Comments on: The unbuttoned jacket

By: Jamie

Jamie — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:05:25 +0000

Can you move the buttons on a double-breasted suit over some to make it a little bigger. I have a short waist….and love double-breasted jackets, however, they are always a little too snug at the bottom button.

By: Fresh

Fresh — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:36:12 +0000

I tend to wear jackets that I can’t button but I will never buy anything I can’t fit. I’m very frugal and I just can’t see myself paying money for something that is too small!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:42:42 +0000

Great idea Angie. My problem with jackets is that I have strong shoulders and a small chest. I’m not sure what will help with that, besides trying on lots of jackets and tailoring.

By: Taler

Taler — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:03:36 +0000

Linda,

To find a great navy blazer a site I would reccomend going to is J.Crew. They have a hacking jacket that might be what you are looking for:

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../74125.jsp

And a Navy cotton jacket at bluefly.com. This might be a good alternative to wool:

http://www.bluefly.com/Priorit.....detail.fly

By: shiny

shiny — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:32:06 +0000

Angie- can you clarify what you mean by “lower stance” vs “higher stance” – you’ve said this before and I’m having a hard time picturing (maybe a blog post showing the difference)?

To RealStylePeople: You are supposed to unbutton your jacket when you sit down. You’ll notice for example on Law & Order or other court drama shows, when the lawyer stands up, he buttons his jacket. Men do this naturally: button jacket when they are standing, unbutton as they sit down. I learned that trick early on in the 80s when we wore Power suits with big shoulder pads.

To Maya: I agree about the tent thing. My strategy is to ensure at least ONE button – the one at my waist – can button (while standing – don’t care about sitting). If it’s a three button jacket, the top button is always the tricky one – it will just barely button and I’m afraid if I breathe the button will go flying off!!! This is why I have best luck- and tend to seek out- one button jackets.

To everyone: if all you want is just a pinch of room, check where the buttons are sewn. Often the buttons are sewn an inch away from the edge. These can be moved a little – a sewing operation so easy, anyone can do it, no tailor required. This will give you a pinch more room. (’Course you’d want to move all of them the same distance – not just one).

By: Angie

Angie — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:05:32 +0000

I’m glad this post was helpful.

Fran, that’s a VERY interesting point. I like your thinking!

By: Fran

Fran — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:13:00 +0000

I’ve got another reason to wear an unbuttoned jacket–it makes you seem more approachable to your audience. This is important for public speakers (e.g., trial lawyers). That being said, thank you. My jackets that button look too big. My jacket that looks just right doesn’t button. I feel better about myself now.

By: Joy

Joy — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:10:02 +0000

Thank you for this post and clarification about which jackets work best this way. It is very helpful!

By: Angie

Angie — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:12:05 +0000

It’s important that the jacket fit is right for the “un-buttoned trick” to work. It’s not going to work for double breasted or trapeze styles. Tailoring is crucial. Locking and loading will only work if the jacket stance is below the bust. Keeping a jacket un-buttoned works especially well on jackets with higher stances. I hope that makes sense.

Linda, post your question on the forum for a more informed response. It’s a goodie.

By: Linda

Linda — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:31:15 +0000

Angie: I have been looking for a “Ralph Lauren”-style (less the logo) quality, navy light wool blazer for months. I love the look with a white shirt and jeans or chords….but, alas, cannot find one. Ideas?
Linda