5 button vest?

[davidg]

A quick question for those who regularly attend black tie affairs

What is the usual and best accepted dress code if wearing a black Argyll jacket to an evening "black tie" do. Are 5 button matching black waistcoats frequently worn with black bow tie or should it be a 3 button version?

[HeathBar]

Because 5 button vests are usually supplied with Argylls, I'd say it is very common to see this. However,if wearing a bow tie, a 3 button vest is ideally a better choice. Or you could just go sans vest. I think the idea is to show a little more of the pleated dress shirt.

[piperdbh]

The worthy gentleman from Tennessee has nailed it.

[JSFMACLJR]

I think a three or four button evening waistcoat looks much nicer for black tie events. For some odd reason, five button waistcoats cut in the "normal daytime" style have become popular of late, worn with either a bow tie of four-in-hand, especially by Hollywood types. I don't like the look.

[davidg]

I think a three or four button evening waistcoat looks much nicer for black tie events.

Would you simply borrow one from the PC or a different style altogether?

[JSFMACLJR]

Would you simply borrow one from the PC ?

Yes, that should do perfectly.

[Highland Logan]

For some odd reason, five button waistcoats cut in the "normal daytime" style have become popular of late, worn with either a bow tie of four-in-hand....

I think it's nothing more than a case or not knowing, or perhaps just being indifferent once known. One waistcoat is as good as another don't ya know; especially if your jacket already came with one, why purchase another.

I don't like the look.

I agree. The higher waistcoat tends to distract from the overall look.

Would you simply borrow one from the PC...?

Yes, that should do perfectly.

Also spot on.

Frank

[saxandpipes]

If you only have a 5 button waistcoat, and can't afford, or don't want to invest in a 3 or 4 button (low-cut) waistcoat, you would be better to go with a black/navy four in hand tie. Bow-ties look much better with low cut waistcoats.

As JSFMACLJR suggests, the low-cut waistcoat/bow-tie combination is by far the smartest option for evening (in this case...).

Bow-tie/high-cut waistcoat looks a bit strange to me.

This is my humble opinion,

hope it helps!

Cheers,

Michael

[davidg]

Thanks for all the responses. I think you have all confirmed my own thoughts that a 5 button vest is not really the best option

If I'm wearing the PC vest I think I may just as well go with the whole PC anyway. That solves the problem

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Thanks for all the responses. I think you have all confirmed my own thoughts that a 5 button vest is not really the best option

If I'm wearing the PC vest I think I may just as well go with the whole PC anyway. That solves the problem

You are overlooking the most useful attribute of the black Argyll jacket-- pockets. Were it I, I'd opt for the Argyll and a three button waistcoat, and positively revel in the joy of having pockets into which I could thrust my hands, or fill them with such necessary impedimenta as cell phones, or car keys, or a few bucks to tip waiters and valets, pipe and tobacco, a small pistol, or a tin of snuff.

A formal Argyll also marks a man out as a man of style, one not bonded to the herd timorously attired in Prince Charlie coatees, wishing they had the nerve to ask their wife to put something else in her purse.