The State of Black Tie: Your Observations

[Andy57]

Maybe a younger thing but every black tie wedding I’ve been to eventually sees the men de-jacketing for the dance floor.

I have no comment on the behavior of farmers.

 

[shootsfilmwithbullet]

I have no comment on the behavior of farmers.

Apologies, I'll just retreat back to my farm then.

 

[Andy57]

Apologies, I'll just retreat back to my farm then.

No, my apologies. I didn't realize that you were including yourself in your observation!

Seriously, if you want to remove your jacket to engage in energetic activity you should, of course, do so. It's simply that under non-energetic circumstances, you would keep your jacket on. If you make your shirt body from any white cotton or even voile, no one would be any the wiser.

 

[shootsfilmwithbullet]

Thanks to a lovely combination of destination weddings being on the table again, and global warming, I am pretty much guaranteed to leave my jacket at the table while I tear up the dance floor. Tie comes undone, as do the button and a stud or two, cufflinks stuffed away in my jacket with my sleeves rolled up. I see the exact same from everyone else my age. The ones with their jackets on are usually a little older, smoking their cigars and trading stories.

 

[Andy57]

The ones with their jackets on are usually a little older, smoking their cigars and trading stories.

That would be me, except for the cigar!

 

[The Dirty Pigeon]

I’m the fence-sitter who hits the dance floor with my jacket on but unbuttoned! Woah my!!

 

[hpreston]

That would be me, except for the cigar!

Same.

 

[Jay C]

Studs. Never buttons.

On the topic of shirts/studs….

Heres the situation, black tie optional wedding this weekend. Weather looks nice, so I’m going with off white shawl lapel DJ, with pleated front shirt. Do I go Casablanca and use the shell buttons that came with the shirt, or go with studs?

For the WDJ, not regular black tuxedo studs. See Rick Blaine, James Bond and Don Draper.

Regular buttons, hidden fly, or subtle lighter colored studs. Sterling is good. Maybe gold. Even though MOP studs are officially white tie rig, I think MOP studs look much better with the WDJ than black.

 

[ValidusLA]

All this talk of jackets off at weddings has little to do with Black Tie or age - its simply that most men never wear classic tailoring.

To most men these days a suit of any kind is almost a costume. Men take their jackets off in droves because they are poorly fit, poorly made, uncomfortable, and don't want to be wearing them in the first place.

Don't take jackets off when wearing suits or tuxedos. Looks terrible in any situation.

 

[Jay C]

Don't take jackets off when wearing suits or tuxedos. Looks terrible in any situation.

I always keep my jacket on and buttoned when standing up. When waltzing or fox trotting, on and usually still buttoned. On and unbuttoned when seated at dinner.

And when the party and band start to crank up, the jacket goes on the back of the chair. Which is what all the cool fun guys do when dancing with the attractive ladies. I'm in my 60s fyi.

The guys with their coats still on are usually standing off in the corner with a bunch of other dudes.

 

[Andy57]

I'm in my sixties. My jacket stays on, even when I'm dancing. I usually dance with one lady, the one I brought and the one I go home with. Foxtrot, Rhumba, Waltz. Never in my adult life have I stood in a corner with a bunch of other dudes. When my wife wants to take a break, there is always a woman grateful for a dance. Most likely she came with one of the dudes standing in a corner.

I really don't understand why it is necessary to remove one's clothes in order to convince oneself that one is having a good time.

 

[Johnmdub]

Maybe a younger thing but every black tie wedding I’ve been to eventually sees the men de-jacketing for the

It’ll be a long day, there will be dancing, and though I’m no dancer, as the groom I’ll have to get involved.
Also have two young kids, so with an ivory jacket I’ll have to be careful.
I’ll be wearing studs with mine, as I’ll have a set that were my maternal grandfathers. Would like a shirt that wore reasonably cool, wasn’t too transparent and stayed looking fairly decent through the day.
My current shirt i bought from moss, it’s too slim fit and, though cotton, not a particularly nice feeling material, so I’d like to have something quality.

 

[Johnmdub]

Ordered the proper cloth pique, 120s twill. Still plenty of time to have it fixed if doesn’t work out.
Now to focus on finding the right trousers.

 

[shootsfilmwithbullet]

It’s starting to feel like value judgements are being made about the wearing of a garment, which is my cue to leave the discussion. I just wanted to point out that people might in fact see your shirt. Good luck and best wishes. I hope it’s an unforgettable night for all.

 

[wilcthree]

I’m the fence-sitter who hits the dance floor with my jacket on but unbuttoned! Woah my!! View attachment 2186135

This is me also, potentially with a cigar in tow contingent on the setting.