What’s the Point of a Lapel Buttonhole?

Ever noticed the buttonhole on a suit’s lapel?

It’s not present on every suit. This is not surprising as a lapel buttonhole doesn’t actually hold a significant, functional purpose anymore. In the present day, its purpose is mostly cosmetic. And because of its primarily cosmetic purpose, the buttonhole isn’t always real either – it may just be embroidered to give the appearance of one. It does continue to hold one purpose, however, in that it may be used to hold a boutonnière on a groom suit.

In the past, the lapel buttonhole was used alongside a button on the underside of the other lapel so that a man could button up his suit entirely. We’ve actually already covered a type of lapel buttonhole, called a Milanese buttonhole, owing to its (probable) Italian origins.

You’ll find that there may be two lapel buttonholes on a double-breasted suit jacket – one on each lapel, but just one on a single-breasted suit jacket. Take a look at the rest of the buttons on single- and double-breasted suit jackets and you’ll see why this is. The lapel buttonholes normally reflect the arrangement of the below buttons and buttonholes. When it doesn’t – or when a double-breasted suit jacket has just one buttonhole – it’ll be on the left lapel, like on a single-breasted suit. This is to allow for a boutonnière, which, if worn, is worn on the buttonhole on the left lapel.

If you’re looking to get an affordable yet top-quality suit with a lapel buttonhole, be sure to consider Mister Singh’s. We’re an international custom tailor based in Bangkok, Phuket, and Khao Lak, with decades of experience in producing high quality clothing for ladies and gentlemen. We have a large number of clients all around the world, and this attests to the quality of our service.

If you live outside of Thailand, don’t worry. Ordering online is a simple process. We simply ask that you send us a well-fitting garment, which we’ll use to get your measurements and promptly return along with your custom-tailored suit featuring a lapel buttonhole. Ordering additional clothing custom-made to fit you, then, will be a simple process. We have several payment options, including credit/debit card, international bank transfer, and Western Union.