When There Are Two Buttons on Dress Shirt Sleeve

[Sartorially Challenged]

When there are two buttons on a dress shirt sleeve, am I supposed to use:

1. The narrower button or
2. The wider button or
3. Whichever fits my wrist better?

Also, I read on this forum that generally about 1/2 inch of sleeve should show when wearing a suit jacket (from hands at rest by side position I assume).

I see some designers showing models with a full inch or even two inches showing! How much is really "acceptable" by "conventional" standards? Is one inch the maximum or is it 1/2 inch?

 

[Alexander Kabbaz]

3.

and

Yes.

and

1" is a lot, but depends on your size. Some can pull it off.

 

[jml90]

I usually remove one I think two and only one fuctioning looks cheap

 

[j]

Remove both and put one where it should be to fit best.

 

[Sartorially Challenged]

And how tight should the cuff be around the wrist?

 

[j]

Originally Posted by Sartorially Challenged

And how tight should the cuff be around the wrist?
As tight or loose as you like it.

 

[AskAndyAboutClothes]

It a way for the shirt maker to cut down on inventory and only carry one shirt for both sleeve lengths. Quality dress shirts have exact sleeve lengths, never with a double button on the cuff to make for an adjustment that fits two sizes.

If you find a shirt you love, but it has the double buttons ("size adjustment") on the shirt cuff see which button works best, and cut the other one off!

If the dress shirt sleeves and the suit or sports jacket sleeves are properly sized, a 1/4 to 1/2 inch of shirt sleeve will show below the end of the jacket sleeve.

The tradition of showing one's shirt cuffs comes from the style during the Renaissance of frilly shirt cuffs sticking out of the jacket sleeve. Only those of higher social classes could wear fancy shirts (with frills, and ruffles), whereas lower classes wore plain shirts. Plus it presents a balanced appearance.

Andy

 

[Sartorially Challenged]

Understood.

I wear a largish wristwatch, especially in comparison to my thin wrist, so I like having the flexibility of two buttons.

 

[j]

Originally Posted by Sartorially Challenged

Understood.

I wear a largish wristwatch, especially in comparison to my thin wrist, so I like having the flexibility of two buttons.
No problem, I do the same. You could always put two on in the best "watch" and "non-watch" positions.

For most shirts, the tightness of the cuff is what will determine how far the shirt falls past your wrist and onto your hand. This is why the tightness is both important, and a matter of preference. Different makers' shirts will have different default cuff sizes. If you don't adjust the button, they will fall to a different length, and change the amount of cuff you're showing beyond your jacket.

A perfectly fitted shirt could (if the wearer preferred) be made to fall exactly to the right length with the cuff undone. In this case, the cuff could be adjusted purely for comfort level with no regard to keeping it from falling too far.

 

[Sartorially Challenged]

Different makers' shirts will have different default cuff sizes. If you don't adjust the button, they will fall to a different length, and change the amount of cuff you're showing beyond your jacket.

I have dealt with this by getting my shirt sleeve length altered. I have to do this anyway, because my left and right arms are different lengths (about 1/2 inch difference).

 

[joseanes]

This is what I do.
Untill it falls naturally at 4.25" from my thumb.
Yes, I mark with a pen on my skin where it should fall and test it...

Originally Posted by j

Remove both and put one where it should be to fit best.

 

[Sartorially Challenged]

Do you have a seamstress change the button location?

 

[whoopee]

It's pretty easy to sew a button. Your cleaner or tailor will probably do it for free.

 

[Flame]

Untill it falls naturally at 4.25" from my thumb.

I share your preference. At that length, it definately shows an almost perfect amount of cuff.

 

[Magician Shaun]

Where would you measure from to get the 4.25"?