Do coats with functional lapel buttons exist?

[Surfrider]

Today, whilst walking from a class one one side of campus to another (freezing my scrawny ass off), I was wishing my heavy tweed sport coat had lapels I could actually button closed to keep out the cold. What's more, if it had a removable collar-closure-chin-strap-thingie (like those often found on p coats), I would be a very happy camper indeed.

Once upon a time, the non-functional lapels on your average blazer/sport coat/whathaveyou were actually intended to be buttoned closed when the wearer got cold, were they not? So, does anybody make coats with such functionality today? Or do I have to go the bespoke route to have my wish granted?

 

[j]

Yes, do a search for "throat latch". It's likely you could have a button added under your collar and make your lapel buttonhole functional, too.

 

[Coho]

As TaT, they might be able to do it. Not sure tho'

Originally Posted by Surfrider

Today, whilst walking from a class one one side of campus to another (freezing my scrawny ass off), I was wishing my heavy tweed sport coat had lapels I could actually button closed to keep out the cold. What's more, if it had a removable collar-closure-chin-strap-thingie (like those often found on p coats), I would be a very happy camper indeed.

Once upon a time, the non-functional lapels on your average blazer/sport coat/whathaveyou were actually intended to be buttoned closed when the wearer got cold, were they not? So, does anybody make coats with such functionality today? Or do I have to go the bespoke route to have my wish granted?

 

[lakewolf]

The lapel buttonhole, nowadays decorative, was intended originally to close the coat at the neck level.

I do it myself. on Many of my sports and suit coats and overcoats, if the buttonhole is not a superficial one, but goes through the other side. All my Zileri and Canali jackets have an strong real buttonhole, just closed.

you just have to carefuly open the hole and sew a little button ( normally I use the spare sleeve button that came with the suit ) and voilà , you have it.

I prefer this to have to carry and scarf around.

It is a very easy operation to do yourself, or your wife, or simply take it to a tailor and keep their craft alive.