Would you add working cuffs to a RTW suit?

[Lino]

This weekend I picked up a Zegnaat a good price along with an OK no-name suit with decent details, al. bet fused (my skills at detecting fused vs. canvased are still being developed"”but, in my defense, the tailor was not absolutely sure until he opened the jacket up).

My question is, do you ever bother to go the expense to have the cuffs converted to working buttons (the going rate seems to be $80 for hand stitched functioning button holes) while the suit is in for basic alterations on a RTW?

Would you do it one a Zegna? Would you do it to a fused suit? Do you ever do it?

 

[The_Foxx]

every time possible....however, the sleeves must be unfinished (usually held together with white "basting" thread), and buttons for the sleeves bagged seperately/ not yet attached.

I actually just sent my newest suit out to get functional handstitched buttonholes on the sleeves-- you've gotta look hard to find a good tailor that will do it for you (i send mine to a trusted source in Atlanta)

 

[Girardian]

Originally Posted by The_Foxx

every time possible....however, the sleeves must be unfinished (usually held together with white "basting" thread), and buttons for the sleeves bagged seperately/ not yet attached.

I actually just sent my newest suit out to get functional handstitched buttonholes on the sleeves-- you've gotta look hard to find a good tailor that will do it for you (i send mine to a trusted source in Atlanta)

Yes, my sentiments (and practices) exactly. At least with every good suit I own. And I try to make every suit I own good.

 

[Horace]

Originally Posted by The_Foxx

every time possible....however, the sleeves must be unfinished (usually held together with white "basting" thread), and buttons for the sleeves bagged seperately/ not yet attached.

In my experience, it isn't necessary for the sleeves to be "unfinished" to the degree to which I believe you suggest. Even an off-the-peg Corbin of old could be made to have working sleeve buttons. If necessary (and in my experience it always was), the tailor would just add some extra lining fabric.

 

[The False Prophet]

This of course raises the question of why. If you plan for some reason to need to roll them up, sure. If it appeals visually, likewise. Otherwise, there's no more need to open up buttonholes than there is to unpick a pocket you don't want to place things in.

 

[StevenRocks]

I don't see much point in adding funtional buttonholes to a RTW suit either.

 

[Nantucket Red]

Sounds like a lot of trouble for no practical benefit.

 

[The_Foxx]

All i know is...once i did it to one jacket, i wanted it on all my jackets. I mean, by your same logic-- what the heck is the point of 3 or 4 buttons on a sleeve, unless they function? Granted, not all of my jackets' sleeves could be made functional, but i think it elevates a good make of jacket in terms of elegance and appearance.

Also, i'm one of those arrogant assholes who leave one button unbuttoned on my jacket sleeves. It's my personal rebellion against my army career, when all buttons had to be buttoned/ all zippers zipped/ all snaps snapped (especially in formations or displayed in training wall-lockers....)

 

[The False Prophet]

Originally Posted by The_Foxx

All i know is...once i did it to one jacket, i wanted it on all my jackets. I mean, by your same logic-- what the heck is the point of 3 or 4 buttons on a sleeve, unless they function? Granted, not all of my jackets' sleeves could be made functional, but i think it elevates a good make of jacket in terms of elegance and appearance.


I think that's exactly my point! I like four buttons on my sleeve because it looks good, just like I like a nicely stitched lapel buttonhole even if i never wear a boutonniere.

I don't think that opening buttonholes looks so much better as to justify the cost of tailoring. I'd rather spend the cash on a new tie or a couple of pocket squares. BUT, if you think it looks good, more power to you...

Opening buttonholes is by no means categorically imperative for a good jacket. To my knowledge, Messrs. Anderson and Sheppard don't make then unless specifically asked to...

 

[Cuff Link]

If you want them do it. I have just had working button holes added to two good RTW suits and like the way they look.

 

[borace]

If it pleases you, you should do it.