Question: Years back, GQ posed the question of "Why do we always leave the last button of a waistcoat undone?" and the correct answer won you a bespoke suit. I never got the chance to find out the right answer, so I was hoping you could enlighten me. Thanks! (Robert Ngui)

Answer: I have to admit to having been unable to find this competition and I slightly question its wisdom as there are, in fact, four possible answers. All four would be equally acceptable as there is no definitive explanation as to the origin of this sartorial quirk.

The four theories are: first, that when the future Edward VII was Prince of Wales he became so fat that he couldn't do up the bottom button on his waistcoat so court followed suit to make him feel better about his body image. Secondly, that there was a time when young dandies would sport two waistcoats at the same time so left the top waistcoat's bottom button undone so that you could see the one underneath. Thirdly, that it is all to do with comfort while in the saddle and to stop the waistcoat rising up the chest while riding. Lastly, that it was an affectation of members of Pop, the exclusive club at Eton, that was spotted and adopted by Savile Row as these spoilt young bucks tended to grow up to be good customers.

I personally lean towards the first one, as there is nothing so weird as court etiquette. (Robert Johnston)