If anyone can look good in a jacket, not everybody knows how to button it up properly based on the occasion and context. It doesn’t take much however to look impeccable at any time. First and foremost, keep in mind that the right way of doing a jacket up depends on how many buttons it comes with.

There are different types of men’s jackets: single-breasted styles come with 1, 2, 3 or in rare cases 4 buttons; double-breasted designs come with a total of 6 (over 2 or 3 rows, of which only 1 or 2 are meant to be done up). Beware the waistcoat: while it may not be a bona fide jacket, it also comes with a set of rules.

Here are all the secrets to buttoning up your jackets properly:

1. Single-breasted jackets

If your single-breasted jacket comes with a single button, remember to keep it done up at any time when you’re standing; undo it when you sit down to avoid unsightly creasing. For two-button styles, the etiquette dictactes only the top button should be done up when you’re standing, while both should be undone when sitting down. In any case, always leave the bottom button undone.

If you’re sporting a three-button design, always keep the middle button done up, eventually doing up the top one as well, while leaving the bottom one undone at all times; if you take a seat, undo them all.

2. Double-breasted jackets

Some occasions call for a double-breasted style but keep in mind the button etiquette. You should do up the middle inside button as well as the matching outside one. questo caso allacciate prima il bottone centrale interno e poi quello esterno corrispondente. In this specific instance, keep buttons done up at all times, whether standing or sitting down.

3. Waistcoats

Should you go for a waistcoat, keep all buttons done up except for the bottom one. The jacket you’ll wear on top should follow the aforementioned rules.

Reda’s Made to Measure capsule collection is entirely dedicated to pure viscose linings and vegetable ivory buttons. Both are ideal to add a precious touch to your jackets and suits with Reda’s signature Made in Italy style.