Slim suit for pianist

[Jiyangc]

Hi all,

I'm looking into purchase of a slimmer suit for a pianist, mainly for performing. I have not had the opportunity to try on the type of suit that I am looking for so I am unsure of how it feels. What is the amount of mobility one has when wearing something like this:

http://thebeautifullydamned.com/wp-c...06/12/btw2.jpg

I'm interested in range of movement in the upper arm/shoulder area when the arm is in front of you. I have a cotton blazer that is fairly slim but when i move my arms forward I feel very restricted, and I'm not sure if it's specific to that piece.

I've been wearing this which doesn't really fit me but I don't have trouble playing in it.

http://www.jiyangchen.com/P6170048.J...70048-full.JPG

Thanks

JC

 

[acidboy]

Welcome to the forum. I could imagine those slim suits on the first picture limiting your arm movements. The only way, I guess, for you to find out is to try several brands for yourself to see what fits you best.

 

[vitaminc]

FAIK, H&M offers slim suits and so does Thick as thieves if you don't want to break a bank. Otherwise there's always Dior Homme, Prada, Jil Sander, Thom Brown & Brooks Brother Black Fleece.

On a second note, your shirt collar is way too big and shirt pockets shouldn't be there.

Have you look at the progression of Yundi Li or Lang Lang's styles between their debut and now? Both of them were transformed from geeky little kids to now flamboyant (Lang) and matured *** (Li) look. That's probably something you need. Dress according to your playing style so you could stand out.

 

[Sator]

Why don't pianists just wear white tie as they are supposed to?

 

[tlmusic]

Originally Posted by Sator

Why don't pianists just wear white tie as they are supposed to?

But Sator, what if the concert is during the daytime? My Josef Hofmann book "Playing the Piano With Questions Answered" (1920) pictures him in proper formal daywear

To the OP, I am a pianist--a performer and an educator. ..and I'll admit to being a little neurotic about my performing clothes. They are tools of the trade. First of all, if you want maximum mobility, check out your shirts. Many shirts will bind in certain areas. Make sure you collar is right and there is not too much pulling around your shoulders. Also most RTW shirts have baggy low armholes. If you combine that with a jacket with higher armholes, you get problems, one of them being that your shirt will recede up your sleeves, as you move. Good jacket fit is very important. I've found that higher armholes for jackets are essential for me. Of the suits I perform in, one is bespoke and rest are mostly made-to-measure. Side vents are nice. My dinner jacket is ventless and tends to ride up as I sit on the bench. Most of my regular suits (lounge suits) have side vents to solve that problem. Also, I have finally trained the tailors to believe that I don't want my jacket sleeves to be extra-long. It is true that I've seen many Jazz saxophonists with floppy long sleeves, so they can play their instruments, but pianists don't need that. If the tailoring is right you'll almost always show just the right amount of cuff, even if you're playing Scriabin. One famous pianist that had great tailors was Liberace. I mean the early Liberace in the 1950's when he had his TV show. This is before he changed to his flamboyant costumes for which he is most remembered. In the early videos he wears white tie outfits that are perfect--they might even be up to Sator's standards. No, Liberace is not my favorite pianist--he just is an example of a pianist with good tailors. Good luck with your music!

 

[Sator]

Originally Posted by tlmusic

But Sator, what if the concert is during the daytime?

Take a leaf out of Arthur Nikisch and Jascha Heifetz's book and wear daytime formal dress:

 

[Jiyangc]

Thanks for the responses and bringing my attention to the shirt. I guess to find out if it allows me freedom of movement I would still need to try them out.