Can I still get away with wearing a 3 button suit?

[poorboyv6]

Money is tight at the moment with property taxes coming up and I am going to a wedding at the end of June. I have a 3 button Hugo Boss suit. Can I get away with wearing a 3 button and still look in style?

 

[geek]

Yes you can wear a 3-button suit and I was told to keep the bottom button undone when I bought one a few years ago..

This is what askmen says about 3-button suits

The three-button suit
Best for: The three-button suit is an excellent option for men taller than six feet because the buttons on the jacket reach higher up on the chest, making it more comfortable and visually appealing on taller men. The three-button suit jacket is also an option for waistcoat enthusiasts.

Trend factor: A three-button suit has a ‘60s-mod feel to it. Accordingly, it has recently made a comeback with several influential designers showing three-button suits in their fall 2009 collections. Although they are not as timeless as their two-button cousins, three-button suits are relatively trend-proof -- so long as you purchase a classic-cut model.

How to wear it: The recent trend for wearing three-button suits has been to fasten the top two buttons, but this can make the lapels on some suits appear unusually short, and you run the risk of appearing somewhat awkward. If you don’t naturally have an abundance of confidence, close only the middle button for an elegant look. Whatever you do, never close the bottom button; doing so will distort the drape of the fabric. Additionally, though you will never do up all three buttons because it will create a stiff look, you should be able to close the buttons on a good suit without pulling or stretching the fabric.

When/where to wear it: Three-button suits are a good alternative to two-button suits for office wear, particularly if you’re looking to stand out slightly from everyone else in the style department.

One other option is try and find a suit at thrift place.

 

[poorboyv6]

I'm only 5'7", but in the interest of saving money, I think I'll wear the 3 button grey Hugo Boss suit with a medium blue Zegna shirt and a gold and navy stipped tie. I have black oxfords, but no brown shoes. If Don Draper can get away with it I figure so can I.

 

[vancity_cowboy]

too bad, brown shoes look good with a grey suit

 

[poorboyv6]

The 1990s phoned . . . They want their suits back.

(Sorry, poorboyv6).

I think I'll wear this suit and tie combo then. It's a 15 year old 2 button Hugo Boss midnight blue suit with subtle wide pinstripes. Jacket has notched lapels and there are no vents. Pants are double pleated and cuffed. I would like to buy a new suit, but this is the only time this year that I'll be wearing one. The shirt is a Hathaway 100% cotton and 2 ply 100 with french cuffs. I only have gold and onyx cufflinks. Tie usually gets a lot of compliments even though its old. Would wear this with a pair of old half brogue U.S. made Cole Haan shoes in black.

I tried the stuff on last night and my measurements have changed from 15 years ago. I've moved up from 15 1/2 to a 16 neck, and the pants have moved up from a 30 to 32. I can still squeeze into it though.

 

[poorboyv6]

Thanks for the critique Spermi. Here's the grey 3 button suit I was originally going to wear.

This is a Hugo Boss suit I purchased 5 years ago off of ebay for $400 or so. It was the same quality as the ones selling in stores for $900. 3 button, no vent. Pants are single pleated with cuffs. Shirt is a J.P. Tilford.

I could wear this striped tie with the 2 button. The crowd I am going to the wedding with is not a suit wearing crowd. I'll probably still be one of the best dressed guys there, which you might find scary.

In the fall once my taxes are paid off, I am probably going to buy some Samuelshon suits at Rosen's. They are cheaper than Canali's and Zegnas in some cases by a 25 to 50%.

Another reason I am not flush with cash is because my date is a courtesan and I'll be compensating her for her time. The groom and bride don't seem to indicate there is any single ladies available, and I don't want to be shoved in the corner by the washroom with the singles.

 

[poorboyv6]

How about this combo Spermie,

I checked the width of the thighs and inseam of the pants. The single pleat from the 3 button is the same across as the double pleat from the 2 button. The width at the cuff is also the same. I took a picture further away to show the depth of the gorge. The top button is just a hair above my navel. I think I can get away with it because the suit looks european. The arms of this suit are also a little fuller cut, making it easier to have dinner in it.

I figure I should try the two button because someone would have to have a pretty critical eye to notice the nuances such as vents and notch location as opposed to whether or not it has a 3rd button.

Samuelsohn has a website. You should look up to see if there is an independent near you that sells their suits. I know there is one in White Rock. I'll probably end up going to Harry's in the fall though because of the array of shirt and tie choices. They are the Allen Edmonds dealer too. My Cole Haans were made in the U.S. before they moved the factory and were bought out by Nike. They still look ok but are 15 years old and probably could be retired.