In this post, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about suit vest button rules, ensuring that you follow tradition when you style this old-school meanswear complement. Like with black-tie rules or blue tuxedo rules, there are many nuances when you add more buttoned-up pieces. Luckily, there aren’t that many rules associated with how to button a vest, but there are still a few that you should know.
We are going to cover these rules and everything else you need to know about suit vests button rules in today’s post.
Let’s get into it.
Suit Vest vs Waistcoat: Is there a Difference?
The main difference between a suit vest and a waistcoat is in the name. In the United States, we refer to the garment as a suit vest. Conversely, in the United Kingdom, they call it a waistcoat. Both are sleeveless garments that are worn on top of a shirt.
That said, some will argue that a waistcoat is more formal than a vest. A waistcoat by that definition may have a lapel or satin details on the buttons or pockets. A vest would be more like what you see in the above image.
In this guide, we use the two terms interchangeably.
Suit Vest Button Rules – The “Must Follows”
These tips will help you wear that suit vest with confidence and style, whether you are wearing it in the office or for your friend’s wedding.
General Vest Button Rules
We’re not big on rules, but you’ll often hear “never button the bottom button” when it comes to suit jacket buttons. Oddly enough, suit vest button rules are the same: always leave the bottom button undone! Whether a vest or jacket, buttoning the bottom button will make you look like a rube, plain and simple.
To be clear: The definitive vest button rule is that you should always leave the bottom vest button undone.
Casual Vest Button Rules
To learn how to wear a vest casually solo, read here. While we don’t always recommend it for modern menswear, occasionally there are ways to style a vest on it’s own, or in more casual settings. But even if the styling changes, the vest button rules don’t. Always keep your vest buttoned except for the bottom.
Movement & Suit Button Rules
When it comes whether or not your suit should remain buttoned throughout the evening, it’s all about context. If you’re standing, tradition usually dictates that your suit jacket stays buttoned at more formal events. However, if you’re post-ceremony and hanging at the reception, or especially hitting the dancefloor: allow your movement to dictate whether you button up or not!
However, when seated, you should always unbutton your jacket so as not to create unnecessary pulling or appear rumpled. Sitting with your jacket buttoned also puts unnecessary stress on the button closure, which in turn can lead to potential garment disasters and popped buttons.
Movement & Vest Button Rules
Vest button rules are slightly different than jackets in this case. In fact, there are very few cases where you should unbutton your vest. They’re not built to drape freely, and so vest etiquitte dictates that once you fasten up, it should stay that way.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll always look uptight. Especially when wearing a three-piece suit, wearing the vest buttoned and the jacket open can exude a nonchalance doesn’t scream “too formal”. So vest button rules may be rigid, but there are many ways to work around them.
How Should a Suit Vest Fit?
Knowing how a suit should fit is one of those essential things that every guy should know. This is especially true when it comes to your suit vest. A well-fitting vest completes the outfit, whereas a poorly-fitting one ruins it. Because of this, we highly suggest getting a suit vest that is fitted specifically to you.
Here are a few things to look for:
The Body
A suit vest is meant to be worn close to your body. It should be slim fitting to accentuate you, but should not be too tight so that you look like you’re bursting out of it. It looks best when it is slightly tapered at the waist.
Also, there is ideally an adjustable buckle at the back of your vest to allow. This allows you to tighten or loosen the vest as needed.
The Length
Getting the right length suit vest is key to it looking like it fits well. Luckily, it is pretty easy to tell if the length is correct. In short, the vest should just cover your waistband and not show any of your shirt underneath it.
How To Choose The Right Suit Vest
You want a suit vest that will last you for years. So, when buying one be sure to look for one that is both versatile and well fitting.
Here are 6 essential tips to remember when buying a men’s vest:
#1: Stick With The Same Material
Choosing a waistcoat with the same fabric as your suit best. Otherwise, your suit ensemble will have an eclectic and unflattering appearance. So select a wool vest if your trousers and jacket are made of wool. If the rest of your suit is linen, grab a linen vest. Etc.
#2: V-Neck Opening
The neck hole or opening is important because it determines how the vest material will cover and fit your body. Ideally, it should cling to your body, especially around the back of your shirt’s collar, without riding up or without creating any gaps. A v-neck opening helps to enhance your suit, and allows your dress shirt collar to show more visibly.
#3: Color-Coordinate
The vest usually matches the color and material of the jacket and pants. For example, choose a darker vest color if your suit is black or any darker shade. If you have a patterned suit jacket, your vest should also have matching patterns. If it’s a black-tie event, your three-piece suit set, including your vest, should be all black.
All that said, you also can opt for a vest color that contrasts with your suit as long as it follows the color wheel. For example, a light gray vest goes well with a royal blue suit set.
#4: Watch The Length
As we mentioned above, the vest length is super important. Ideally, it should cover your waist and fall about an inch below the waistline of your pants. Your shirt underneath should never peek through the vest. If this happens, it means your vest is too small.
#5: High-Quality Buttons
Your waistcoat will usually have an odd number of buttons. However, this may depend on your height. A standard 5-button vest may not look good on men taller than 6 feet. In this case, a 7-button waistcoat is more suitable.
Button quality matters. Good-quality waistcoat buttons are usually made with embossed metal such as silver, brass, or mother of pearl. Ideally, they’ll be made of natural materials. Buttons made of cheaper materials may easily fall off and will generally break down more quickly.
#6: Check The Pocket
Nicer vests will have a working pocket. These are often sewn shut with tack stitching to help the vest keep its shape. When you take your vest home, snip the threads to open up the pocket. Also, avoid placing bulky items in your suit pockets as it could affect your vest’s shape.
