Waistcoat

[Sator]

Originally Posted by Eustace Tilley

What's happened to you Sator?

A fatal moment of weakness.

More seriously, I find that some historical styles are dreadful and contemporary commentators often thought so too. Many poked fun at Oscar Wilde's aesthetic dress stuff and I can see their point. Here he is wearing a dress coat with ridiculously wide shawl collars:

Was this the inspiration for Manton's waistcoat???

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by Sator

Was this the inspiration for Manton's waistcoat???
No!

 

[Sator]

Originally Posted by Manton

I guess it was Apparel Arts. My first DB vest (from about 10 years ago) had these anemic lapels that I was never happy with.


Even the pictures of Victorian waistcoats rarely show anything with such a wide collar. I think it was daring but it really did work. Good show.

This plate comes from 1876:

I think it is a good illustration of how waistcoats can add flair, style and drama to an otherwise conservative ensemble. This is definitely how they wore waistcoats in the 19th century, and you can judiciously do a little of the same to great effect today.

 

[Sator]

Originally Posted by Manton

No!

In any case I have been thoroughly out done in the historical revivalist department

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Stolen from Will's blog - I don't think manton's lapels are all that bigger than the lapels on the 2nd guy from the left. The shawl lapels from 1876 look rather wimpy to me.

 

[Manton]

This illustration above all was the inspiration:

Except I did not want the point at the center bottom edge, I raised the button stance considerably and spread out the distance between buttons, and I went with eight rather than six total buttons.

 

[grimslade]

And they look better, since they're on a real person, not a drawing. Even my wife says so.

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by grimslade

And they look better, since they're on a real person, not a drawing. Even my wife says so.

She's just saying that because she likes my cooking.

 

[Sator]

Originally Posted by Eustace Tilley

Stolen from Will's blog - I don't think manton's lapels are all that bigger than the lapels on the 2nd guy from the left. The shawl lapels from 1876 look rather wimpy to me.
Manton's is definitely more dramatic - wider and with altogether more belly.

 

[JamesT]

Db vests are fantastic. So fantastic that I'm going to wear one tomorrow.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Originally Posted by JamesT

Db vests are fantastic. So fantastic that I'm going to wear one tomorrow.

Isn't it in the 60s or 70s by now in Chicago? You may melt.

 

[JamesT]

Originally Posted by Eustace Tilley

Isn't it in the 60s or 70s by now in Chicago? You may melt.

As some of the members here can attest, last summer when it was in the 90's with 90% humidity I was be-decked in 12oz wool and said waistcoat.

I was attempting to follow Sator's beachwear advice.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Originally Posted by JamesT

As some of the members here can attest, last summer when it was in the 90's with 90% humidity I was be-decked in 12oz wool and said waistcoat.

I was attempting to follow Sator's beachwear advice.

- you are hardcore!

 

[JamesT]

Originally Posted by Eustace Tilley

- you are hardcore!

haha. It's how I stay so thin

 

[berty2001]

Wow, thanks guys. Go away for few days and come back to a full on discussion. I've opted for a pale grey waistcoat. Wasn't sure when I bought it but have tried it on and looks great. i'll post pictures after the event if you at all interested.