Buttonholes – And How To Make Them

K.M.B. has advice for both men and women on what makes a good buttonhole during the late 19th century

FASHION in gentlemen’s buttonholes inclines towards size and the use of one predominant flower. Little finicking arrangements of several small flowers look unfashionable and paltry. To make buttonholes well, extreme neatness is necessary, every bit of superfluous greenery must be stripped off the stalks of the flowers used, and they must then be wired together very tightly. When the stalks are of a sticky or juicy nature, a little lead paper wound round under the wire will save the coat from harm.