The Lapel Buttonhole

When you buy something using the affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission.

If your dinner jacket was constructed without a lapel buttonhole and you wish your tailor to add one so that you may sport a boutonniere (which the British confusingly also call a “buttonhole”), you have a couple of options. You can get a keyhole shaped opening like the ones used for the jacket’s waist and sleeve buttons or you can get a straight hole like the one shown here.

Table of Contents
Cummerbund in Black Silk Satin and Red Carantion Boutonniere
Cummerbund in Black Silk Satin and Red Carnation Boutonniere
Red Carnation Boutonniere Life Size Lapel Flower - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Red Carnation Boutonniere Life Size Lapel Flower – Fort Belvedere

Some will argue that the latter is a mark of a better suit but the fact is that both styles are used by quality suitmakers. Therefore it’s a matter of personal preference. I’m partial to the inconspicuousness of the straight option given the very visible placement of the hole high up on the chest and (usually) surrounded by satin.

When Worn Details of Purple Carnation Boutonniere
Purple Carnation Boutonniere
Purple Carnation Boutonniere Life Size Lapel Flower - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Purple Carnation Boutonniere Life Size Lapel Flower – Fort Belvedere

Also, whether your buttonhole is original or “after market” (as automotive enthusiasts would say), consider having a thread added behind the lapel to hold the flower in place. A more fussy alternative is a minature boutonniere holder, a small metal vial that clips onto the back of the lapel and provides water to keep the flower fresh. Unless you’re planning to wear the flower all week long, it seems a bit over the top.

To learn more about Boutonniere history, take a look here and find out how they are made here.

Reader Comments

  1. Funny how the thumbnail for this post is of a (Tom Ford?) shawl collar with lapel hole but the actual post has one of a peak lapel. I know some don’t like it because it’s not as “slick” on shawl collars, but I actually like the kitschy old world quality of it…

Comments are closed.