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Boutonnière for Shawl Collar Tux

SnoqualmieMark

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I have a shawl collar tux and would like to wear a silk flower Boutonnière with it such as the ones sold at the Gentlemen's Gazette store -- Boutonnieres . My tux does not have a button hole into which a boutonniere can be inserted. With a fresh flower boutonniere one would pin the flower to the lapel with a pin. Does anyone have experience doing something like this with an artificial flower boutonniere? How would you recommend doing this?
 

maxalex

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I would not recommend doing this. While some shawl collar lapels have a button hole for this purpose, it mars the sleek look of the grosgrain lapel.

The silk boutonnières sold on that website are nice enough, although I much prefer the Japanese ones made by Giin, which are actually preserved real flowers—small and subtle and yes more expensive. But even though they are mounted on long pins, I never wear them with my shawl collar tux. Beyond my concern that a pin hole could scar the fine fabric, to my eye a boutonnière on a tux looks a bit too prom night.

Speaking of prom night, I suspect that’s where the unfortunate trend of men wearing elaborate floral arrangements originated, and which florists are only too happy to encourage. A man should wear only a single flower with no leaves, sprays or other weeds attached, the stem of which is passed through the button hole and affixed on the rear with a loop.

(Those loops have gone the way of sock garters; you can sew your own easily from many YouTube videos as they aren’t seen and don’t need to look perfect, or ask a tailor. In a pinch, a small safety pin hidden in the back will serve.)

Getting back to your tux, a shawl collar needs no floral assistance, let it do the talking. If you like, add a simple white linen pocket square in a TV fold and you’re ready for the evening.
 

SnoqualmieMark

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Thanks for your advice. I was on the fence regarding the boutonniere because the shawl is narrower than a peak lapel and I was concerned it would look awkward against it.
 

Scott_ColmoreTailors

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Tbh I feel people should experiment and have fun. They are only clothes. Sod rules

But pining through silk isn't ideal. I'd look at a magnet style attachment....less destructive
 

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