When is it appropriate to unbutton a jacket?

techdude · May 12, 2011

Is it appropriate to unbutton a jacket during a wedding reception?

westinghouse · May 12, 2011

Only when you sit down. When you stand, please button your jacket.

Patek · May 12, 2011

It also can be quite helpful when removing the jacket. The same holds true with most clothing with buttons.

Accountancy · May 12, 2011

The traditional guidance has been posted, but in practice these days I see the large majority of guys strolling around with their jackets unbuttoned. It's fine.

JamesX · May 12, 2011

Now days as long as you are wearing a tie and a jacket the Bride and Groom should count their blessings. No one is going to be critical enough to worry when you have your jacket unbottoned.

Pretty much unless you need the jacket to be less restrictive (e.g. sitting, running around, muling the gifts, etc.) you should have it buttoned.

Lightbringer · May 12, 2011

Originally Posted by highhigh

so u'd better button your jacket as far as possible.

ALFAMALE · May 12, 2011

Originally Posted by westinghouse

Only when you sit down. When you stand, please button your jacket.

that

GBR · May 12, 2011

Yes.

Such a gathering is informal in many ways and therefore when you stand to talk with relatives and so one, being unbuttoned is fine.

Always remember that a buttoned coat suggests reserve and distancing yourself from those to whom you speak.

Sanguis Mortuum · May 12, 2011

Originally Posted by westinghouse

Only when you sit down. When you stand, please button your jacket.

Unless it's double-breasted, in which case it should stay buttoned even when sitting.

Originally Posted by GBR

Always remember that a buttoned coat suggests reserve and distancing yourself from those to whom you speak.

Eh?

Fred H. · May 12, 2011

Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum

Unless it's double-breasted, in which case it should stay buttoned even when sitting.

Always a REALLY good trick, IMHO.

Mark Anthony · May 12, 2011

Originally Posted by GBR

Always remember that a buttoned coat suggests reserve and distancing yourself from those to whom you speak.

Never heard of that, seems very odd.

In general an unbuttoned jacket tends to look sloppy on most people. Also if you have a nice jacket that fits well you lose all sense of that. It is the great equalizer between the well dressed and those without a clue.

Standing - buttoned
Sitting - unbuttoned

I defer to those who know better with respect to double breasted jackets and sitting. Nothing looks worse than an unbuttoned DB while walking about though.

yachtie · May 12, 2011

Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum

Unless it's double-breasted, in which case it should stay buttoned even when sitting.

Originally Posted by Fred H.

Always a REALLY good trick, IMHO.
It's SOP if the jacket's cut right. Sanguis has it. SB's are commonly unbuttoned when sitting.

Rolex Luthor · May 12, 2011

Originally Posted by Accountancy

The traditional guidance has been posted, but in practice these days I see the large majority of guys strolling around with their jackets unbuttoned. It's fine.

Really, it isn't fine. Strolling around with your jacket unbuttoned makes you look sloppy and it adds about 20 lbs to your appearance. Better to button when you stand, unbutton when you sit.

bigbjorn · May 12, 2011

Originally Posted by Accountancy

It's fine.
No, it's really not. Button your jacket when you stand.

Mark Anthony · May 12, 2011

Originally Posted by Accountancy

The traditional guidance has been posted, but in practice these days I see the large majority of guys strolling around with their jackets unbuttoned. It's fine.

Following what the "majority" of guys do is the exact opposite of what this forum is all about is it not? It appears the majority of men stretch casual Friday to casual daily, wear sneakers to the office and consider dressing up to be a polo shirt and dockers instead of a t-shirt & jeans.

When is it appropriate to unbutton a jacket?

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