Buttoned-Up Style: Sport Coats

Three-button sport coats are a versatile wardrobe piece that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. They can be paired with jeans and casual shoes for a morning brunch or dressed up with slacks for a formal reception. While they were more popular in the 1990s, they have since fallen out of favour. However, a well-tailored, nicely proportioned three-button sport coat is a classic that has looked great for the last 80 years. For taller men, a three-button sport coat can give a more balanced look, while for shorter men, a two-button sport coat is more recommended. Ultimately, the most important factor is fit—a well-fitting sport coat will look good regardless of the number of buttons.

Three-button sport coats are versatile and can be dressed up or down

Three-button sport coats are a versatile wardrobe piece that can be dressed up or down. They are considered a mandatory closet item, as they can be worn as formal wear or dressed down for casual occasions. For example, you could wear jeans and casual shoes with a three-button sport coat for a morning brunch meeting, and then later, switch to dress shoes and a button-down shirt for casual drinks with a client.

The three-button sport coat is also ageless. You can get one in a lighter weight material for summer events and a slightly heavier version for cooler weather and winter wear. There are many colour and fabric choices available, such as cashmere, wool, or microfiber. A white sport coat is a perfect choice for a summer wedding reception or Sunday brunch.

Three-button sport coats are also a classic. They can be well-tailored, as in the European style, or more casual and boxy, as in the traditional American cut. You can choose to fasten just the middle button or attach both the middle and top buttons, but the bottom button should always be left open.

Three-button sport coats can be dressed up for more formal occasions. They are a great choice for taller and thinner men as they help fill out the frame visually. They are also a winning choice for athletic builds. However, if you have a shorter or larger torso, a two-button jacket may be a better option.

Three-button sport coats have gone in and out of style over the years. While they were popular in the 1990s, they have since fallen out of favour. However, if you choose one that fits your body well, there is no reason to avoid this style, as it can still look incredibly smart and sophisticated.

They can be worn for formal or casual occasions

The 3-button sport coat is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a casual look, pair it with jeans and casual shoes for a morning brunch meeting. For a more formal event, such as a reception with colleagues, wear it with slacks and dress shoes. The 3-button sport coat is also a good choice for drinks with a client, where you want to appear casual yet professional.

The 3-button sport coat can be adapted to suit different seasons. For summer events, opt for a lighter weight material, while for cooler weather, choose a slightly heavier coat. There are also various colours and fabrics to choose from, such as cashmere, wool, or microfiber. A white 3-button sport coat, for example, is perfect for standing out at a summer wedding reception or Sunday brunch.

The 3-button sport coat is also a good choice for taller men as it gives a more balanced look. It is also well-suited to those with an athletic build as it provides a more buttoned-up appearance. However, for men with a shorter or larger torso, a 2-button jacket is a better option as it is more flattering and proportionate.

When wearing a 3-button sport coat, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Firstly, never button the bottom button. Secondly, always undo the buttons before sitting down to avoid stretching the jacket. Additionally, the top button is optional, but the middle button should always be buttoned.

The middle button should always be buttoned

The middle button of a three-button sport coat should always be buttoned. This is a timeless rule of men's fashion and is essential to know if you want to dress correctly and look smart.

The "sometimes, always, never" rule is a simple way to remember which buttons to fasten on a three-button jacket. Sometimes button the top button, always button the middle, and never button the bottom button. This rule is so well-known that your grandfather probably told you about it.

Additionally, the middle button should be buttoned when standing, and all buttons should be undone when sitting down. This will prevent the jacket from creasing and ensure it drapes properly.

The bottom button should never be buttoned

When it comes to wearing a 3-button suit jacket, there is a simple rule to follow: "Sometimes, Always, Never". This means that the top button is sometimes buttoned, the middle button is always buttoned, and the bottom button is never buttoned.

The bottom button of a suit jacket should never be buttoned as it is considered a fashion faux pas. Suit jackets are designed and cut for the wearer to leave the bottom button unbuttoned. When you button all the buttons on a suit jacket, it can make the jacket look too small for the wearer and does not drape properly across the body. The jacket is designed to fall and fit best across the body when the last button is left unbuttoned.

The tradition of leaving the bottom button unbuttoned dates back to King Edward VII, who ruled England in the early 1900s. King Edward VII had a legendary appetite and was known for his love of fashion. As he gained weight, he stopped buttoning the bottom of his waistcoats and suit jackets to make them more comfortable and flattering. Out of respect, the British court and eventually the rest of the country followed suit, and thus a fashion rule was born.

Today, this rule still holds true for men's suits. Whether you are wearing a 2-button or 3-button suit jacket, the bottom button should always be left unbuttoned. This rule also applies to waistcoats, which are now cut for the last button not to be done up. So, while it may seem odd to have a button that is never used, it is important to remember the style and comfort benefits of leaving that bottom button undone.

The top button is optional

The three-button suit jacket is a classic that has looked great for the last 80 years. However, the rules around buttoning a three-button jacket are strict. The "sometimes, always, never" rule is key to mastering the three-button jacket.

The top button is "sometimes". This means that it is optional to button the top button when standing. If the lapel is flat, it can look good to button it, but if the lapel rolls over and hides the top button, it is best to leave it unbuttoned.

The middle button is "always". The middle button should always be buttoned when standing. It pulls the jacket together at your natural waist and lets the bottom flare out around your hips.

The bottom button is "never". You should never button the last button. Doing so messes up the intended tailoring and flare offered by the middle button.

It is also important to unbutton your jacket when sitting down, to prevent creases and strain on the buttons.

Frequently asked questions