Men's formal wear question

My son had a fitting (tuxedo) yesterday. When it came to the vest, he was told that the lowest button should remain unbuttoned. I don't understand why and I remember when I was a kid I never saw my dad wear unbuttoned vests when he attended an official event. And I think my son will look ridiculous with a vest with one button unbuttoned. Is this a guy thing or a superstition or a fashion rule?

This is a proper rule... as with a sport coat or suit jacket the last button and often the top if four or more buttons is left unbuttoned... Do I understand it no ... Is he wearing a jacket over it ?>

If I were him, I look at the other guys' tuxedos at the event, and do mine the same way. I've seen waistcoats buttoned up, and not... seems the acceptable way is how others with you are wearing it.

Thanks! I believe it also depends on the occasion which led me to question the rule. He is the groom and it is formal, so I find it a bit improper. I guess if he wears all buttoned, the rest of the men will follow suit.

For some reason, I envisioned your son to be about 12, lol! You're right, of course, that the others should follow what the groom does. (I personally like the waistcoat buttoned, too.)

Originally Posted by SwampWitch

For some reason, I envisioned your son to be about 12, lol!

Click to expand...

Me too!

I don't know anything about men's formalwear. But as someone who recently got married I would say that the appropriate solution to this question could be determined most easily by having your son ask his fiance what she would prefer. He should do whatever she says, otherwise she might go all psycho at the last moment. Brides are very unpredictable!