A well-made jacket is a very important element of any elegant man's wardrobe. There are several styles of jacket; some are classic and always in fashion, others are the product of the latest trends. It doesn't matter which jacket you wear, but it is important to understand that there are rules on how to wear it. In particular, you should know how to button it the right way.
Steps
Step 1. Choose the model
The buttoning to be done will depend on the model of jacket you wear. Jackets can be single-breasted, with the flaps that overlap slightly, and double-breasted, in which the overlap of the flaps is more accentuated and there are two rows of buttons. Single-breasted jackets can have 1, 2, 3, or even 4 buttons. Double-breasted jackets usually have 6 buttons, of which 1 or 2 fasten.
Step 2. Button a single-breasted jacket with 1 button
If the jacket has only one button you have to keep it buttoned when standing up. When you sit down, unbutton your jacket so it doesn't bulge.
Step 3. Button a single-breasted jacket with 2 buttons
This is the most common model of jacket, and it is a timeless classic. When standing, fasten the top button only. When you sit down, unbutton your jacket so that it fits well on you. Never fasten the bottom button, as the jacket will not fit you well at the waist.
Step 4. Button a single-breasted jacket with 3 or 4 buttons
With a 3-button jacket always fasten the middle one - and also the upper one if you want. As in other cases, unbutton your jacket when you sit down. Never fasten the bottom button; in some 3-button jackets the bottom buttonhole is not even aligned with the button. If you have a 4-button jacket, fasten the two central ones and if you want the upper one too, but never the lower one. Unbutton your jacket when sitting.
Step 5. Button a 6-to-1 double-breasted jacket
A 6 to 1 jacket is a jacket that has 6 buttons of which only one can be fastened on the outside. Fasten the inner button first (if any), then the outer button that can be fastened. Leave them laced both when standing and sitting. If well tailored, a double-breasted jacket should fit well even if you leave it buttoned when you sit down; this way you won't have to juggle the inner button when sitting.
Step 6. Button a 6-to-2 double-breasted jacket
A 6 to 2 jacket is a jacket with 6 buttons of which 2 can be fastened. Fasten the inner button first, then the upper outer button. Leave them laced both when standing and sitting. In some cases you may choose to fasten only the lower button, but never fasten both the upper and lower buttons.
Step 7. If you are also wearing the vest, you need to button it up
Fasten all buttons except the bottom one.
