Button Fly Jeans Vs Zipper: Which Is Best?
There’s one thing that’s for sure – denim jeans are a closet staple that will never go out of style.
However, people tend to have strong opinions about the type of fly on their denim. Some prefer traditional button flies while others prefer a zipper style.
Is one more flattering than the other? Is one more comfortable than the other? Does one offer better support? And most importantly, is one really better than the other? Today we’re taking a deep dive into the differences and similarities between the two styles.
Whether you love high rise jeans, low rise, a regular fit, straight leg, slim fits, or one of the hundreds of other styles of jeans available today, one thing you need to decide is which closure you prefer.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of both zipper-fly jeans and button jeans to help you decide which is right for you.
Button Fly Jeans Vs Zipper Jeans
When did button fly jeans become popular?
Button-fly denim first gained popularity in the 1950s, when they were introduced by Levi Strauss & Co. The first blue jeans were designed for cowboys and ranchers, and their rugged style soon caught on with the general public.
In the 1960s and 1970s, button-fly jeans became a symbol of youth culture and were popular among both men and women. Today, button jeans are once again enjoying a resurgence in popularity, thanks to their vintage appeal.
Whether you’re looking for a throwback to the past or simply a well-made pair of jeans, button-fly jeans are worth considering. Let’s check out some of the pros and cons of this style.
Button Flies Pros
A button-fly closure is often more secure than a zipper
You’re not going to accidentally unzip your pants when you sit down if you have a button fly.
Button flies can also give you a little extra room
A pair of button-fly jeans often leave a little extra room in the waist. This can be useful if you find yourself between sizes. Additionally, if your weight fluctuates button fly jeans will likely be the best option for you as they give a bit more leeway.
Button fly jeans tend to look more refined
A pair of button fly jeans can dress up a casual outfit or add a touch of sophistication to a more casual look.
Button fly jeans come in several closure options
While the actual closure is a button style, the options for that style vary. Many brands offer single button (traditional buttons style) styles while others offer styles with 4 buttons, 5 buttons, 6 buttons, etc. Each of these options gives the jeans a completely different look. For example, jeans with 4 or 5 buttons will have a more vintage feel.
Button Fly Cons
Buttons can be fiddly, and they’re not as quick and easy to use as a zipper.
I can tell you from experience that constantly buttoning and unbuttoning jeans with long nails is annoying and difficult. If you love keeping your nails long (or pointed!) this is something to consider. With a little practice it does become easier, but it’s never less annoying!
A button could pop off
There’s always a chance that a button could pop off your jeans leaving you with an empty space.
Can be unflattering
When not fitted properly, buttons can create bulges on an otherwise perfectly flattering pair of jeans.
So now that we’ve gone over button fly jeans, let’s get into the details of zipper fly jeans.
Zipper fly jeans were created to provide a more comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional button-fly jeans. Zippers often allow for a tighter fit around the waist while offering a great way to quickly and easily get your jeans on and off.
As zipper fly jeans became more popular, manufacturers began offering them in a variety of colors and cuts, making them one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in any wardrobe. In recent years, zipper fly jeans have become just as much of a fashion staple as button jeans for people of all ages.
Zipper Fly Pros
They can be worn with almost any type of shirt
Whether you want to make a fashion statement with an embellished blouse or you just want to keep it simple with a cami, zip jeans are the perfect base for your outfit.
Suitable for both casual and more formal occasions
While I don’t recommend most types of jeans for ultra-formal occasions, you can sometimes get away with a sleek pair of zipper jeans for a semi-formal event. Of course, any style of jeans works for a casual occasion.
Ease of Use
Zip flies are easy to put on and take off, and they stay in place well. If you’re in a hurry you won’t waste time
Zip fly jeans tend to be more durable
The more durable the jeans the longer they last, which saves you money in the long run.
Zipper Fly Cons
Zipper fly jeans can be more uncomfortable than button fly jeans.
A zipper can rub against your skin and cause irritation, especially if you’re wearing tight-fitting jeans.
Zipper flies can be more expensive than button fly jeans.
The extra hardware adds to the overall cost of the jeans. If you’re on a budget, you might find button style options more affordable.
You can forget to zip them up!
Since zipper style jeans have a button at the top it’s easy to mistakenly leave your jeans zipper unzipped if you typically fasten the top button first. You won’t feel your zipper down if you already have your top button fastened whereas with button jeans its easy to feel when jeans aren’t buttoned.
The zipper can break.
While a button might pop off on button jeans, you’ll likely still have a few others to keep your jeans in place. However, if you get a broken zipper, you’re pretty much out of luck.
Unless you’re an expert at sewing and have your own sewing machine, you’ll have to take your jeans in to have the whole zipper area fixed by an expert.
Zip Fly With Button Closure
So now that we know the pros and cons to both styles, let’s talk about the style that encompasses them both, jeans that have a zip fly with button closure.
Zip fly with button closure is a type of fastening used on both pants and jeans. The zip fly consists of a zipper that runs along the waistband of the pants, with a small button at the top.
The button helps to keep the zipper in place and also provides an extra level of security. When closed, the zip fly should be nearly invisible, creating a clean look. A zip fly with button closure is a popular choice for both men’s and women’s jeans, as it is stylish and functional.
So which is the better option?
The great thing about both of these options is that they are extremely versatile and have never gone out of style in all the years they’ve been around.
At the end of the day, fly style is a personal preference, so it really depends on what you do and don’t like. Ultimately, the fly type you choose should be based on the characteristics that are most important to you, whether that be comfort, style, durability, ease of use, etc.
If you’re looking for ways to style a new pair of jeans, head over to my Amazon storefront and/or my LikeToKnow.It where I share tons of outfit ideas!
You Might Also Like:
