Do you, don't you?

[Standard]

I also follow the trend that seems to be most prominent here, namely leaving the bottom button undone. One reason being that it just feels more comfortable, especially while sitting. I have a wool Filson vest that I wear almost the entire winter which has a straight cut bottom, with the way it hangs the bottom button closed is simply too constrictive for comfortable movement. Now, when getting all dressed up I generally follow the same rule, except at McMillan noted when the waistcoat has only 3 or 4 buttons, then they all get done up. Not sure why this is the cast, just the way that I learned to do it.

[kiltimabar]

I don't quite follow your reasoning here. I, and many others, leave the bottom button of a waistcoat undone. What do you mean when you say "Highland tradition is much older than Edward VII"?

Waistcoats are much older than the late King Emperor too.

I simply meant that a custom originating in "civilian" dress doesn't necessarily translate into a change in the separate tradition of the way highland attire is worn. Some do--wing collars on formal shirts for example. Others--like, say, a blazer patch on an Argyll jacket, don't.

If anyone wants to unbutton his waistcoat, (or wear a blazer patch) I'll consider that his business and none o' my own.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I also follow the trend that seems to be most prominent here, namely leaving the bottom button undone. One reason being that it just feels more comfortable, especially while sitting. I have a wool Filson vest that I wear almost the entire winter which has a straight cut bottom, with the way it hangs the bottom button closed is simply too constrictive for comfortable movement. Now, when getting all dressed up I generally follow the same rule, except at McMillan noted when the waistcoat has only 3 or 4 buttons, then they all get done up. Not sure why this is the cast, just the way that I learned to do it.

I suspect there are two reasons for this. The first, at least as far as my waistcoats are concerned, is that the evening waistcoat is shorter in the front. The second, again looking at my waistcoats, is that evening waistcoats tend to be backless, allowing them greater ease of movement when sitting, bending, or standing.

[McMurdo]

I wear it with all buttons done up.

[JSFMACLJR]

I simply meant that a custom originating in "civilian" dress doesn't necessarily translate into a change in the separate tradition of the way highland attire is worn. .

But how is a waistcoat worn with the kilt any different than a waistcoat worn with a suit? And I'm not ignorant of the fact that the cut is a bit different. Why wouldn't Edward VII have chosen to ease his waistcoat some in Scotland, where one may reasonably assume that his girth was no greater or no less than it was in the south?

I guess what I am trying to say is that I see no difference --other than the cut of the garments-- between a tweed jacket and waistcoat worn with the kilt and a jacket and waistcoat worn with trousers.

[Highlander31]

Unbuttoned, as I did when I wore three piece suits. Why? I was taught that is how a gentleman wears his vest/waistcoat.

[Jack Daw]

Boogers! Time's up.

[David Dalglish]

I wear waistcoats with all buttons done up

[davedove]

Unbuttoned, as I did when I wore three piece suits. Why? I was taught that is how a gentleman wears his vest/waistcoat.

My big question would be why would it be worn that way. If you're supposed to leave it unbuttoned, why is the button even there in the first place?

I can see undoing the button when you sit for comfort. Do you just leave it unbuttoned when standing for convenience? Did a notable person really leave it undone because of his girth, then everyone copied it?

[Ancienne Alliance]

My big question would be why would it be worn that way. If you're supposed to leave it unbuttoned, why is the button even there in the first place?

I can see undoing the button when you sit for comfort. Do you just leave it unbuttoned when standing for convenience? Did a notable person really leave it undone because of his girth, then everyone copied it?

The way I see it, it’s like when you wear a shirt or polo.

You have people who will button them right up to the neck, and others who will leave the top button open.

Why ?

Personal style vs. conformity;

Comfort vs. correctness;

"Dad used to do it that way" vs. “My father wouldn’t have it otherwise”;

Etc.


Best,

Robert