Button Stance for Tall Men

Have you ever been baffled by the fact you've got two seemingly identical jackets, yet one just doesn't seem to look right on you?

There's an undeniable something that throws you off balance, disrupting the equilibrium of your ensemble.

Irritating, isn't it?

Well, I've got news for you. This perplexing, off-kilter appearance may very well be the result of an often overlooked factor among us tall individuals...

Incorrect button stance.

The hidden element that can turn an otherwise impeccable jacket into a sartorial disaster - leaving you standing out for all the wrong reasons.

In this article, I dive deep into the world of button stance for tall men.

I reveal its importance, and most importantly, I show you how to find the correct button stance for your gloriously tall frame so you can confidently go forth and rock every jacket you own from now on.

Disclaimer: Discovering the impact of incorrect button stance may lead to drastic measures, such as burning your ill-fitting jackets in a big fire (as I myself have done).

What Is Button Stance?

Button stance refers to the vertical position of the waist button on a jacket, regardless of the number of buttons the jacket has.

• For a two-button jacket, the waist button is the top button.
• For a three-button jacket, it's the middle one.

A higher button stance places the waist button closer to the jacket's collar, whereas a lower button stance places the button further away.

The yellow arrows illustrate button stance, a crucial factor for achieving balanced proportions.

Why is Button Stance Important For Tall Men?

Though seemingly innocuous, button stance holds dominion over the proportions of your jackets.

Similar to the correct jacket length for tall men, the correct button stance is instrumental in embracing your height and achieving a harmonious, proportionate appearance, ensuring that every element of your attire works together seamlessly, complementing your magnificently tall frame.

Conversely, an incorrect button stance disrupts the delicate balance of proportions, leading to an unbalanced and less flattering look.

When your button stance is too low, it elongates your torso and shortens your legs. The result is an exaggerated upper body like a Flamingo.

A button stance that's too high compresses the torso and elongates the legs, creating an exaggerated upper body - much like a Weiner dog.

Let's be honest here - no tall man desires an imbalanced look with elongated body parts (your extremities are already naturally elongated).

This is why it's crucial to find the correct button stance to enhance your proportions and avoid exaggerating these features further.

An example of a button stance that is too high. Notice where the waist button sits in relation to the natural waist.

By paying attention to button stance and aiming for the right placement, you can enhance your tall stature and achieve a well-balanced, flattering silhouette without resembling the outcome of an ill-fated genetic experiment.

Incorrect vs. Correct Button Stance for Tall Men

For tall guys seeking sartorial perfection, the ideal button stance is positioned at the narrowest part of the body - the waist.

This strikes a visually harmonious balance between the upper and lower halves.

But alas, in the world of proportions, even us vertically gifted men have our unique variations.

So, after a lot of trial and error, I discovered a rule that works well:

The waist button of your jacket should rest approximately one inch above your navel.

By following this rule, your button stance aligns seamlessly with your height and frame.

It enhances your overall appearance and ensures that your ensemble exudes elegance and proportionate allure.

Observe the striking contrast between an incorrect and a correct button stance. The higher button stance on the left creates an illusion of a shorter, squat torso Closeup showing the proportional effects of correct button stance.

How To Measure Men's Button Stance

This is how I was shown to measure button stance. If you're ordering a custom jacket online, I strongly recommend asking the tailor or company how they measure it to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

1. Place the jacket on a flat surface, ensuring that the front is facing up and the buttons are visible.
2. Identify the shoulder seam.
3. Lift the jacket collar, revealing the area where the collar meets the shoulder.
4. Measure down 1 inch (2.54 centimetres) from the point where the jacket collar meets the shoulder seam. This will be your starting point.
5. Locate the top fastening button of the jacket. If it's a two-buttoned jacket, it will be the top button. For a three-buttoned jacket, it will be the middle button.
6. Measure the diagonal distance down from your starting point to the top fastening button, angling the measurement towards the collar.

Step 1: Place the jacket on a flat surface, ensuring that the front is facing up and the buttons are visible.

Step 2. Identify the shoulder seam.

Step 2. Lift the jacket collar, revealing the area where the collar meets the shoulder. Measure down 1 inch (2.54 centimetres) from the point where the jacket collar meets the shoulder seam. This will be your starting point.

Step 3. Locate the top fastening button of the jacket. If it's a two-buttoned jacket, it will be the top button. For a three-buttoned jacket, it will be the middle button.

Step 4. Measure the diagonal distance down from your starting point to the top fastening button, angling the measurement towards the collar.

In the world of tall men's style, the button stance holds a surprising amount of power.

An incorrect button stance can throw off your proportions and create an unflattering appearance. The right button stance can enhance your tall frame and exude confidence.

By understanding the significance of button stance, you unlock the secret to impeccable style. Just ensure that every jacket you wear showcases your stature with elegance and proportionate allure.