A person who is not particularly close to diplomatic negotiations, at the sight of the unbuttoned lower button of his jacket, will think that this is the usual negligence of the image. But is this the way many think and imagine? Is the bottom button a special element of the business style that tells about the owner of the jacket? And yet, why not fasten the bottom button?
Why is it not customary to fasten the bottom button of a jacket?
So why do many politicians seem to forget to follow a business style and do not fasten the last button of their jacket? It turns out that this little detail alludes to the special requirements of a pre-established contract. But a logical question arises: “Why can’t you fasten the bottom button on your jacket? What does this sign mean?”
Back in the 19th century, the rule for 3-button jackets, "Sometimes, always, never." It means that the top button on the jacket or vest can be fastened at the discretion of the wearer. The middle button should be in the corresponding opening constantly, but the last, lower one, must remain open.
There are also jackets and vests in which there are only 2 buttons. In such cases, male etiquette involves fastening only the top.
Interestingly, this feature does not apply to women's outerwear.
It is also important that many designers leave the lower button at such a distance in advance so that it looks more profitable in the open form.
Where did the trend come from? Historical reference
Why not fasten the bottom button of the jacket? The story begins with King Edward, who was overweight. Under his rule, jackets gradually began to enter into fashion. In order to keep up with the trends of the West, he also decided to purchase this thing. But all the jackets turned out to be small and tightened his body very much. That is why, when the king appeared at any celebrations in a company jacket, he unfastened the lower button, leaving only one.
Then the British court, sympathizing with the ailment of the king, began to unfasten the bottom button of his jacket in support. This fashionable trend spread to many countries, where it became one of the main among males.
There are other explanations for the "Edward theory." The English fashion designer analyzed the buttons of the jacket from 1600 to 1900 and found out a new reason why many diplomats unzipped the bottom. In 1700, a jacket began to supplant a coat for riding a horse. Given the fact that the frock coat had a third button located above the waist, we can safely assume that the lower unbuttoned button was a symbol of comfort when riding a horse.
According to many historians, the unbuttoned lower button is a merit of Edward and his good appetite! But in the USSR the people introduced this tradition! It was inconvenient for people to sit in a jacket with a completely buttoned arsenal of buttons, and since they had to travel often, they simply stopped buttoning.
Today, jackets basically have 2 buttons, however, the trend of the bottom open remains.
Interesting traditions
There are several features that affirm the unbuttoned lower button as a symbol of sophistication.
- Why not fasten the bottom button on a man’s jacket? This is an international tradition. Many actors confirm this fact with their performances and prove that this is not some kind of fleeting trend, but a base of gentlemanly relations.
- In the UK and some other European countries, it is considered inadmissible to appear at any event with a button buttoned down. A person who does not follow these traditions is considered unworthy of respect.
- Many designers noticed that jackets with the lower button located very close and poorly fastened are sold out worse by people. That is why it is sometimes difficult to find a jacket with a lower button located far from the top.
- In the Wild West, the bottom button, if it was open, meant the greatness of the possessor and his supremacy over others. The life of such a person was valued very dearly.
- If the jacket has large buttons that stand out against the general background, then the lower one is often fastened. Otherwise, she looks too untidy, attracting a lot of attention to herself.
Why not fasten the bottom button on the jacket? People follow etiquette and try to comply not only with fashion trends, but also with the banal rules of good taste.
To whom and when can I fasten the bottom button on my jacket?
There are some circumstances in which the lower buttoned button of a jacket is not an indicator of bad taste or ignorance of etiquette.
- Why not fasten the lower button on the jacket (photo confirmation you see above)? So who can still not match etiquette? Designers claim that the completely buttoned buttons on the jacket are suitable for really thin women whose size does not exceed 50 (Russian dimensional grid). On such people, all buttoned buttons look profitable.
- The next item will be jackets with only one button. Do not hide, this type of clothing is suitable only for thin people. In addition, there is simply nothing to choose here, because the only button will immediately be the top and bottom.
- This rule also applies to double-breasted jackets. Given the fact that the unbuttoned bottom button in them looks simply ugly, we can assume that the rule "Sometimes, always, never" does not apply to them. But for vests, as well as for single-breasted jackets, it applies.
How to fasten a jacket correctly?
To properly fasten your jacket and not make mistakes with buttons, you should follow simple rules.
- The double-breasted jacket is fully fastened.
- Why not fasten the bottom button on the jacket? It's comfortable! That is why it is not necessary to leave the bottom button buttoned on jackets with 2 and 3 buttons.
- If the buttons are large, then they are all fastened.
- If there is a vest with any number of buttons under the jacket, then it is completely fastened, and the jacket remains unfastened.
Conclusion
Summing up, I want to say that this highlight is still a personal affair of each person. If you want to fasten the bottom button at some event, then feel free to do it! There are many theories, some of which consider it inadmissible to leave the lower button unbuttoned, guided by the general phrases "well, for something it is needed!"
So do not despair if this rule was previously unknown to you! There is time to fix it.