Formal vest questions

[CunningSmeagol]

Grosgrain lapel-facings on my tux, turndown collar and pique front on my shirt, what is the best option for vest?

I'm thinking black grosgrain. Should it have lapels? What kind?

Should it be visible when the jacket is buttoned? Does it matter?

Where can I get one that goes with my tux/shirt? I checked w/ RL and BB, who didn't have any RTW options I liked. For those of you sellers on the board, I'm a 42L. Might be in NYC this weekend, so could check out places there.

 

[pvpatty]

What sort of lapels does your tux have?

 

[CunningSmeagol]

Originally Posted by pvpatty

What sort of lapels does your tux have?

Peak.

 

[pvpatty]

If it was me, I'd probably go for a shawl lapel on the waistcoat. Not sure about colour though; full grosgrain seems a bit much.

 

[zalb916]

RLPL makes a low-cut, backless, black grosgrain vest with shawl lapels. I purchased one several months ago. It is a classic look that paired nicely with my single-button, peak lapel coat. Here's one on ebay in a 44, which may fit you, as it can be adjusted in the back. It's marked down from $395 to about $109.99 BIN. Great price. Highly recommended. http://cgi.ebay.com/395-Purple-Label...2em118Q2el1247

 

[CunningSmeagol]

Originally Posted by zbromer

RLPL makes a low-cut, backless, black grosgrain vest with shawl lapels. I purchased one several months ago. It is a classic look that paired nicely with my single-button, peak lapel coat.

Here's one on ebay in a 44, which may fit you, as it can be adjusted in the back. It's marked down from $395 to about $109.99 BIN. Great price. Highly recommended.

http://cgi.ebay.com/395-Purple-Label...2em118Q2el1247

I actually bought this exact vest from the RL in Boston and ended up returning it because the black did not match the black of my tux (blue label). It was substantially lighter, almost brown. Is this not your experience? Could mine have been an anomaly?

 

[zalb916]

Originally Posted by RunningBeagle

I actually bought this exact vest from the RL in Boston and ended up returning it because the black did not match the black of my tux (blue label). It was substantially lighter, almost brown. Is this not your experience? Could mine have been an anomaly?

I have a RLPL tux and this RLPL vest. The blacks do not match. Nor do either match my black grosgrain bow tie. They are not that far off, so it doesn't really bother me. It will be impossible to buy an odd vest for a tuxedo and expect the fabric to match. And you'll drive yourself crazy if you try to get it as exact as possible.

I didn't find my vest to be substantially lighter in color than my tux. I can't imagine your experience was an anomaly, though, as I'm sure all those vests are reasonably close in color. I probably just have less exacting standards in terms of matching the fabrics.

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by zbromer

RLPL makes a low-cut, backless, black grosgrain vest with shawl lapels. I purchased one several months ago. It is a classic look that paired nicely with my single-button, peak lapel coat.

There was one on ebay in a 44, which may fit you, as it can be adjusted in the back. It's marked down from $395 to about $109.99 BIN. Great price. Highly recommended.

http://cgi.ebay.com/395-Purple-Label...2em118Q2el1247

Fixed.

 

[CunningSmeagol]

Originally Posted by grimslade

Fixed.

Ouch, I owe you one!

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by RunningBeagle

Ouch, I owe you one!

Sorry. He who hesitates, etc. And you seemed ambivalent about it. Was surprised it was still there. You want I should let you know if I don't keep it? I have a Brooks vest too, but you said you didn't like that one, right?

 

[J Simulcik]

I wear a tuxedo half a dozen times a year, planning on more.

I have the accessories to put together the following:
1. Full traditional wing collar white shirt, self tie black silk bowtie, black cummerbund, onyx studs/links
2. Ivory turndown collar, self tie black silk bowtie, ivory on white paisley formal v-opening waistcoat, mop studs/links

DJ is peak lapel, silk faced.

What would be the next purchase to give me more variety in my look while remaining stylish? Black shawl lapel waistcoat like the one we're describing here?

 

[CunningSmeagol]

Originally Posted by grimslade

Sorry. He who hesitates, etc. And you seemed ambivalent about it. Was surprised it was still there. You want I should let you know if I don't keep it? I have a Brooks vest too, but you said you didn't like that one, right?

I was kidding. Enjoy the vest. I'm a free market kind of guy, and yes, I was ambivalent.

 

[beirut]

Originally Posted by RunningBeagle

Grosgrain lapel-facings on my tux, turndown collar and pique front on my shirt, what is the best option for vest?

Your waistcoat should be either silk, or the same material as your dinner jacket. Because your jacket has grosgrain lapel-facings your waistcoat should also be grosgrain.


According to the Black Tie Guide:
"(The) most traditional style of waistcoat has lapels, is low cut and is fastened with three closely spaced buttons for single-breasted models and six buttons for double-breasted."

So, if your going for a more classic black tie look, go with lapels.