eliza Scarborough
