I button the bottom button on a vest unless it completely ruins my look. But ultimately, it’s up to you – button the bottom button if you want to. I think the best tip for how to button garments is to try everything. Sometimes the bottom button looks good, sometimes it doesn’t. You just have to try it on and see what looks best.
The golden rule for vests and waistcoats is to always leave the bottom button undone. This time-honored custom has its historical roots in King Edward VII, who was known for his excellent sense of taste and who opened his bottom waistcoat button as a result of an increasing waist. I myself follow this guideline to the letter. I recall going to a prominent gala when I saw several people buttoning their vests' bottom buttons, which is a fashion faux pas. The bottom button should always be left undone to provide a more balanced and finished appearance and to allow the vest to drape without restriction.
The "sometimes, always, never" rule helped me make sense of how to button men's garments: the top button may sometimes be buttoned (depending on personal style and the cut of the suit), the middle button should always be buttoned when standing as it pulls the suit together at our natural waist, and the last button should never be buttoned. This allows the tail of the jacket to flare out a bit, avoiding creasing and keeping a smooth line down your body.
Whenever you wear vests it is common that the bottom button remains unfastened. One of the key tips for buttoning garments is simple: "Sometimes, less is more." Make sure for suits, jackets, and vests this rule turns out to be the same, “leave the bottom button undone”. By doing so you can ensure proper fitting while preventing unsightly pulling while offering freedom of movement. When buttoning a double-breasted suit, fasten the top button, leaving the lower one unbuttoned to maintain the tailored silhouette. Embrace sophistication with overcoats by buttoning the middle button, leaving the top and bottom undone. Remember, mastering the art of buttoning enhances your style and exudes effortless elegance.
When it comes to buttoning a vest, it is generally recommended to leave the bottom button unbuttoned. This is a traditional practice that has been followed for many years. The purpose behind leaving the bottom button undone is to allow for better comfort and freedom of movement. Buttoning all the buttons can create tension and restrict the natural flow of the fabric. When it comes to buttoning garments like suits, jackets, vests, overcoats, or tuxedos, the general rule is to always leave the bottom button undone. This applies to single-breasted as well as double-breasted styles. The top button should be fastened, and the middle button, if present, can be buttoned or left undone depending on personal preference.
As with any formal attire or event, there is an etiquette you should follow. The conversation of the bottom button on a suit, vest, shirt, or what have you, is a common debate, but the general consensus is you should always leave it unbuttoned. The bottom button is there simply to polish off the look, but the bottom button should rarely be used. What I have learned through formal and professional events is that your bottom button should always be unattached because you want to look sleek and slim at your shoulders, but the bottom shouldn’t be constricting. Think when you bring your arms out. It looks more put together when you aren’t fighting against the bottom of your jacket or vest. When you’ve reached a point of stillness, simply smooth out the bottom of your attire, but don’t button.
When buttoning garments such as vests, jackets, suits, overcoats, or tuxedos, make sure to button all the buttons that are designed to be buttoned. This tip is particularly important for garments with multiple buttons, like double-breasted vests or jackets. Buttoning all the buttons enhances the garment's structure and appearance, giving a polished and tailored look. For example, when wearing a double-breasted suit jacket with six buttons, buttoning all six buttons creates a sharp and well-structured silhouette. Remember to unbutton all buttons before removing the garment to avoid strain on the buttons and maintain the garment's integrity.
I'm definitely not a fashion guru, but I've attended enough formal events to learn a thing or two about buttoning etiquette. Here are my thoughts, for a vest, typically, you leave the bottom button undone. It's a traditional rule that adds comfort and freedom of movement. I remember once attending a wedding where I made the rookie mistake of buttoning all buttons - let me tell you, the difference in comfort is real! Here's my tip for buttoning: For a two-button suit jacket, you button the top one. For a three-button jacket, remember "sometimes, always, never" from top to bottom. Same goes for vests. And for your overcoat? Button all the way, unless you're going for a casual look. These aren't iron-clad rules, but they're good guidelines. You should always feel comfortable and confident - that's what truly makes you shine in any attire.
Managing Editor, Leadership Expert, and PhD Candidate in Psychology at Everyday Power
Answered 3 years ago
If you want a sleek and cool look, then you should leave the last bottom button on a vest unbuttoned. It will not only make moving a lot more comfortable, it will also make the suit exude the best shape it has. Lastly, not buttoning the bottom button will ensure that the vest will not be damaged if you sit or reach something in the floor.
When it comes to buttoning garments like suits, jackets, vests, overcoats and tuxedos, there is a traditional pattern that should be followed. In general, it is recommended to button the top two buttons of a double-breasted suit or jacket and leave the lowest one undone. On a single-breasted garment such as a vest or blazer, it is not common for the bottom button to be fastened – this allows greater range of movement and keeps the garment from looking overly tight. An uncommon approach might also include leaving all buttons unfastened on certain outfits – this can be done in a casual setting but requires confidence to pull off properly.
To get a sleek and comfy look, leave the bottom button undone when buttoning a vest. It is more relaxed while buttoning a suit, as sitting with the jacket buttoned might put tension on the button closure and even cause clothing disasters. Standing, button up for suitable formality, whereas a three-piece suit with the vest buttoned and the jacket open expresses casualness. Single-button jackets feature a peak or notched lapel, but leave it undone when worn with a vest. When wearing a two-button two-piece suit or jacket and trousers, button the top button when standing and unbutton it when sitting. Overcoats are normally buttoned all the way up to keep you warm; however, leaving the bottom button undone allows for more mobility and allows more air to enter.
For a more casual look, leave the top button of a shirt unbuttoned underneath a blazer or suit jacket. This will add some laid-back vibes to a typically formal outfit. Pairing a suit jacket with a t-shirt and jeans is also a trendy option for a smart-casual dress code. However, make sure to maintain a balance between casual and formal elements to avoid looking too underdressed or overdressed. For example, pairing a suit jacket with sneakers may not be appropriate for some workplaces but can work for a casual event or night out.
When buttoning a vest, it is traditionally recommended to leave the bottom button undone. This practice allows for better comfort and fit, ensuring the vest hangs properly without constraining the body. By leaving the bottom button undone, the vest achieves a balanced appearance and avoids any strain on the fabric when moving or sitting. For example, in a three-button vest, button the top and middle buttons while leaving the bottom button unbuttoned. This subtle detail can enhance the overall look and comfort of the vest when worn as part of a formal outfit.