Ideas for a DB Vest for Black Tie?

[Eustace Tilley]

I am interested in ordering another vest to accompany my existing black tie rig, and would appreciate if members could post pics of attractive DB vests.

I have an image in my head of a DB vest slung low with quite a bit of 'scoop' to the lapels, but haven't found a good pic as of yet.

Thanks,
ET

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Bumping an old thread - would appreciate any pics or ideas on this

 

[F. Corbera]

i'm thinking about the same thing, to go with a new SB dinner jacket.

In the lead is the model Astaire has in my old thread.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Great minds do think alike! I sent the pic below to Meyer & Mortimer on Friday asking Paul's opinion on the vest:

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Alternatively, I have danced with the idea of a u-shaped SB vest a la Thom Sweeney (the one below is not their default curvy U):

 

[TimelesStyle]

Perhaps Paul Stuart does something similar to what's shown in this thread as a stand-alone waistcoat? Otherwise, perhaps they can do it as an MTM job for you if you have the patience/money:

http://www.styleforum.net/t/296848/rtw-options-for-single-button-peak-lapel-double-vent-tuxedos

 

[F. Corbera]

ET and I are talking about bespoke vests, not RTW.

Alternatively, I have danced with the idea of a u-shaped SB vest a la Thom Sweeney (the one below is not their default curvy U):

While I like both, I feel that a DB semi-formal vest offers a swankier contrast with an SB dinner jacket. At least, that's my current thinking.

 

[Manton]

The important thing is that it be low in front. I'd get three buttons only, spaced close, or else six in a wide keystone if DB.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

^ Is six buttons on the DB in accordance with the 'rules'? I noticed Astaire's version is a four-button.

 

[Manton]

Six is fine and four is fine. I would not do more than six and I prefer six to four.

 

[F. Corbera]



Great minds do think alike!

This isn't always true, but it is true in this case.

 

[TimelesStyle]



ET and I are talking about bespoke vests, not RTW.
While I like both, I feel that a DB semi-formal vest offers a swankier contrast with an SB dinner jacket. At least, that's my current thinking.

I agree with this when it comes to peak lapel dinner jackets, shawl collars less so. If one chooses a waistcoat with a shawl lapel, I don't think that the waistcoat should also have lapels of any kind and I think a DB waistcoat probably looks better with shawl lapels of its own. Personally, I just go with a cummerbund, but that's because my DJ is fairly trim fitting and a waistcoat underneath would probably add too much bulk.

Another waistcoat that I've seen and sort of like, though its appearance is a little less dramatic than the DB version I linked to from PS, is this, from Ben Silver:

http://www.bensilver.com/Jacquard-Woven-Black-Silk-Waistcoat,8953.html

While it's SB, it does have a shawl lapel and is very low cut. The paisley makes up somewhat for the "pop" one might see with a DB vest.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

I'm leaning towards the DB myself, but certainly no paisley prints or the like! Its black tie - I'm not looking for a 'pop'.

I'm surprised that a place like Ben Silver would even sell that. Looks like something the runner-up prom king would wear.

 

[TimelesStyle]



I'm leaning towards the DB myself, but certainly no paisley prints or the like! Its black tie - I'm not looking for a 'pop'.

I'm surprised that a place like Ben Silver would even sell that. Looks like something the runner-up prom king would wear.

Not sure why you feel that way; some pattern or texture for evening accessories doesn't seem problematic to me as long as it's black. I like the idea of having something that gets a little more attention if I'm leaving the jacket unbuttoned.

 

[F. Corbera]



Another waistcoat that I've seen and sort of like, though its appearance is a little less dramatic than the DB version I linked to from PS, is this, from Ben Silver:
http://www.bensilver.com/Jacquard-Woven-Black-Silk-Waistcoat,8953.html
While it's SB, it does have a shawl lapel and is very low cut. The paisley makes up somewhat for the "pop" one might see with a DB vest.

A semi-formal vest looks best in the same material as the semi-formal pants. A "fun" vest like that B. Silver can be okay in a home or very small, private black tie party, but that paisley woven silk is a bit of a barking dog for public.

The cut of that Ben Silver just looks like the default contemporary style for a formal (white tie) vest, but done up (as ET put it) in a I've-got-a-corsage-for-my-date aesthetic. The cut of the Phineas Cole, like pretty much all Phineas Cole anything, looks kind of crappy.

I do agree with you, though, that cummerbunds rather than vests are more consonant with an SB roll collar dinner jacket.