I don't wear suits much and just found out you're not supposed to button the bottom button - what other rules are there? (color, guys)
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I feel like a dummy because I don't dress nice too often.
I was at a fancy get-together recently and wore a suit. Luckily, at least it was a nice suit and I researched what type of shirt, tie, etc. to wear with it.
But I gotta be honest, I was completely unaware that you aren't supposed to button both buttons on a two-button suit!
There was about an hour of cocktails and standing around chatting before we sat down and I took my jacket off. No one said anything, so I don't know if they noticed or not. But I'm still embarrassed.
1. Did I look like an idiot to everyone there for having both buttons buttoned?
2. What other little rules about suit wearing are there that I might not know!?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I don't know anyone that pays attention to those "rules" unless attending the Academy Awards or perhaps giving away their daughter at a formal wedding when there could be critics around. Button or not based on comfort, being able to move, whether sitting or standing. I wore a suit to work for 17 years and never buttoned at all, nor did any of my co-workers other than the CEO when he was at a board meeting.
There was about an hour of cocktails and standing around chatting before we sat down and I took my jacket off. No one said anything, so I don't know if they noticed or not.
I am fairly certain that no one scrutinized the second button of your suit jacket.
I am fairly certain that no one scrutinized the second button of your suit jacket.
Then why does the internet seem to make such a big deal about it? Once I started Googling it, this is one of the first things that came up (from Esquire):
There is a scourge upon us. It's not pestilence, or war. It's something more subtle and nefarious than that. Guys the world over have forgotten a cardinal rule of dressing themselves: Don't button the bottom button of your suit jacket. Ever. It's the quickest possible way to make yourself look like you don't know what you're doing (and like you just gained ten pounds). So don't do it. Still having trouble with this concept? Don't worry. There's even a quick mnemonic to help you out: sometimes, always, never. That's how often you should button each button on a three-button jacket, from top to bottom. For a two-button, it's even simpler: always, never. Never. That's how often you should button your bottom button. Please make a note of it.
Then why does the internet seem to make such a big deal about it? Once I started Googling it, this is one of the first things that came up (from Esquire):
There is a scourge upon us. It's not pestilence, or war. It's something more subtle and nefarious than that. Guys the world over have forgotten a cardinal rule of dressing themselves: Don't button the bottom button of your suit jacket. Ever. It's the quickest possible way to make yourself look like you don't know what you're doing (and like you just gained ten pounds). So don't do it. Still having trouble with this concept? Don't worry. There's even a quick mnemonic to help you out: sometimes, always, never. That's how often you should button each button on a three-button jacket, from top to bottom. For a two-button, it's even simpler: always, never. Never. That's how often you should button your bottom button. Please make a note of it.
I wear suits plenty. Mostly to work but on the occasional night out as well. While I am very aware of that particular "rule", I would be willing to bet big money that nobody at your event scrutinized or made fun of you or thought you were an idiot.
And I tried to rep Convextech but need to spread it around first. Elitist rag indeed.
Other rules? Gosh, don't know - match your belt to your shoes, match your socks to your pants. I don't know.
No one cares, it is stupid to even think about it.
The button being unbuttoned is for when you sit down, this allows the suit jacket to still sit well on you.
The only thing you should be concerned about, in my opinion, is about the suit fitting you well, not like you are a kid borrowing your dad's suit to play grown-up. Also, I hate the different color jacket-pants look, but that is just me, I do not care if people do it or not.
On a separate note; who in the hell even thinks these things up? Is there like some special club or something where people sit around and think of stupid stuff like "do not button the bottom button"? And why are these people even listened to?
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