2 button vs. 3 button blazers/suits

[scraper]

Just wondering what is more fashionable at the moment. My local shops are pushing 3 buttons very hard right now. I thought 3 buttons had kind of faded out of style. I personally don't find the 3 button very flattering for my build particularly when worn unbuttoned. What are your thoughts?

 

[DocHolliday]

Wear what you like, and what looks best on you. Both styles are here to stay.

 

[edmorel]

The only advice I would give is to stay away from the hard roll to 3 button suits. A 3 roll to 2.5 or 2 button suit will be around forever and is not that different from a 2 button, which will also be around for another 200 years.

 

[prozach1576]

I was shopping for a new suit over the weekend and was not happy that I was unable to find a single two-button in a 38R at Macy's or Von Maur.

 

[Joffrey]

I prefer two button suits though every italian suit salesman says they're for older people (im 22). Obviously a nice slim fit is required. Anyway when getting my first real suit (ignoring my express for men suit), I was torn between an RL Black Label two button in charcoal and a 3button in navy pinstripes. I got the three button because it had a 3-2 lapel roll.

When getting my second I'll try to get the 2 button charcoal (or medium grey)

 

[Jovan]

Either is fine. Two button is the safest bet for just about everybody, IMHO. I'm not a huge fan of three buttons that roll really high. Those Italian suit salesmen need to get their head out of their own arse if they really tell you that. Sounds just as annoying as record store people.

 

[prozach1576]

Originally Posted by Jodum5

I prefer two button suits though every italian suit salesman says they're for older people (im 22). Obviously a nice slim fit is required. Anyway when getting my first real suit (ignoring my express for men suit), I was torn between an RL Black Label two button in charcoal and a 3button in navy pinstripes. I got the three button because it had a 3-2 lapel roll.

When getting my second I'll try to get the 2 button charcoal (or medium grey)

Haha, a couple years ago I made the mistake of getting an Express suit for my first (I'm still only 20 and in college, for reference). One day I realized how bad it was and I was so embarrassed. But as an engineering student, it doesn't take much to outdress my classmates at job fairs and interviews, so after getting it altered a ton, it doesn't look too bad. I think my tailor took out about a pound of padding from the shoulders though.

 

[bachbeet]

I prefer 2B to 3B. However, if I see a 3B I gotta have, I'll get it. For example, I recently bought a charcoal nailhead Zegna 15mil that is terrific and it's 3B. I'd even like to get a 1B but those are rare. Would never get 4B or higher.

 

[Jovan]

bachbeet: Get Smart has his own clothing line that offers fully canvassed, one button peak lapel suits for $400. www.thickasthievesla.com and check out the thread on it in Streetwear.

 

[The Happy Stroller]

The rule is to keep the jacket buttoned up when not seated at a table. Alternatively, consider wearing a waistcoat; then I suppose you need not keep the jacket buttoned up.

For the casual business suit, was it only for the waistcoat, or for both waistcoat and jacket, one is supposed to let the last (bottom-most) button be unbuttoned? (But I think the last button unbuttoned rule really applies only to the woolen Cardigan)

Originally Posted by scraper

...<snip>...
I personally don't find the 3 button very flattering for my build particularly when worn unbuttoned. What are your thoughts?

 

[Wanderer]

You don't say what build you are. I am tall (6' 2&quot and slim and find a high stance 3 button suit to be the most flattering to my shape. I also have suit jackets with a 3 to 2 1/2 roll in the lapel that i also can wear well. When it comes to a 2 button jacket a high button stance is absolutely essential to avoid a quite sumped appearance. My advice is to try them all and find what works for your own particular shape and posture.

 

[dirk diggler]

Originally Posted by bachbeet

I prefer 2B to 3B. However, if I see a 3B I gotta have, I'll get it. For example, I recently bought a charcoal nailhead Zegna 15mil that is terrific and it's 3B. I'd even like to get a 1B but those are rare. Would never get 4B or higher.

I have all 3 styles. I wore a 1B grey pinstripe today and got some compliments.