A funny story, a proud moment and a button.
As many of you know, in addition to my career as a professional opera singer, I also work as a technician at a major technology company. In this role, I interact with a diverse range of customers—some who are an absolute pleasure to assist and others who can certainly test one’s patience. However, every so often, an interaction stands out in the best possible way and completely makes my day. One such moment happened just a few days ago, and it still brings a smile to my face. I wanted to share it with you.
Late one afternoon, a woman and her two children visited our store to have their family’s devices serviced. Each device—a couple of tablets and two phones—had its own set of issues, and with multiple appointments booked, I knew this would take some time. The mother appeared to be in her late 30s or early 40s, while her children—a boy around 10 and a girl around 4—waited alongside her.
As I worked through troubleshooting the devices and explaining the repair process, I couldn’t help but notice the boy’s impeccable style. He was dressed in khaki joggers, a white t-shirt, a black blazer, and white sneakers—an exceptionally well-dressed young man! Throughout our interaction, he kept staring at me. Finally, he tugged on my sleeve and said, “I like your rings.” I smiled, thanked him, and returned the compliment, telling him he was one of the most stylish kids I had ever met. He proudly shared that his dad had helped him choose his outfit. I responded, “Well, your dad has great taste.”
Similar look
The photo on the right shows a similar outfit to what the kid was wearing. with the pants being khaki joggers instead of white jeans, and with white sneakers instead of black ones.
Then, I noticed that both buttons on his blazer were fastened. I leaned in slightly and said, “Can I give you a piece of advice?” He looked at me, puzzled, then turned to his mother and asked, “What’s an advice?” His mother laughed, and I explained, “It’s like a tip or a suggestion—something that can help make things even better.” After a brief moment, his face lit up with enthusiasm. “Okay!” he exclaimed.
I told him that his blazer was fantastic and that to keep it looking sharp and stylish, he should leave the bottom button undone. “Not only will it help preserve the shape of your jacket,” I said, “but it also makes you look even cooler.” The boy smiled, immediately unfastened the button, and—just moments later—the best part of the story happened. His father walked into the store, dressed in the exact same outfit! Without missing a beat, the boy turned to him and shouted, “Come on, Dad, get with the times! You never do the bottom button!”
I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. The father, momentarily caught off guard, chuckled and responded, “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize. Here, I’ll undo it.” Meanwhile, his wife and I were in stitches, and the father had a look of both amusement and pride. I have to admit—I felt a little bit of that pride myself!
Moments like these remind me how even the simplest interactions can bring unexpected joy. That small, lighthearted exchange made the rest of my day.
So, now that I’ve shared that story with you all, how about a deeper dive into why we don’t fasten the bottom button, and where did that “rule” come from?
Why you shouldn’t button the bottom button on a Suit Jacket.
If you’ve ever worn a suit or blazer, you might have heard the unwritten rule: never button the bottom button. But why is this the case? Is it just a style preference, or is there a historical and practical reason behind it? Keep reading as we explore the origins of this fashion rule, its functional purpose, and why sticking to it makes a real difference in your overall appearance.
The Historical Origins
The tradition of leaving the bottom button undone is said to have started in the early 1900s with King Edward VII of England. The story goes that Edward, who had a larger build, found it uncomfortable to button the bottom button of his waistcoats and suit jackets. As a result, he left it undone, and soon, members of his court and society at large began following suit—quite literally. Over time, this became an accepted rule of menswear, passed down through generations.
The Functional Reason
Beyond history, there’s a practical reason why leaving the bottom button undone works better for the fit and function of a jacket. Most modern suit jackets and blazers are designed to drape naturally when only the top button (in a two-button jacket) or the middle button (in a three-button jacket) is fastened. Buttoning the bottom button can disrupt this natural silhouette, making the jacket bunch up awkwardly around the waist and restricting movement (Sidenote: if you happen to have a “dad bod” or a belly, or anything other than a flat stomach, buttoning the bottom button will only accentuate the area, bringing attention to an area that we may want to keep eyes away from.)
Don’t do it!
Buttoning the bottom button can disrupt the natural silhouette the suit jacket is meant to create, making it bunch up awkwardly around the waist and restricting movement.
When you sit down with the bottom button fastened, the jacket pulls and wrinkles, which not only looks uncomfortable but also puts strain on the fabric. By leaving it unbuttoned, the jacket maintains a clean, sharp look whether you’re standing, walking, or sitting (Though you should also unfasten the top button when sitting, unless of course, you’re wearing a double breasted jacket, in which case the extra fabric should keep the jacket relatively loosened without strain while sitting.)
“If the first button of one’s coat is wrongly buttoned, all the rest will be crooked.”
The Style Factor
A well-fitted suit enhances your physique by creating a structured yet effortless appearance. Buttoning the bottom button throws off this balance, making the jacket appear tight and ill-fitting. Leaving it undone allows the jacket to flare slightly at the bottom, creating a V-shape that enhances the waist and broadens the shoulders—a timeless look that flatters most body types. Fashion experts and tailors universally agree that buttoning the bottom button is a mistake that disrupts the intended elegance of a suit. Even if a jacket seems to fit with it buttoned, it’s still designed to be worn open at the bottom. Even when wearing a three-button jacket, you should only fasten the middle button (the top button can also be fastened if wearing a bowtie.)
The Exceptions
There are a few rare cases where buttoning all buttons is acceptable:
• Double-breasted jackets: These are designed to be fully buttoned for a formal, structured look, though even in this case, the bottom button should still be left undone.
• Traditional waistcoats (vests): While the bottom button is often left undone (again, due to Edward VII’s influence), some waistcoat designs (like tuxedo vests) may be meant to be fully buttoned.
• Certain fashion-forward or traditional designs: Some modern jackets and even some traditional jackets, like the Indian Bandhgala, may have styling that allows for the bottom button to be closed without affecting the fit. However, these are exceptions rather than the rule.
Men’s fashion is full of small but important details, and leaving the bottom button undone is one of the easiest ways to instantly look more stylish and put-together. It’s a rule that balances history, practicality, and aesthetics.
So next time you put on a suit or blazer, remember: fasten the top, forget the bottom, wear your outfit with confidence and Come on, man, get with the times!!