Sartorish.com

Many years ago someone told me the bottom button of a suit coat or blazer was called the “dork button,” because if you button it you’re a dork.

I’ve since learned that like most sartorial dictates, this one can be ignored if you know how to pull it off. If you can’t pull it off…well, playing it safe with the buttons may not make you less of a dork, but at least other people are less likely to notice your condition.

Here’s Coat Buttons 101, in handy visual form

(This guide covers two button and three button single breasted coats.

ZZ Top got it right. Every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man, and nothing is sharper than a well-fitting, well-constructed, properly coordinated suit. Unfortunately, the art of wearing a suit has seen a decline in recent years. I’m doing my part to revive it with the tips below.

When first venturing into suit-land, stick with single-breasted, notch lapel, two or three button. Suit jackets should have either a single center vent, or double side vents for a more European look. If you don’t know what any of these terms mean, explanations are coming soon in the Dapperpedia.

The basic business suit wardrobe, in recommended order of purchase

1. Solid charcoal gray
2. Solid navy blue
3. Charcoal gray pinstripe
4. Navy pinstrip or medium gray (in either solid or pinstripe)

Notes

• Some would say the first suit should be navy.