Three vs. four tuxedo studs

[dah328]

I've noticed that many vintage sets of tuxedo studs come with three rather than four studs. Were tux shirts different then or something? I'm not a particularly tall guy, but I still can't see how three studs would suffice when wearing a cummerbund.

 

[Will]

The cummerbund is a late arrival. Dress shirts were originally designed for wear with vests. A vest shows less shirt, hence only three studs are needed.

 

[Manton]

Bespoke formal shirts used to take fewer studs. One front stud was not unusual for a white tie shirt. Two was the limit. For black tie, three was the limit. There is something elegant about a single stud on a white tie shirt. Of course, it only works if the shirt front is stiff. Pleated soft fronts need more studs to stay closed.

 

[dah328]

Would those have been pique-front shirts? Those are still acceptable for black tie, right?

 

[The Happy Stroller]

Yes, this seems to be a very pertinent question. Unless it is a Marcella shirt, wouldn't the formal pique bib evening shirt used for white tie turn an informal black tie evening suit into a case of overdressing?

Originally Posted by dah328

Would those have been pique-front shirts? Those are still acceptable for black tie, right?

 

[LabelKing]

My set only has two--and a set of collar studs.

 

[Nantucket Red]

Collar studs?

Btw, welcome back, LK.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by Nantucket Red

Collar studs? Btw, welcome back, LK.
Used for the detachable wing collars. I like my little set of studs, made by Cartier in the '40s in a simple 18kt gold design. I was actually in your neighboring albeit acrimonious nation of the People's Republic of China.

 

[Nantucket Red]

I'd like to see that, as it's something I can't quite picture.

Your penchant for vintage is quite a hallmark of your style. Do you have much in the way of contemporary pieces?

Someone else mentioned that you were visiting China. The closest I ever got was Hong Kong nearly twenty years ago.