Eton Jackets, an informative thread

**Alan H** · 28th March 08, 10:11 AM

I've noticed some confusion about Eton Jackets, so I thought I'd clear it up. Let's start with where the name comes from.

Well, legend has it that Lord Spencer back eighteen umpty-ump got tired of the tails of his tailcoat getting caught on things....ruddy nuisance, don't you know? ...and had a tailor whack them off. Thus was born the short-waisted, "tailless tailcoat". It soon became all the rage, and was even adapted for ladies wear. If you search the web for "Spencer jacket" you will find references to both mens and womens clothing, much of it from the Victorian era..

The Spencer, the short waisted jacket was adopted at the famous boys school at Eton, for the younger fellows, where it came known as the "bum freezer". After some time, the name "Eton" became somewhat more associated with the style than "Spencer". You can read more about it here:

http://www.uniformmarket.com/magazin...6/webster.html

and here:

www.archivist.f2s.com/bsu/EtonSuit.htm

If you search the web for "Eton Jacket" you will find links and pictures rather like this one...

but also like these:

Thus illustrating the strong connection between the Eton jacket and Eton suit and childrens clothing.

You, as a kilt-wearing adult, should try to distance yourself from the association between Eton Suits and childrens clothing.

https://secure.ferrariformalwear.com...rchandiseID=20

http://www.uniformmarket.com/magazin...tonjacket2.jpg

Currently, the Uniform and Work-oriented formalwear sellers offer Eton jackets in two sytles, the three-button and the single-button. If you look at the pictures and websites I've posted so far, you will notice that more-or-less all the childrens jackets have multiple buttons, whereas the current fashion in formal wear for the Eton has just one button. Therefore, I'd STRONGLY suggest that if you are purchasing an Eton jacket, get the single-button version. After all, what you are striving for is something that looks very much like the Mess jacket of the the military.

In fact, it may very well be worth your while, if you have time, to watch EBay for mess jackets that come on sale. I purchased a nearly brand-new Air Force Enlisted Mess jacket (no insignia) in dark Air Force Blue for about $15 a few years ago. It didn't fit so I sold it to another X-Marks member at the time, but still and all....

I have also seen WOMENS MILITARY MESS JACKETS on ebay from time to time.

So, at the end of all this, here's my two cents. If you're going to buy an
Eton Jacket from the UniformalWearhouse or other budget online formal-workwear place, get the SINGLE BUTTON version. Get the three-button version and you'll look too much like the kilted ringbearer at a Scottish wedding.

**Alan H** · 28th March 08, 10:12 AM

Mods, could someone kindly add

........"an informative post"............

to the title of this thread? I spaced out and forgot to do that before I sent it in!

**Tattoo Bradley** · 28th March 08, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by Alan H

Mods, could someone kindly add

........"an informative post"............

to the title of this thread? I spaced out and forgot to do that before I sent it in!

Done

**Alan H** · 28th March 08, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Tattoo Bradley

Done

Muchas Gracias!

**davedove** · 28th March 08, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Alan H

In fact, it may very well be worth your while, if you have time, to watch EBay for mess jackets that come on sale.

It should be said that if you are going to wear a mess jacket, and it is not part of a uniform, then you should remove the distinctive uniform items from it first. These include thing like removing insignia, changing the buttons, etc.

Of course, this is for US uniforms. I don't know what the rules are for other countries.

**Alan H** · 28th March 08, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by davedove

It should be said that if you are going to wear a mess jacket, and it is not part of a uniform, then you should remove the distinctive uniform items from it first. These include thing like removing insignia, changing the buttons, etc.

Of course, this is for US uniforms. I don't know what the rules are for other countries.

Absolutely! Do not parade around wearing military insignia that you have no connection to!

My suggestion was to watch for "unused" mess jackets, which appear fairly often, like this seller, which has had unused jackets for sale on ebay for $99 for a long time.

http://cgi.ebay.com/U-S-NAVY-OFFICER...QQcmdZViewItem

**Bugbear** · 22nd August 08, 06:44 AM

Alan, I keep wondering about something on the Etons and the mess Jackets. Do you want the fit of the jacket to be a little bit small around the waist as in the jacket conversion advice?

**Carolina Kiltman** · 22nd August 08, 08:54 AM

just tried the link: got this message.
This listing (6620365594) has been removed or is no longer available. Please make sure you entered the right item number.
If the listing was removed by eBay, consider it canceled. Note: Listings that have ended more than 90 days ago will no longer appear on eBay.

**haukehaien** · 22nd August 08, 09:17 AM

Yes, the eBay link has expired; not surprising, considering that Alan posted it back at the end of March.

Try searching eBay for "Mess Jackets" and see what you find.

**St. John's 104** · 3rd November 08, 10:13 AM

Just talked to Tuxedo Royale in Toronto, Ontario and ordered a previously enjoyed Spencer jacket, the difference between the Spencer and Eaton is the shawl collar , I much prefer the notched style of the Spencer. The jackets are all wool and reasonable at under $100.00 Canadian. I was informed they have lots in stock however most are 40" and under chest size. Just thought I'd pass the info along.
Regards