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The Bottom Button

post #1 of 3
11/30/11 at 6:45pm
Thread Starter 
Why is there? Was it ever used? Lower end brands should start making the bottom buttonhole nonfunctional so that people will stop using them and it should save them some money. Regardless, what's the story behind it?
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post #2 of 3
11/30/11 at 8:55pm
Yes, the bottom button used to be used. King Edward VII stopped using his, and everyone followed. Like non-functioning cuff buttons and lapels, there's no functional reason for this stuff, it's just how a traditional suit is supposed to look. Lower end brands are fashion followers, not leaders, so until some high-end designer decides to get rid of this stuff they will likely stay around.
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post #3 of 3
11/30/11 at 8:56pm
That's a classic story, I thought every SF man knew it...

"King Edward VII was regarded worldwide as an arbiter of men's fashions. He made wearing tweed, Homburg hats and Norfolk jackets fashionable, and popularised the wearing of black ties with dinner jackets, instead of white tie and tails. He pioneered the pressing of trouser legs from side to side in preference to the now normal front and back creases, and was thought to have introduced the stand-up turn-down shirt collar. (...) The tradition of men not buttoning the bottom button of waistcoats is said to be linked to Edward, who supposedly left his undone due to his large girth. His waist measured 48 inches (122 cm) shortly before his coronation. He introduced the practice of eating roast beef, roast potatoes, horseradish sauce and yorkshire pudding on Sundays, which remains a staple British favourite for Sunday lunch..."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VII
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