Do you own a Tux?

[Chas]

I have two - which I don't think I really need. A beauty that was tailored in London in 1927, and another that is 30's, I think. I have a topcoat and a day vest, as well as the requisite trousers for morning dress. Top hat, white scarf. The only thing I need is a silver-tipped cane.

I believe that I will be listing my 1930's tux jacket on ebay sometime soon.

I love my tux, and rarely miss a chance to wear it. The last fetish nite I went to, the kids loved it.
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[tom78]

So, would one still wear a cummerbund with a waistband like that?

Yes, absolutely yes. Or a weskit. A gentleman wouldn't show ladies his trouser fastening in evening dress.

 

[Josephine]

This joint is making a difference. One guy at a time. I love this place.

I'm turning into a Tuxedo/Dinner jacket snob. I'm cruising eBay looking for one for the Husband, rejecting out of hand all the notched lapels, those with more than two buttons, those with vents, those with a poly blend, those with a cummerbund, those with a "regular" vest ...

I'd really like to get a vest with a 'U' shaped front, do I have to get one that comes with the suit, or can I get it separately? I can't remember if the vest material should match the jacket/trouser material.

 

[Orgetorix]

I'd really like to get a vest with a 'U' shaped front, do I have to get one that comes with the suit, or can I get it separately? I can't remember if the vest material should match the jacket/trouser material.

Depends on the tradition you're trying to follow. British dinner clothes usually had self waistcoats (cut from matching cloth), while Americans often wore odd vests of fancy patterned silk. This seems to have been true at least as far back as the 1920s or before.

 

[Josephine]

Depends on the tradition you're trying to follow. British dinner clothes usually had self waistcoats (cut from matching cloth), while Americans often wore odd vests of fancy patterned silk. This seems to have been true at least as far back as the 1920s or before.

Ooo, thanks. Perhaps the waistcoat could be one material (silk, or a monochromatic patterned material) and the tie and lapels match.

 

[Orgetorix]

It could, but need not necessarily be so. DJ lapels and trimmings should be of plain satin or grosgrain, while the waistcoats were often fancier.

Here is a representative example; these sorts of vests are available on Ebay all the time.

 

[Josephine]

It could, but need not necessarily be so. DJ lapels and trimmings should be of plain satin or grosgrain, while the waistcoats were often fancier.

...these sorts of vests are available on Ebay all the time.

I just need to curb my enthusiasm, and remind myself that eBay is not like a regular store, I can't get what I want RIGHT NOW. Patience is a virtue....

 

[Josephine]

Well, I think I've found a good/decent/not cheesy tuxedo for The Husband. It's tropical wight wool, peaked lapel, one button closure, with besom pockets. The lapels are satin and it might have a vent. The pants are pleated and have buttons for suspenders. A winged collar shirt, cuff links, and studs come with it, as well as a satin cummerbund and pre-tied bow tie. I hope to upgrade the tie to a self tie. I also want to get him a vest, and am eyeing this one.

Please let me know if it's good, bad, or just ugly. I'd prefer if the lapels went higher up, it's not what I would get if I was able to get a custom or MTM, but when you're on a budget... At least it isn't this! lol

 

[Zemke Fan]

Great photos, guys...

Alan C. and Mark P. -- You fellows look really, really swell. And your respective wives look great, too. Terrific couples! And, Josephine, keep working on that outfit for your man. He'll look sharp, sharp, sharp!

 

[Tomasso]

it might have a vent.

Ventless is best, a tailor can close the vent for a nominal fee.

A winged collar shirt

IMO, turn down collars look so much better with semi-formal.

I also want to get him a vest, and am eyeing this one.

I'd stick to solid black, possibly textured. In men's formal wear, Less is More

I'd prefer if the lapels went higher up

Me too.

 

[Josephine]

Thanks Tomasso, I'll think about that.

 

[Miss 1929]

Que horror!

Moreover, there is an old adage that says "dress for an event other than that which you are attending. It makes you seem much in demand". In other words, formal wear at less formal occasions, a tennis outfit at a white tie event... etc. It cert. makes you stand out.

please tell me you won't do this!!!

 

[Peacoat]

I think Dread is Woofing us; at least I hope he is.

 

[Josephine]

Remember this dinner jacket with the low lapels?

I found another jacket with higher lapels, but it's a two button. Is a second button a "don't"?

