Why are 6x2 DB suits so much more common than 4x2?

[BruceWayne]

I was wondering why you mostly see DB suits that 6x2 or, a bit less common, 6x1

or 4x1 but almost never 4x2 (I mean, basically, a 6x2 without the unneccessary top buttons)? I would think 4x2 would be slightly cheaper to make than 6x2, making clothing brands more apt to offer 4x2, but this is not the case. Also, why in some some the rare cases I have seen a 4x2 (RL Polo; BB Black Fleece), do they have notch lapels?

 

[Despos]

3X2 is classic. DB is derived from military influences where the more ornamentation,(buttons) the higher your rank, and your appearance deemed dressier. 3X1 or 4X2 are derivatives.

Notch lapels are RTW options to be different. Create a style to create a sale.

 

[Film Noir Buff]

I shouldnt make a difference but I like the 6 buttons. The four button one or having it buttoned to the bottom button is alright if it is well tailored for you. The four button version is a bit more minimalist and therefore, current.

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by Despos

3X2 is classic. DB is derived from military influences where the more ornamentation,(buttons) the higher your rank, and your appearance deemed dressier. 3X1 or 4X2 are derivatives.

Notch lapels are RTW options to be different. Create a style to create a sale.

4x2 is nice for a patch DB. Otherwise, I like 6X2. 4X1 can make a nice suit for a short fellow, or a casual DJ (especially shawl).

I am not sure about this business of more buttons = higher rank, however. I think it was more that military tunics buttoned all the way up, and when the cut was relaxed for business, those "show" buttons were retained as vestigial reminders.

 

[Despos]

I am blending the concepts of buttoning up ( no shirt showing ) and therefore more buttons or ornamentation. This is what I've been told.

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by Despos

I am blending the concepts of buttoning up ( no shirt showing ) and therefore more buttons or ornamentation. This is what I've been told.
Nino likes a "covered up" Double breasted as well.

 

[Despos]

I favor a wide horizontal spread between the buttons which requires more lap which results in a higher crossover and less shirt visible. Most of my clients want the crossover lower, below the breast pocket. The minority want it high. I like it "just right".

 

[TheFoo]

If you just take off the nipple buttons on a 6 x 2, could you then wear it as a 4 x 1?

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

If you just take off the nipple buttons on a 6 x 2, could you then wear it as a 4 x 1?

You could, but a true 4x1 designed as such places the buttons a little differently, higher up, and not arranged like a square.

 

[BruceWayne]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

If you just take off the nipple buttons on a 6 x 2, could you then wear it as a 4 x 1?
No. That would make it a 4x2 not a 4x1!

Originally Posted by BruceWayne

I mean, basically, a 6x2 without the unneccessary top buttons
See what I was trying to say originally? 6x2 minus the two "nipple buttons," as you call them, makes a 4x2!

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by Despos

I favor a wide horizontal spread between the buttons which requires more lap which results in a higher crossover and less shirt visible. Most of my clients want the crossover lower, below the breast pocket. The minority want it high. I like it "just right".
Well the double breasted is already a bit more of an individualistic style so a customer would be more open to his tailor's suggestions. My belief is that when you go to a tailor you basically want his vision, his tribal markings. That's more a part of being well dressed than worrying over whether something was done the "right" way.

 

[LeonM]

i think the show buttons will be used more in future. Saw a nice 6x3 blazer in the window of Gieves this afternoon.

Leon

 

[Jas0n]

does someone have a guide to the various button stance meanings (i.e. 6 by 2, 4 by 2)? I'm quite uninformed, and always wanted to know the "correct" way to button various DBs.

 

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by Jas0n

does someone have a guide to the various button stance meanings (i.e. 6 by 2, 4 by 2)? I'm quite uninformed, and always wanted to know the "correct" way to button various DBs.

I think this is how it works:

Given A x B
A = the total number of buttons
B = the number of the row at which the jacket buttons, counting up from the bottom

So, a 4 x 1 jacket is one with four total buttons (two rows), which buttons at the bottom row. A 6 x 2 jacket has six total buttons (three rows), which buttons at the middle row (the second row up).

Originally Posted by BruceWayne

No. That would make it a 4x2 not a 4x1!

Well, if I converted my six-button jacket to a four-button jacket, I would button it at the bottom row instead of the middle row. In the current configuration, that's already an option--I just haven't really worn it that way.

 

[voxsartoria]

Here's a 6x0, with Oprah thrown in to boot:

- B