You might find it strange that the buttons and buttonholes on a suit are designed not to be fully fastened. This is actually one of the ironclad rules for wearing a suit in formal settings. If you're wearing a single-breasted suit with one button, you should still fasten it in formal situations to show respect. However, if it's a single-breasted suit with multiple buttons, different rules apply. For a two-button suit, only fasten the top button; for a three-button suit, you can fasten the top two or just the middle button; for a four-button suit, fasten the top three or the middle two buttons. Did you notice? For single-breasted suits with multiple buttons, the bottom button is never fastened regardless of how you button up. This rule also applies to the waistcoat worn under the suit. The rules for double-breasted suits are much simpler: generally, all buttons should be fastened except for the bottom one which can remain unfastened. However, these rules only apply when standing. When you're about to sit down, regardless of whether you're wearing a single or double-breasted suit with one or more buttons, make sure to unfasten all buttons to avoid wrinkling your carefully pressed suit.
Handling the shirt is crucial
In casual situations, you can wear your shirt however you like, but in formal settings or when facing important matters, there are certain rules to follow. First, the shirt must be kept clean, and both collar and cuff buttons must be fastened. The shirt collar should extend about 0.5 centimeters above the suit collar, protecting the suit collar while adding aesthetic appeal. Second, the shirt should not be worn separately from the suit. We often see men wearing just a shirt with a tie to meet clients, but this combination is highly discouraged. Lastly, the shirttail must not be exposed and should always be tucked into the pants. Dressing this way shows full respect for the occasion and other participants.
Formal wear, genuine leather - every man’s wardrobe likely contains more than one set, but when it comes to the knowledge of wearing formal attire, many might dismiss it saying, "Isn't formal wear just pairing with a shirt and tie? Why elevate it to the level of knowledge?" That's not entirely true. For fashion-conscious men, the design of formal wear is important, but mastering some key elements of wearing and coordinating formal wear is even more decisive. Sometimes, a small oversight can lead to embarrassment, making all other efforts futile.
Suit buttons are not to be fastened casually
As standard formal wear for official occasions, a suit is more like a social language, representing respect for others or expressing one's stance and determination. Brummell, the pioneer of men's fashion, once said, "In social settings, understanding what I wear is far more important than saying pretty platitudes."
A tie usually measures about 130-150 cm in length, and after tying, the outer side should be slightly longer than the inner side. The standard length should reach the top end of the belt buckle.
The cuffs of the shirt are another detail men shouldn’t overlook. When arms are naturally hanging down, they should extend a few centimeters beyond the suit sleeves. For regular shirts, it’s best not to expose the sleeve buttons; for French cuffs, the cufflinks should be visible. This creates a small layered effect at the cuffs, making the arms appear slimmer and showcasing the man's attention to detail and fashion taste. Why wouldn't you want to embrace such sophistication?
Article sourced from Global Textile Network. Please credit appropriately!