waistcoat buttoning question

[Joseph McLaren]

I was always taught to leave the bottom button of a waistcoat undone, but I've just had a tweed daywear jacket and waistcoat made and my tailor has advised me that the rule does not apply when worn with a kilt. What say you?

I treat such 'rules' with a healthy dose of suspicion, but it'd be nice to know the traidtional approach before I disregard it all together...

[Sir William]

I was always taught to leave the bottom button of a waistcoat undone, but I've just had a tweed daywear jacket and waistcoat made and my tailor has advised me that the rule does not apply when worn with a kilt. What say you?

I treat such 'rules' with a healthy dose of suspicion, but it'd be nice to know the traidtional approach before I disregard it all together...

As I have heard, the custom of leaving the bottom button of the waistcoat undone was to show that you had eaten well - thus it was a sign of prosperity that you had so much to eat.

However, when wearing a kilt, I prefer to button the lower button. I think it looks better. I don't know if that is considered correct, but I until I hear otherwise from those who know the Scottish custom, that will be the way I do it.

[JolyStNicholas]

When I wear my waist coat I always button them all.

[Bugbear]

As far as I have read, here on the forum, the bottom button of a waistcoat is to be worn unbuttoned.

That is what I do whether with a kilt or not.

[JSFMACLJR]

I keep the bottom button unbuttoned, except with an evening waistcoat.

[Joseph McLaren]

thanks all! An even spilt so far~ most unhelpful ;-)

[Bugbear]

I keep the bottom button unbuttoned, except with an evening waistcoat.

Oh, I wasn't thinking of a three or four button, low cut waistcoat; I don't have one.

[The Wizard of BC]

From Miss Manners & Emily Post........

The buttoning of Vests and Waistcoats.

If you are wearing a normal vest that has a single row of buttons the bottom one is left undone. (AKA Argyle style vest.)

Some leave the bottom button undone on vests that have the bottom hem straight across. Some button the bottom button on vest that have points at the bottom hem in the front.

If you are wearing a Waistcoat that only has two or three buttons all the buttons are done up. (AKA Prince Charlie Waistcoat.)

On a double breasted vest all the buttons are done up.

A cargo vest or one designed as outerwear may be buttoned or not.

[JSFMACLJR]

The Duke of Rothesay, whose great-great grandfather started the fashion of leaving the bottom waistcoat button open, generally buttons all of the buttons of his waistcoat when he wears the kilt.

[Joseph McLaren]

The Duke of Rothesay, whose great-great grandfather started the fashion of leaving the bottom waistcoat button open, generally buttons all of the buttons of his waistcoat when he wears the kilt.

ah good! Charlie's pretty much beyond reproach in his approach to highland dress in my book.