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Securing vest to trousers

The Louche

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A few months ago I saw some blog entries (can't remember which blog) chronicling the author's experience bespeaking a three-piece suit in Spain (I believe). The tailor included buttons to secure the vest to the trouser top, thereby preventing the dreaded shirt-revealing gap.

This seems like a very good idea to me. I have a three-piece that allows some shirt to sneak through over the course of the day and I was thinking of having buttons added to prevent that.

  • Has anyone done this?
  • How did it work?
  • How many buttons are used and where are they placed?
  • Do either the trousers or vest need to be cut to specifically accommodate this bit of engineering?
 

a tailor

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Originally Posted by The Louche
A few months ago I saw some blog entries (can't remember which blog) chronicling the author's experience bespeaking a three-piece suit in Spain (I believe). The tailor included buttons to secure the vest to the trouser top, thereby preventing the dreaded shirt-revealing gap.

This seems like a very good idea to me. I have a three-piece that allows some shirt to sneak through over the course of the day and I was thinking of having buttons added to prevent that.

  • Has anyone done this?
  • How did it work?
  • How many buttons are used and where are they placed?
  • Do either the trousers or vest need to be cut to specifically accommodate this bit of engineering?

4 buttons would be enough. but you must decide where to place the buttonholes, vest or trouser.
 

The Louche

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Originally Posted by a tailor
4 buttons would be enough. but you must decide where to place the buttonholes, vest or trouser.

I had assumed on the inside of the vest, so that it would remained overlapped against the outside of the trouser waist band. I was going to have the tailor use shirt buttons and simple loops rather than regular button holes.

A tailor - would doing this potentially limit my mobility (ability to lean over) since there is only a modest level of overlap to begin with?
 

blackbowtie

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I never have the shirt gap problem when I'm wearing trousers with braces/suspenders. Would that be a better solution?
 

The Louche

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Originally Posted by blackbowtie
I never have the shirt gap problem when I'm wearing trousers with braces/suspenders. Would that be a better solution?

My shoulders slope too much to comforatably wear braces. The straps slide down my shoulders, and - if I'm wearing a vest - peek out of the vest, which creates an aesthetic problem of its own.
 

The Louche

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Originally Posted by The Louche
My shoulders slope too much to comforatably wear braces. The straps slide down my shoulders, and - if I'm wearing a vest - peek out of the vest, which creates an aesthetic problem of its own.

http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/...in-madrid.html

Found the entry, it was on ASW. THis indicates that they only used two tabs. I would think a tailor's idea for four would work better, though. Need at least one in the back, I'd think.
 

Matt S

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You can see an example of this posted on Black Tie Guide for a white tie waistcoat. And I would assume that this is used in conjunction with braces. The button tab just serves as extra safety.
white20tie2003sweetened.jpg
 

The Louche

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^

This fastening point is exactly what I was thinking instead of "real" buttonholes. Thanks for the pic.
 

a tailor

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Originally Posted by The Louche
I had assumed on the inside of the vest, so that it would remained overlapped against the outside of the trouser waist band. I was going to have the tailor use shirt buttons and simple loops rather than regular button holes.

A tailor - would doing this potentially limit my mobility (ability to lean over) since there is only a modest level of overlap to begin with?


4 loops and buttons would be cheaper than buttonholes.
it will pull when you bend and sit. but elastic loops will make it more comfortable.
give it a try. the loops and buttons can be easily removed.
 

The Louche

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Originally Posted by a tailor
4 loops and buttons would be cheaper than buttonholes.
it will pull when you bend and sit. but elastic loops will make it more comfortable.
give it a try. the loops and buttons can be easily removed.


Yes, I think I'll do this. Is there any type of elastic webbing I should look for? I will want something super strong...
 

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