If you wear collared shirts without a tie, I'd venture to guess that you don't button all of your buttons. Not to say that it can't look good, I think you just have to have a certain panache to pull it off.
Sidebar: Once I was on my way to a circus-themed party dressed as an old-tyme magician. I buttoned the top button of the white shirt I was wearing on the car ride over so that the pinpoint collar wouldn't be less splayed out to the sides when I arrived. I unknowingly left the top button done upon entering the party and with the suspenders and beard I was wearing everyone thought I had come dressed as an Amish man.
Anyway, it seems almost second nature to undo the top button of a casual shirt while not wearing a tie. But what if the second button is a bit high? You don't want to look like you live with your mother, do you? Depending on the shirt (naturally), I find myself more often than not in the summer undoing the top two buttons on my shirts. It may seem like a minor detail or some kind of contrivance but I always say that the devil is in the details.
Reasons for leaving two buttons undone are plentiful:
- The more pronounced "V" formed by the two halves of the shirt better frames the face in lieu of a tie and jacket.
- The larger opening allows for more airflow and better cooling properties.
- It is an excuse to be manly and show more chest hair (if you have it).
So how do you wear your buttons? Rico Suave vs. Poindexter. Is it even worth talking about?
I fully support your three reasons for leaving the top two buttons undone, as this is what I typically do between April and whenever it gets cold.
ReplyDeleteI think it is actually worth talking about. I'm in the same camp as you: 1 in the colder months, 2 throughout the summer.
ReplyDeleteGotta get that ventilation going!
Great topic. I tend to go with whether I'm feeling more sexy or intellectual that day. Although with the impending heatwave approaching I don't think I can afford to act too smart.
ReplyDeleteThe guys over at Ledbury lowered the second button to create what they call "the perfect V".
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ledbury.com/anatomy
There are definitely times when two buttons are justified. I certainly wouldn't wear it to work, but it's fine casually.
ReplyDeleteI go with weather of the day route combined with whatever my self-confidence may be. The lower spot on my neck wont tan and if I wear a really dark shirt it looks weird, so I need to be careful.
ReplyDeleteMentioning the shirt buttoned all the way up reminded me of Glenn O'Brien in GQ a few years ago (found here - http://www.gq.com/style/style-guy/suiting/200011/button-up-collar ). I remember because I tried it a few times. It looks better if you have a sport coat on. Google David Lynch and there's the look.
ReplyDelete