[Tim Correll]

I might mention that seeing men walking about in single-breasted jackets that are unbuttoned offends my eye. It looks very slovenly and unkempt to me.

Not if a vest (especially a suit vest-which, of course, is a vest that matches the suit) is being worn underneath a single breasted jacket.

 

[LotharoftheHillPeople]

Not if a vest (especially a suit vest-which, of course, is a vest that matches the suit) is being worn underneath a single breasted jacket.

Could Oxxford make something like this?

 

[Sator]

Strictly speaking both SB and DB coats should be kept buttoned at all times.

The only exception to this is if you are wearing a waistcoat underneath. Then you may unbutton the coat at any time you wish. DBs however always look tidier if kept buttoned up.

 

[CPVS]

Well, I'm afraid I'm going to have to tell the truth and expose my hypocrisy to the world...

Generally, I do NOT unbutton my double-breasted jacket whilst seated...

... unless I know that I will be seated for an unduly long time -- like in my car, on an airplane, in church, or at my desk in the office on my rather uncomfortable chair.

Otherwise, it's buttoned-up for me!

 

[Teacher]

There is a difference between walking around with your double-breasted suit unbuttoned an unbuttoning it to sit down.
I bet these crazy rules have something to do with certain guys being afraid to wear the DB.

Are we a bit dogmatic about this never open your DB in public thing? It's not as though it's one's fly, after all. I seem to recall a thread (couldn't find it quickly with the search function) where we saw pictures of lots of English upper class sorts attending some function in the country with DB blazers (invariably flapping open) and red trousers. Not one of them seemed the least bit bothered by the fact that his coat was open nor did anyone around them. Did they not get the memo? Do they know something we don't?

EDIT: Memory does play a few tricks in that they were not all flying open. However, check out the fellow walking with Armand Hammer in picture 3 of post 19 here:

https://askandyaboutclothes.com/community/showthread.php?t=55817&highlight=guards+blazer

What's really that wrong with it?

It's not a rule, per-se; it's just that it doesn't look good. A SB coat will simply hang as it is when unbuttoned, provided it fits well. A DB coat, on the other hand, will swing outward because of the weight and balance of the fabric, resulting in an exaggeratedly boxy/billowed look. It's like walking around with shoes untied or collar flipped up: I don't think anybody would say there's really a rule, but it doesn't look good.

 

[Drag0n]

Is that actually a DB? Looks like a 3-button/peak.

You can`t tell even though it`s unbuttoned? Maybe it`s a well fitting DB. :devil:

 

[Vik]

There was a thread on this about 18-24 months ago... included was a great photo of a man sitting down in a DB suit. I think it was an Oxxford, but can't find it - any ideas? Might help to resolve this...

 

[eagle2250]

While we should all make every reasonable effort to dress well, comfort should be the key...if it is more comfortable to unbutton you jacket when sitting, then by all means do so. If you are more comfortable all buttoned up, then by all means do that. Obsessing about the rules takes away from the joy of wearing the clothing.

 

[Tim Correll]

Could Oxxford make something like this?

Every suit brand (including Oxxford, of course) that has made to measure and every bespoke tailor can make a suit that is something or exactly like what I described. Didn't you know that?

 

[Tumbleweed]

Unbuttoned DB with vest, hah!

 

[A Questionable Gentleman]

Ah, yes, that notorious slob, Jinah. :icon_smile_wink:

 

[DocHolliday]

Hard to argue with Signor Agnelli!

I dunno. I don't think open DBs look good on anybody. Agnelli's no more untouchable than the Duke, and we all know how he lost his way near the end.

 

[LotharoftheHillPeople]

I dunno. I don't think open DBs look good on anybody. Agnelli's no more untouchable than the Duke, and we all know how he lost his way near the end.

I think Agnelli had more style than the Duke, but that's beside the point.

Who makes the rules?