Do you, don't you?

[JSFMACLJR]

On three-piece suits, (when I wore them) I left the bottom vest button undone, as I understood that there was a tradition so to do. With Highland attire, I button them all, as I am unaware that there is a similar custom in that area. Highland tradition is much older than Edward VII.

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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[SteveB]

On the waistcoat, I use all the buttons, as it looks better with my long torso. Even in "tall" sizes, when I was thin (27" kilt waist), they never were quite long enough to look right with the bottom button open. Now that I am fat (35" kilt waist), I am still needing to cover the vertical real estate, although one of my waistcoats is long enough to leave the bottom button open, the rest are not.
Slainte