Partially buttoned jackets

[rebelyell62]

I have seen in quite a few period photos/tintypes, many soldiers wore their jackets only partly buttoned, middle 3 unbuttoned, top two buttoned while the rest were unbuttoned.

Any one know why? Was it fashionable? Allowed access to interior pockets? For ventilation?

I imagine it would be to get into inside pockets, but don't know for sure.
Just curious.
Wendell

[tompritchett]

Allowed access to interior pockets? For ventilation?

Sounds good for me as those are the reasons that I do it.