Quote Originally Posted by davidlpope View Post
My experience makes me believe that your assumptions, above, are incorrect. There's no rule that says kilt jackets should be left open, nor is there a 'rule" that regular suit jackets (leaving double-breasted jackets aside) need always be buttoned.

I wear a suit everyday to work and on Sundays to church. I hardly ever button the jacket closed because it is more comfortable not to. My jackets all fit and can be buttoned, but they are more comfortable open. The only time at work that I do button my jacket is when being introduced to someone for the first time in a "more formal" setting (not to be confused with a "formal attire" setting) or when giving a presentation to those whom I don't know. I recently served as a pall bearer and buttoned my jacket during the service. Likewise when I attend a wedding I typically button my jacket closed.

When I wear my tweed kilt jacket I apply the same practice (buttoned for more formal settings), so as a result, I wear it most often unbuttoned.

Cordially,

David
Hear, Hear! The voice of reason at last. I defy anyone to provide any creditable authority for any such "rule" that suit jackets must be buttoned, or any "rule" that kilt jackets must be unbuttoned. Just because someone tells you that there is a "rule" doesn't make it so. Buttoned or unbuttoned is a matter of personal choice, and sometimes the decision is made in regard to the formality of the occasion, but not always.

The conventions of dress may be best learned from one's male relatives, and if they are unable, no longer extant, or not so inclined, there are a number of publications that address such issues, including but not limited to Personal Style, The Man's Guide to Fashion, Fitness, Travel and Entertaining, by James Wagenvoord.

In the end, IMHO, it is best to develop one's own sense of style, which would include an objective view of one's own body and its advantages and flaws, and then you can decide for yourself what "rules" or conventions work for you and which ones don't.