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Here's something we haven't talked about in ages: should women unbutton their suit when they sit (and then button it again when they stand)?
{related: The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women}
Why Would Women Unbutton Their Suit Blazer to Sit?
Years ago, when I did Mock Trial, that's what I was taught by my (male) advisors because that's what men are supposed to do.
(There are a lot of suit button rules for men, actually!)
But when we last took a poll on it, readers said they either hadn't heard of the sit/stand rule (33%), or said it depends on the suit (44%) because some are meant to always be buttoned.
(We had linked to this suit (maybe our first ever Suit of the Week?!) as an example of the kind of suit that stays buttoned… interestingly, I haven't seen a suit like that in what feels like forever, so it will undoubtedly be back in style in the next 3 years.)
{related: do check out our regularly updated list of wardrobe essentials for work!}
Now that double-breasted blazers are having a moment, though, let's discuss…
Our Latest Favorite Blazers for Women
Our Latest Favorite Single-Breasted Blazers for Women
Some of the best blazers for women in 2024 — great for wearing as separates! — include options from Cinq à Sept, J.Crew (collarless and collared), Everlane, and Madewell. Hunting for a deal? Check out J.Crew Factory and Amazon (Cicy Bell, The Drop).
{related: how to wear a blazer with something other than a suit}
Our Latest Favorite Plus-Size Blazers
{related: the best blazers for women this year}
Our Latest Favorite Double-Breasted Blazers for Women
Hunting for similar double-breasted pant suits? This Ann Taylor version is really affordable and comes in great basic colors; on the pricier side I really like this asymmetrical Burberry option, and Argent always has classic versions in lots of colors, as does L'Agence (in knits as well as blazers). Some other latest favorites are below:
{related: the best investment/statement blazers}
When Should You Button (Or Unbutton) Your Blazers?
Personally I've always found the double-breasted blazer tricky because I think it often looks vastly better while buttoned — it somehow seems as if there's too much fabric, awkwardly hanging because of the weight of the buttons — but maybe that's me.
(Although: Angie at YouLookFab agreed with me!) However: on me, I think a double-breasted blazer looks entirely stupid if I sit down with it unbuttoned — it tends to gape at the buttons and lapels, if it's even comfortable to sit in while buttoned at all.
(The plaid blazer above is a great example, because they've pictured it both open and closed – I feel like most of the styling for unbuttoned double-breasted blazer has the model putting a hand in her pocket or otherwise ruining the line of the blazer. Thoughts?)
{related: a great blazer alternative: the sweater jacket}
So readers, do tell: in general, do you feel like there are rules around when double-breasted blazers should be buttoned (e.g., standing), vs. unbuttoned (e.g., sitting)? In a broader sense, do you recognize any rules around when to button or unbutton your blazer?
{related: where to find Chanel-style jackets for work}
Anonymous
I think at least the top button of a double-breasted blazer should be buttoned if you’re standing up.
Cat
This is one reason I adore the Going Out Blazer. You never have to worry about it.
Generally speaking, double-breasted blazers look awful on me, and I don’t think I’ve ever buttoned a single-breasted.
Dee 2
In 2005 our business school communications prof said we could totally interview while wearing a double-breasted blazer– if we were interviewing for a job with the mafia.
Haven’t really thought about double-breasted blazer since…
Anonymous
I think for a woman’s double breasted blazer the current thing is using it worn open, and used more like outerwear than an inside suiting piece. A double breasted women’s suit buttoned is very early nineties.
A man’s double breasted blazer is always worn buttoned, even when sitting, if the king of double breasted, Prince Charles, can be used as the guide. He’s been wearing them as a signature for decades, and always buttoned. He does unbutton single breasted when seated, and buttons two of three or one of two when walking around.