Tommy
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 284
- Location
- Pennsylvania USA
if by dinner jacket, the thread means tuxedo, then regardless of how they might visually appeal to an individual, notched lapel dinner jackets are technically not correct according to Alan Flusser in Clothes and the Man book,
"There are four proper styles for the tuxedo: the single- or double breasted with a peaked lapel with grosgrain facing on the lapel, or the single- or double breasted shawl collar with either satin or grosgrain on the lapel facings. These are the only proper choices."
"Yet American manufacturers, in order to save on costs and increase profits, have taken to producing a notched lapel - the same style manufactured for their normal daytime suits - and facing them in satin. This unfortunate trend began in the sixties, when men were experimenting with alternative styles of dress. Once manufacturers realized it was less costly to produce this model, they persisted."
It's evident the notched lapel dinner jacket was surfacing prior to the 60's, and of course, one could question Flusser's opinion, but he is one well grounded in men's classic style. My take on the thread question is - if you are someone starting out with your first tux purchase, you start with one of the unquestionable classic four styles if possible. Then go from there. If notched lapel is what you like, go for it, but it is less elegant than peaked lapel. And FDR or other dignitaries and famous people wearing notched dinner jackets doesn't make it legit IMHO.
"There are four proper styles for the tuxedo: the single- or double breasted with a peaked lapel with grosgrain facing on the lapel, or the single- or double breasted shawl collar with either satin or grosgrain on the lapel facings. These are the only proper choices."
"Yet American manufacturers, in order to save on costs and increase profits, have taken to producing a notched lapel - the same style manufactured for their normal daytime suits - and facing them in satin. This unfortunate trend began in the sixties, when men were experimenting with alternative styles of dress. Once manufacturers realized it was less costly to produce this model, they persisted."
It's evident the notched lapel dinner jacket was surfacing prior to the 60's, and of course, one could question Flusser's opinion, but he is one well grounded in men's classic style. My take on the thread question is - if you are someone starting out with your first tux purchase, you start with one of the unquestionable classic four styles if possible. Then go from there. If notched lapel is what you like, go for it, but it is less elegant than peaked lapel. And FDR or other dignitaries and famous people wearing notched dinner jackets doesn't make it legit IMHO.
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