Do you have to button your jacket when you're not sitting?

[lpalma121]

I prefer not to button the jacket , I don't know if this goes against some cardinal rule but it's my preference. It looks good on some people but on me it makes me seem uptight. Like I'm trying very hard to look important or something. I think it looks cooler unbuttoned IMo.

 

[MyOtherLife]

The only time where an unbuttoned jacket would be acceptable is while seated, particularily while eating.
Although, a jacket should be buttoned whilst riding a horse. Any other time (standing) a jacket should be buttoned.

 

[RSS]

If the coat is part of a suit, I button it when I'm standing. If it's a sport coat ... I often don't.

 

[blahman]

Button when slightly windy or chilly, unbutton when slightly warmer. Take the jacket off when feeling hot.

It sort of defies logic, I know.

 

[Nicola]

SB or DB?

You're supposed to button it standing.

If it makes you uncomfortable then it will show. Looking uncomfortable ends up worse then breaking the rules.

 

[Agatha Crusty]

No-one can force you to button it and it's ultimately up to you. However... your jacket was cut and designed to be buttoned and probably looks best with a button fastened most of the time when you're on the move.

But if you think it looks good, then rules be damned.

 

[dbc]

Yes.

I blame Don Draper.

 

[jonc]

I'm sure someone else would post the same thing if I didn't.

Jacket should be buttoned at all times when standing. Never button the bottom button. In a three button suit you can also just button the middle button.
So the buttons should be buttoned:

(Sometimes)
Always
Never

(with sometimes removed in a two button)

When sitting, jacket should generally be unbuttoned.

 

[stinsonbass]

Originally Posted by dbc

Yes. I blame Don Draper.

Nice one. I always button my jacket when I am standing as well (obviously) I unbutton it only if I am eating/sitting but that also depends on how formal the event is. Sometimes in a meeting you don't want to unbutton your jacket if no one else does

 

[Achillus]

I do both, it depends on the lunch i just had

.

 

[cretaceous_cretin]

I believe I recall that on a 3-button if only one button is closed, it should be the middle button.

 

[RSS]

As some are insisting on correctness, it's NOT a jacket ... it's a coat.

 

[dragon8]

I button when not sitting.

 

[Van Veen]



As some are insisting on correctness, it's NOT a jacket ... it's a coat.

Please educate me in this matter of pedantry. I always though the main difference between a coat and a jacket was length, and thus the proper term was suit jacket. Examples: dinner jacket, hacking jacket, mess jacket; dress coat, morning coat, frock coat, overcoat. (The obvious exception is sport coat, but I've also heard sport jacket used.)

 

[dep126]

I don't, but when wearing a suit or sportcoat I am carrying a firearm and need quick access. I'm guessing my situation does not apply to most on here, however.