Hidden Buttons

[funneman]

On one of my recent Thrift Shop adventures I purchased a dress shirt with hidden buttons. It's a flap of fabric that covers over the buttons. While this shirt is a recent one, I couldn't help but wonder if this style has it's origins in vintage clothing.

Anyone have any info on this?

 

[Ethan Bentley]

It's a style that I'm most fond of I usually see it more on shirts but see it on the occasional jacket. I seem to recall seeing some period dress with this feature, possible some military uniforms, any ideas anyone?

Doesn't seem uncommon on dress shirts either, gives a nice clean look.

 

[BinkieBaumont]

I have a lovely "Selfridges" Raincoat with raglan sleeves that has hidden buttons, I always feel a bit "Plain" when I wear it, can't think why.

I bought it in a thrift store where I found an Austin Reed Cravat, so I'm guessing they used to reside in the same highly polished Birdseye Maple, wardrobe?

 

[Tomasso]

The feature is called a Covered or Hidden Placket.

 

[Erik]

I've also heard of it referred to as "French buttons." (Men's stores, online...) I have no idea if that is correct, or not.

I used to have a few shirts with hidden buttons, but outgrew them a few years back and found them a better home.

 

[Feraud]

I have an overcoat dated 1912 with hidden buttons.

 

[avedwards]

I think this style is used in a lot of dress shirts made to be worn with dinner jackets, apart from those which have studs (as this is equally elegant). This could be as a bow tie is worn and therefore the buttons shouldn't be seen.

 

[Tomasso]

I've heard it termed Fly Front as well.

 

[Hal]

I have a lovely "Selfridges" Raincoat with raglan sleeves that has hidden buttons...

I have seen fly-fronted dress shirts, but this style is perhaps most often seen on raincoats and (although I do not like this style) on formal overcoats such as the Chesterfield.