The history of how to button a suit is an interesting one, tracing back several centuries. In the early days of suits, men wore jackets that were fastened with buttons made of brass or any other metal material. However, the way in which the buttons were fastened and the number of buttons that were used varied according to fashion trends and social norms.
In the 17th century, men’s jackets had a button that fastened at the waist, allowing the wearer to show off their ornate waistcoat underneath. This style of jacket was often worn by the aristocracy and was the precursor to the modern suit. In the 18th century, men’s jackets began to have buttons on both sides, allowing them to be buttoned up to the neck. This style of jacket, known as the frock coat, was popular for formal occasions and business.
It wasn’t until the early 19th century that the modern suit jacket emerged. This jacket had two or three buttons, and the bottom button was left undone. This style of jacket was popularized by the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII. Leaving the bottom button undone allowed for ease of movement and comfort when sitting down. Over time, this became the standard way to button a suit jacket and has remained so to this day.
In the mid-20th century, the two-button jacket became the dominant style, and it remains so today. The two-button jacket is versatile and can be worn for both formal and casual occasions. Typically, the top button is fastened, and the bottom button is left undone.
There are also three-button and four-button jackets, but these are less common. The three-button jacket is worn with the middle button fastened, while the top and bottom buttons are left undone. The four-button jacket is worn with the top two buttons fastened, leaving the bottom two undone. These styles are considered more formal and are typically worn for special occasions and business.
In conclusion, the history of how to button a suit has evolved over several centuries. The modern suit jacket, with two or three buttons and leaving the bottom button undone, is a result of fashion trends and social norms. Today, the standard two-button jacket remains popular and versatile, but there are also other options for more formal occasions. Understanding the history of how to button a suit can help us appreciate the significance of this small but important detail in men’s fashion.