Everyone enjoys a great debate now and then. Deciding between a stick or automatic transmission is one playful argument that many may have strong opinions about. The clothing version of that debate is the button vs. zipper and which fly is better for jeans.
The Curious Case for Buttons
Buttons have been on clothing for fastening purposes forever, and it’s still trendy to have them as the fly today. A button fly has advantages and disadvantages that may help make your decision. One advantage of a button fly is it’s more fashionable. The bottom line is you look cooler with a button fly. Plus, they are much more likely to remain fastened, reducing the risk of overexposure.
One disadvantage of the button fly is they are less forgiving than a zipper fly. If your weight fluctuates, you won’t have a lot of wiggle room with buttons in your way. Laying down on the bed to fasten one button may be challenging enough, let alone multiple.
An additional disadvantage is keeping them in a row. We all fall victim to wearing a shirt out of alignment, and doing the same with your pants can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Lastly, and more importantly, button flies are more difficult to manage. If there is an emergency brewing, you don’t want to struggle to fumble around trying to unfasten your pants.
Still, many denim lovers argue that button flies have a certain charm that zippers simply can’t match. Classic jeans, such as Levi’s 501s, are famous for their button fly, and fashion purists claim it gives denim a more authentic and rugged feel. For some, fastening each button feels like a ritual, a small nod to tradition that connects them to the roots of denim culture. While not the most convenient option, button flies offer personality and style that go beyond simple functionality.
In Defense of Zippers
The most common method of securing your pants is the zipper. But do the pros and cons prove the zipper is the superior option as a fastening mechanism? Let’s get the bad news out of the way first with the cons.
The most obvious flaw of having a zipper fly is its propensity to have a mind of its own and slide down. The zipper likely keeps failing you because the teeth aren’t closing, so all you need to do is learn how to repair a zipper with faulty teeth. One last unfortunate incident is a zipper sticking itself to the fabric, blocking you from using it.
With the cons out of the way, it’s time to look at the benefit of a zipper fly. A zipper is more robust and easier to use than messing around with buttons, for starters. You can fasten your fly quickly and securely with minimal complications. Even if all the buttons are in the right spots, it’s more likely you will have an accident with a button than a zipper.
Additionally, you can hide a zipper. The versatility of a zipper allows you to be creative with your fashion choices. If you don’t want the metallic protrusion, you can instead opt for an invisible version.
Zippers also helped revolutionize fashion when they were popularized in the early 20th century. Designers saw them as modern and efficient, and their ability to create smooth lines changed how clothes fit and looked. Beyond jeans, zippers found their way into jackets, boots, dresses, and nearly every garment imaginable, proving their unmatched practicality. Today, it’s hard to imagine a wardrobe without them.
Choose Your Fly
The final answer to the debate of button vs. zipper and which fly is better for jeans depends on your goals. If you want to be trendy, hip, and modern, maybe the button fly is the best option. On the other hand, if you only care about functionality, the zipper fly is the winner. Regardless of what you select, please don’t forget to close the garage door.
At the end of the day, the choice is really about lifestyle. A button fly is for someone who appreciates heritage, patience, and tradition, while a zipper is for someone who values speed, ease, and no-fuss convenience. Some brands even experiment with designs that give you the best of both worlds, offering button-like aesthetics with hidden zippers underneath.
No matter which team you’re on, both options keep your jeans where they should be and reflect a little of your personality. After all, jeans aren’t just clothing—they’re a cultural staple. Choosing your fly type is just one more way to make them your own.
Thanks for reading this post! – MyPlugin