Belts with formal suits

[Tangfastic]

I recently read that a belt should never be worn with a suit.
This doesn't seem to be part of the SF consensus. Is this a rule that depends on the formality of a suit? I can't imagine a belt with a dinner jacket for example, though to me it would seem perfectly appropriate with a tan cordrouy or linen suit. How about for normal business or non black tie evening wear?

My personal impression is that a belt will tone down the formality though certainly not ruin the look of a suit.

 

[appolyon]

What was the source of this information?

FWIW I have never heard of anything along these lines

 

[Tangfastic]

It was the opinion of the owner of Norton & Sons (Savile Row) in the Chap magazine. It is a humorous magazine, so I suppose a pinch of salt should be taken, but no smoke without fire...

 

[Manton]

I think this accurately reflects an old Savile Row feeling or prejudice, and it may still even reflect the opinion of a lot of cutters, maybe even the majority. But the world has passed them by, if so. I agree that brace trousers achieve a more elegant line, but belts are perfectly fine in the modern world.

 

[Tangfastic]

Originally Posted by Manton

I think this accurately reflects an old Savile Row feeling or prejudice, and it may still even reflect the opinion of a lot of cutters, maybe even the majority. But the world has passed them by, if so. I agree that brace trousers achieve a more elegant line, but belts are perfectly fine in the modern world.

Thanks, so there is something to it. I'd honestly never considered the matter until I read it, and I still don't think a belt feels wrong to me. Though if it's considered incorrect on the row and always has been so, perhaps it's the rest of the world that's getting it 'wrong'...
A large proportion of posts on this board follow the line just because something is popular (square toed shoes, black business suits and so on) it doesn't make it right.

 

[Manton]

In English pattern cutting books published before the 1950s, you will hard pressed to find drafts for belt trousers. And if you do, they will invariably be described as "casuals".

 

[Despos]

It was a standard in the day. Suit trousers were beltless and braces were common. Odd trousers were made to wear with belts.

 

[Parker]

I've got a couple suits with side tab trousers. I think it's a nice clean look and seems better for more formal suits. I actually like the visual of a bit of leather to match the shoes. I just try to keep the buckle to a minimum.