The white dinner jacket

Isn't that a mess jacket, not the conventional DJ? Jeeves once had quite the fit when Bertie brought one of those back from the south of France.

B: I will have you know, Jeeves, that I bought this in Cannes. J, horrified: And wore it, sir? B: Every night. - at the casino. Beautiful women used to try and catch my eye. J: Presumably they thought you were a waiter, sir.

Coward's coat definitely looks like a mess jacket, not a DJ. It clearly can't be buttoned accross the front. And I don't see any evidence of tails.

What's a mess jacket?

Exactly what Hugh Laurie (as Bertie Wooster) is wearing in the photo three posts up. Basically, it's a tailcoat with no tails.

Mess jacket is for soldier. or at least I think so. Could somebody please fill me in on WHO wears this, WHEN, and WHERE, under the condition of adherence to rules and without risking ridicule by hired help. Thanks.

Military officers only, as part of a uniform. The mess jacket began life as formal attire for naval services. In the early 30s, some industry swell decided to make a civilian version. It became insanely popular for a few years as the alternative to the DJ (not to the tailcoat), and then flamed out. By the late 30s civilians wearing them were subject to merciless ridicule.

Manton, so it's acceptable to wear black tuxedo pants with a white dinner jacket? (the one I happen to own is slightly cream coloured). koji

Yes, absolutely. What else are you going to wear, white trousers? Good heavens.

Yes, I figured that would look...odd. koji

Had image of Koji as Mr Roarke.

*SHUDDER* koji

Good to know. Last year I went to a black-tie optional event, and a member of my party wore a mess jacket. IIRC the colour was burgundy. The guy would have deserved to be mercilessly ridiculed for reasons unrelated to his outfit that I won't bore you with. In hindsight his dress matched his behaviour at the time, which was stupid bordering on the indecent.