Top button
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The top button of a shirt or blouse, also sometimes referred to as the collar button, holds the collar of the shirt together. It is worn either open or closed, depending on the occasion, the style of clothes being worn and the wearer's preference. Most prefer to have the top button open for improved comfort.
On most shirts, the top button is unique from other buttons in that the buttonhole is horizontal, whereas other buttonholes are usually vertical.
[edit] Men
More men than women wear shirts with the top button fastened. In particular, the top button is fastened when worn with a tie. Having this button done up is a much-broken part of many school uniforms.
During the Second World War a tradition among qualified RAF fighter pilots was to leave the top button of their uniform undone, in contravention of uniform regulations, both in an effort to remain cool in the cockpit (with the engine directly in front of them), and to emphasize their individualistic image as an elite group. Today, wearing the top button of any shirt in a casual environment (such as school) is a teenage taboo.
[edit] Women
While most women prefer to have the top button open for better comfort, some blouses made for women have looser necklines so the top button can be fastened without compromising comfort, but giving the same stylish appearance.
Some women attach various pins and ornaments to their blouses over a fastened top button for style. Some of these attach directly to the button itself, others to the collars. A variation of these pins and ornaments is called a "mousetrap." Mousetraps are generally used on the mentally ill or demented (male or female), and are difficult or impossible for the wearer to remove him/herself.
Some religions require women to wear blouses with the top buttons fastened while in public for modesty. Members of these religions who find this uncomfortable will often circumvent this requirement by wearing a crew-neck or mock turtleneck shirt under their blouse.
Some blouses do not have a top button at all, and collars are styled to be open.
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