 

[DOUGLAS]

This is one of three Tuxs I own. It was nice to have a reason to wear one. This is double breasted.

 

[Josephine]

I found a dinner jacket at a thrift store I was in, made of wool (but rather "rough", not smooth at all, and b-l-a-c-k black!), and grosgrain peaked lapels. I looked inside and it had a manufacturer's label that had a line for the purchaser's name (but there was none), and then I saw a tag that had the NRA eagle with the cog wheel, which said something about the garment being made per certain restrictions! (I'm awful about remembering verbatim) Neat! Too bad it was a 38.

 

[Dinerman]

I'm a 38...

 

[Josephine]

I'm a 38...

I think it was a 38, it had a slip of paper in ti that said "38". I have no idea how much it was, I don't think very much, I can check, and get it for you if you'd like, I can see if I can take any pictures of it before hand, and measure it. Of course if you want to come down to VA, it's in the Falls Church area. We can meet up!

 

[stephen_r_mills]

Frequently formal

Such a fine question you posed.

Formal attire is so seldom encouraged in California that I suspected my collection would be retired. Having considered the pleasant effect of being dressed well for the sake of others learning gentlemanly ways, I have for years decided to go formally when the occasion dictated that it was the right thing to do.

Formal Wear Closet contains:
1x tailcoat and trousers of medium-to-heavyweight wool in raven black, peaked grosgrain lapels and trouser stripe
2x of double-breasted dinner jacket tuxedos of raven black, medium wool, peaked grosgrain lapels and matched trousers of single stripe
Assorted waistcoats of white pique cotton and black grosgrain and a few cummerbunds and ties (not pre-tied) for an understated approach
1x Versace pearl-ivory tuxedo dinner jacket double-breasted, peaked lapels with matching trousers for outlandish events
2x pair patent leather shoes, black with accent of grosgrain satin
2x top hats one silk collapsible and one high sheen rigid
2x bowlers of fur felt
1x sterling-headed ebony walking stick
1x brass-headed ebony walking stick
2x Scottish kilts and fly-plaids of Clan Cameron (ancient hunting tartan) and The Spirit of Scotland tartan
1x formal officer's mess coat commissioned by Queen Victoria for her personal guard and regiment
2x sterling cantle white goat-hair sporran with black hair tassles and sterling bells.
5x bonnets of various Glengarry and Balmoral styles, sterling badges and feather hackles
2x pair of canvas-linen gaiters and numerous pairs of hose complementing the Ghillie brogues
... and sundry accessories

That my tailcoat is inherited and re-tailored from my Great Grandsir to my frame is especially fine. The wearing of a tradition permeates the quiet moments of any walk-about and intermission of a concert.

Secreted behind the raven-black peaked lapels is a sterling lapel vase holding a posey plucked from my garden. Snowy pique cotton tie and waistcoat offset the custom Robert Talbott wing-collared shirt. A pocket square subtly flairs behind the edge of the coat lapels only with a side-view.

Arriving at an event in formal attire when the vast accumulation of the audience is in short-sleeves and casuals suited for a patio BBQ is an odd moment. Many a pleasant comment indicates that it was the better choice, though an occasional snub seems inevitable among those who enjoy proving they have been somehow offended.

Having created a bit of a stir by attending artistic events, celebrations and concerts in the attire fittingly dictated by the maestro, I enjoy many occasions for tailcoat and all the white tie/waistcoat accessories. If the chorus or orchestra are in tailcoats or gowns, I go formal. If the event hosted ought to be formal, I go formally attired and consider loosening my tie, if others are unprepared or misunderstanding the manners afoot.

Occasionally there is even enough daring to wear top hat and carry the sterling headed walking stick. Oh, white gloves are also ready in either cotton or the officer's white leather. Such clothes require a wee bit of a stroll around the park near concert hall to savor the days long ago when dressing in classic manner was customary.

In the year, I find or devise approximately 21 to 27 occasions for wearing formal attire, if even at the Scottish Games and festivals where pagentry seems sanctioned.

With warm regards,

Stephen

 

[scanyon2]

Buy the Tux

I have 2, one shawl collar, one peak. Also found a wonderful Ivory dinner jacket which of course is worn with pants from the tux.

Started ballroom dance lessons a few years ago and 3-4 times a year they have a "formal" dance night. And have found several non studio events throughout the year to wear it to. The first one was purchased for a wedding and has more than paid for itself.

I say go for it !