Working button holes, worth it?

[Shoe City Thinker]

I have a RTW suit where the jacket has the option of working button holes. I'm debating on if it's worth the extra cost of getting the working button holes or getting the "fake" ones. I don't think I'll ever leave one button undone in a douchy expression of my sartorial superiority. The iGent consensus that working cuff buttons on a RTW suit is tacky and douchbag-like. I'd like to have them done because it will add a unique item amongst my staple suits. Having a bit of trouble deciding.

It's a rather nice suit with half-canvas construction and a subtle windowpane pattern.

 

[Fraiche]

Working cuffs on sport coats is more practical. I use those regularly.

On suits, I've never ever used it and will never get them.

 

[elegantgentleman]

If you'll never unbutton them, then why would you want them? I guess it's your right to think that unbuttoning them is "douchy" but it's also my right to think that someone who asks whether he should have them or not even though he'll never use them is really stupid.

 

[acecow]

I had the same question a while ago. Ended up not getting them.

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=187978

 

[Shoe City Thinker]

Originally Posted by elegantgentleman

If you'll never unbutton them, then why would you want them? I guess it's your right to think that unbuttoning them is "douchy" but it's also my right to think that someone who asks whether he should have them or not even though he'll never use them is really stupid.

I personally don't think that working cuff buttons are the sign of a douchebag. However the man that pretentiously leaves the bottom one undone just to show off is a douche. To me there's aesthetic value to the working button holes, a sign of craftsmanship which I try to incorporate into my wardrobe. I'm not sure its worth it for a RTW suit that picked up at a clearance event for $320. Especially when the cost of the working buttons will push the cost of tailoring and alterations to nearly half what I paid for the suit.

 

[brokentelephone]

Dudes you guys are ******* weird!

 

[mdg137]

IF the jacket is one you will keep long term, I say do it. If there is a chance it will end up in B&S a year or two from now, hold off.

 

[Mr.K]

If you have to ask the forums opinion about doing it, then it is not worth it. It is a personal choice. It should be what you want.

 

[BottleLobotomy]

Originally Posted by Shoe City Thinker

I have a RTW suit where the jacket has the option of working button holes.

My 2 cents:

Follow the will of the jacket. Unfinished sleeves are not always waiting for working buttons. If the sleeve lining isn't sewn together (meaning it's made for working buttons), go with it.

 

[89826]

I like them a lot, and almost all of my suits and sportcoats have them. I usually just close the bottom button.

If the buttons don't work, why have them?

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Originally Posted by 89826

I like them a lot, and almost all of my suits and sportcoats have them. I usually just close the bottom button.

If the buttons don't work, why have them?

If you are not getting working button holes then don't get fake ones either, just have the buttons sewn on like a lot of RTW stuff. In my opinion fake ones just look like you are trying to hard to trick people.

 

[Bull]

They look nicer.

For me, it's not about being able to button and unbutton.

Instead, a handsome buttonhole is, in and of itself, a joy to see.

Sure, you can sprezz it out and leave one or two (or three, if you're feeling sassy) undone to show the world that you're a man of money and taste, but you can also just leave them buttoned and the look is plainly superior to 4 buttons hanging off of a sleeve like dead weight.

It's a personal choice, but I far prefer functioning buttonholes.

 

[sartorialism]

I used to always get functional buttonholes, but I'm trying to wean myself off this expensive flourish. It's great, but usually not worth the money...

 

[mr monty]

I'm seeing more and more sport coats that retail for less than $200, but have working button holes. Also some suits that retail for less than $300 have working button holes. Add all that to a fake Rolex, fake Creed, fake Gucci loafers, and you are ready for the REAL niteclub scene

Now you are ready to take home a girl with fake hair, fake ****, fake butt, fake LV handbag, stolen ID and Payless shoes with soles she painted red.

 

[Bull]

Originally Posted by mr monty

I'm seeing more and more sport coats that retail for less than $200, but have working button holes. Also some suits that retail for less than $300 have working button holes. Add all that to a fake Rolex, fake Creed, fake Gucci loafers, and you are ready for the REAL niteclub scene

Now you are ready to take home a girl with fake hair, fake ****, fake butt, fake LV handbag, stolen ID and Payless shoes with soles she painted red.

Damn son, you hang with some scrappy-ass people.