Why JFK Always Fastened Both Buttons (2024)

Why JFK Always Fastened Both Buttons (1)
Why JFK Always Fastened Both Buttons (2)

If I weren’t so busy these days, I’d spend my time interviewing Paul Winston over at Winston Tailors (the custom tailoring arm of Chipp Neckwear, who’s a sponsor on this site). Paul’s family has been in the custom tailoring business for two generations now. Their business was a pillar in the Ivy Style scene back in the 1950s and ‘60s, as his father Sidney was famous for his patchwork madras and tweed sport coats.

Paul is an incredible story teller – and he has some incredible stories. His family has dressed men such as Joe DiMaggio and Andy Warhol. Warhol apparently used to come into the shop and buy these huge, oversized 46L sport coats, despite having a slender build.

My favorite story has to be the one of John Groth, a war correspondent who spent his time painting pictures when he wasn’t covering war. John apparently loved smoking tobacco. One day, when he was giving a talk at some university, he absentmindedly put his pipe into his Shetland jacket pocket – which is fine, except the pipe wasn’t properly extinguished. Midway through his lecture, his jacket pocket caught on fire. Every sport coat Paul made forJohn after that had a special fire-proof pipe pocket.

Town and Country today has a post about Winston Tailors’ most famous customers, the Kennedy brothers. In it, they explain why JFK used to have the odd habit of always buttoning both buttons on his jackets:

Paul Winston had a unique view inside Kennedy’s short presidency. On one occasion, Bobby and Jack were picking out suiting fabrics in the Oval Office while images of troops being sent to desegregate schools flashed across the television. Paul also recalled meeting Kennedy in the living room of his Carlyle apartment in 1962 when he was clad only in his back brace and a pair of boxer shorts. JFK suffered from chronic back pain throughout his life, and wore the brace over his shirt. His suits needed to be fit specially to accommodate the brace and he almost always kept both buttons of his jacket done up to conceal it. (Many thought the buttoning of both jacket buttons was merely a sartorial faux pas.)

One of the interesting affects of this: If you look closely, JFK’s jackets were cut with a slightly higher buttoning point (meaning, the top button is set just above the natural waist, which allows the bottom button to be set a little higher as well). Presumably, this was done so the bottom button wouldn’t drag the coat as much when it was fastened. One of the advantages of having a good custom tailor.

You can read the rest here.

Why JFK Always Fastened Both Buttons (2024)

FAQs

Why did the JFK button both buttons? ›

JFK suffered from chronic back pain throughout his life, and wore the brace over his shirt. His suits needed to be fit specially to accommodate the brace and he almost always kept both buttons of his jacket done up to conceal it. (Many thought the buttoning of both jacket buttons was merely a sartorial faux pas.)

What is the 2 button suit rule? ›

The two button suit rule says you should button the top button while the button on the bottom is left open. Like every other type of suit jacket design, this style exudes a timeless and bold look. This can also be seen in how designers cut the suit to accommodate this style.

Should I button both buttons? ›

The top button is all you need. The two-button jacket should never be buttoned completely. The three-button suit, like others, comes with a simple rule: "sometimes, always, never." This means you should sometimes fasten the top button (if you want to), always fasten the middle button, and never fasten the bottom.

How many buttons for a funeral? ›

The Best Funeral Suit to Wear to a Funeral

We find a classic two-button styles is most appropriate, with three-piece suits or double-breasted suits better suited to other formal events such as weddings.

Why does Kennedy repeatedly refer to both sides? ›

He repeatedly refers to "both sides" to show his empathy with both countries. The effect this might have on listeners is to prove that he just wants peace, equality and to let them know they are all in this together. Kennedy chooses language meant to remind people of wartime experiences and quotes religious literature.

When to button both buttons on a suit? ›

The top button is all you need. The two-button jacket should never have both buttons fastened. The three-button suit comes with a simple rule: "sometimes, always, never." It means you should sometimes fasten the top button (if you feel like it), always fasten the middle button, and never button the third.

Is it OK to wear a 3 button suit? ›

Who Should Wear It: Unfortunately, that subtle difference doesn't make for as flattering a silhouette as the two-button jacket. Taller and thinner men should note that the three-button jacket can help to fill you out visually. It's also a winning choice for an athletic build.

What is the difference between a one-button and two button suit? ›

Two-button suits are also incredibly versatile and are considered an acceptable form of dress in any setting, whether you're putting in a day's work at the office or hitting the town for an evening out. In contrast, one-button suits are rakish, rebellious and only suitable for certain settings.

Why only one-button on suit? ›

Traditionally, the bottom button of a suit jacket remained unbuttoned, a style rule dating back centuries. However, the 1930s saw the emergence of the one-button suit, a trend that became a symbol of rebellion and casual elegance in the 1960s.

What is the 3 button rule? ›

With this basic rule, all you need to remember is 'sometimes, always, never'. These three words answer the question: 'which suit buttons should I fasten? ' For example, you should only fasten the top button sometimes, you should always fasten the middle button, and you should never fasten the bottom button.

Why don't you button the second button? ›

Fasten the top button but if there is a second button, leave the bottom one open at all times. In this case the top button should remain fastened except for when you are sitting. The jacket should be unbuttoned, so you are not putting extra stress on the button itself, and to avoid creasing around the midsection.

Why never button the bottom suit button? ›

The general rule for buttoning vests or waist coats is to always leave the bottom button undone. This tradition dates back to King Edward VII, who unbuttoned his vest due to his expanding waistline. Buttoning all the buttons on a vest can create an uncomfortable strain on the fabric and restrict your movement.

Can I wear grey to a funeral? ›

Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.

What color can you wear to a funeral besides black? ›

In terms of alternatives, a deep navy blue or dark grey is equally appropriate. If all else fails, lighter grey and brown are also acceptable. If it's a suit you're wearing, make sure the tie is also an appropriate colour, with black the preferred choice. Again, dark blue and grey are also fine if that's all you have.

What color shirt for funeral? ›

A clean, white dress shirt is the best choice. A subdued color like gray or black can also work. Again, avoid bright colors. The focus of any funeral is to mourn the deceased while also celebrating their life.

Do you button both buttons on a tuxedo? ›

You should never button all of the buttons on your tuxedo coat! As a general rule, you should leave the bottom button undone. This rule applies if you are wearing a two, three, four or five button coat. If you're wearing a one button style, however, you should button the one button!

What is the difference between one button and two button suits? ›

Two-button suits are also incredibly versatile and are considered an acceptable form of dress in any setting, whether you're putting in a day's work at the office or hitting the town for an evening out. In contrast, one-button suits are rakish, rebellious and only suitable for certain settings.

What was the secret code name for JFK? ›

Curiosity Stream | #DidYouKnow that #JFK's code name for the Secret Service was "Lancer" and Mrs.

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