Buttoning a suit jacket might seem pretty simple. But not doing it properly is a very common beginner suit mistake.
There are three common suit jacket styles, each with its own rules for proper buttoning: two-button, two and a half button (also known as a “three roll two”), and a double-breasted jacket. Let’s take a quick look at each.
Two button jacket.
A two-button jacket is just what it sounds like–there are only two buttons. That means you’ve got a 50-50 chance of getting it right (or wrong)! With a two-button jacket, always button the top button, never the bottom button, and never both at the same time.
Two and a half button jacket. A two and a half button jacket has three buttons–don’t let the name fool you–and an extra button hole folded into the lapel.
Here’s a simple trick to remember which buttons to button: sometimes, always, never.
Always button the middle button.
If it’s colder outside and you’d like a little more coverage, you may sometimes choose to button the top button along with the middle button.
But never button the bottom button.
Don’t forget: sometimes, always, never.
Double-breasted jacket. The most important thing to do when buttoning a double-breasted jacket is to button the inner button. This button is also called the “anchor” button and it helps the jacket properly lay against your body.
A standard double-breasted jacket will have six buttons that show. For a clean look, button both of them. Or for a little more Italian style and panache, just button the top button. Both methods are acceptable.