Boutonnière

What is Boutonnière?

A boutonnière is a small floral piece, most often a single flower or bud, worn on the left lapel of a suit or tuxedo. Traditionally, it is inserted through the buttonhole of the lapel, but today it is often pinned on. The most common flowers are carnations, gardenias, or cornflowers, sometimes with added leaves or accents. The look is simple and elegant, meant to complement formal attire.

Where does Boutonnière come from?

The word boutonnière comes from French, meaning 'buttonhole.' The custom began in Europe, with men wearing flowers on their coats as early as the 16th century, believed to ward off bad luck or evil spirits and mask unpleasant smells. By the 18th and 19th centuries, boutonnières became a fashion statement, especially among followers of the Romantic movement. The tradition continued into the 20th century, becoming a symbol of elegance and sophistication, and is now reserved mainly for special occasions.

How Boutonnière is made

A boutonnière is usually made by selecting a single flower—often a carnation, gardenia, or cornflower—and preparing it to fit securely on a lapel. Traditionally, the stem is pushed through the buttonhole and held by a loop or pin. Today, most are pinned to the lapel, especially if the jacket lacks a buttonhole. Some modern arrangements include leaves or small accents, forming a miniature bouquet.

When and where Boutonnière is used

Boutonnières are now mainly worn at weddings, proms, and formal ceremonies. At weddings, the groom, groomsmen, and fathers often wear them, sometimes matching the bride's bouquet or the date's corsage. At the University of Oxford, students wear carnation boutonnières during formal exams, with the color indicating the exam stage. The tradition adds a touch of formality and symbolism to important events.

Forms of Boutonnière

While the classic boutonnière is a single white carnation, alternatives include red or pink carnations, blue cornflowers, or white gardenias. Some styles feature added greenery or small flowers for a fuller look. At Oxford, the color of the carnation boutonnière changes from white to pink to red as students progress through their exams. Some rare forms use a small vase or holder attached to the lapel.

What Boutonnière means

The boutonnière has stood as a symbol of elegance, good breeding, and sophistication, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its use in ceremonies and academic traditions, such as at Oxford, reflects its role in marking important milestones. Though less common in daily fashion today, it remains a key detail in formal wear and continues to be associated with celebration and tradition.

The flowers of Boutonnière

DianthusA group of frilled, often pink, flowers grown in gardens and bouquets worldwideCornflowerA bright blue wildflower once common in European grain fieldsCarnationA fragrant flower with ruffled petals, grown worldwide for decoration and meaning

Traditions that use it

Questions people ask about Boutonnière

Good reading and sources

• Boutonnière on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data