Can I Take a Job Hunting Photo with My Top Button Open?

October 26, 2026 October 26, 2026

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Suits worn for job hunting photo shoots. If you aren't used to wearing one, it often feels uncomfortable, doesn’t it? In particular, many people feel that the top button makes them feel constrained or suffocated. While many express a desire to leave it unbuttoned if possible, what is the correct practice when taking a photo for job hunting?

This time, we will introduce what to do regarding the top button of your dress shirt.

In job hunting photo shoots, it’s best to keep it buttoned
Measure your neck size before buying a shirt
Choosing a skipper shirt is also a good option
Summary

In job hunting photo shoots, it’s best to keep it buttoned

To put it simply, we recommend fastening all the way up to the top button when taking your photo.

If the top button is unfastened, it can cause the shirt to look untidy and give a sloppy impression. Therefore, it is best to keep it properly buttoned. While some people may say it was fine even without fastening the top button, this varies depending on the company and interviewer.

On the other hand, buttoning the top button will never create a negative impression. It feels much safer to submit your application when you eliminate even the slightest possibility of a negative impression, right?

Make sure to take your photo with the top button of your shirt properly fastened.

Measure your neck size before buying a shirt

A common reason for not wanting to fasten the top button is "feeling suffocated." Many people probably feel like their neck is constricted when they fasten the top button and tighten their tie.

To avoid feeling suffocated, the size around your neck is crucial. Measure your neck size and purchase a shirt that fits you properly.

＜How to Measure Your Neck Size＞

・Around the area below the Adam's apple (where the neck bone sticks out)

・The base of the back of the neck (where the bone sticks out when you tilt your head forward)

Pass the measuring tape around these two points. If you don't have a measuring tape, you can wrap a string around and measure it with a ruler afterwards.

Also, staff at suit retailers will measure it for you. Try asking them at the store.

If you prefer a exact fit, add +2 cm to your actual measurement.
If you prefer a relaxed fit, add +3 cm to your actual measurement.
This total will be your optimal shirt collar size.

There are various other points to consider when choosing a shirt. They are explained in this article, so please check it out for reference.

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Choosing a skipper shirt is also a good option

There are two main types of shirts commonly worn for job hunting:Regular type and Skipper type.

The regular type has buttons up to the neck, while the skipper type has no button at the neck.

What we have explained so far applies to the regular type dress shirt.

For those who feel suffocated when buttoning up to the top, or those who want to make their neck look longer, trying a skipper collar shirt is also recommended. When wearing a skipper shirt, the key is to put the shirt collar outside the jacket. Because the collar is wide and large, putting it inside looks unnatural. Be careful when wearing it.

Summary

This time, we introduced whether you should fasten the top button of your shirt, as well as solutions if you don't want to button it.

The neck size of a dress shirt is important. Many people may not pay much attention to it in everyday clothing, but it is a good idea to measure it when buying a dress shirt.

Let's find a shirt that fits you perfectly!