A choice between doublets

**OC Richard** · 11th June 13, 08:04 PM

Yes I want this one! A nice Thomas Gordon & Son melton doublet...

Or this one!

Yep I've always wanted this one, the nearly universal doublet style c1850-c1910. This evolved into the Regulation Doublet, but I prefer the original.

The early years of the 20th century saw a suite of new doublets introduced. Judging from my vintage catalogues the first new one was "the Coatee" or the "Prince Charlie" as we call it. Then the Montrose and Kenmore, strange in their quasi-military standup collars (quite rare for civilian doublets in the 19th century). Not sure about the Sherrifmuir but it doesn't appear in my catalogues from the 1920s and 30s.

**Cygnus** · 11th June 13, 10:16 PM

I voted for the Regulation Doublet because it's a pretty versatile piece of clothing - not only does it do black- and white-tie equally well, but it's more forgiving of fluctuations of the waistline than most doublets.

That said, if I had more financial and diametric stability, I'd probably opt for a velvet Balmoral doublet...

**Liam** · 12th June 13, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by Cygnus

I voted for the Regulation Doublet because it's a pretty versatile piece of clothing - not only does it do black- and white-tie equally well, but it's more forgiving of fluctuations of the waistline than most doublets.

That said, if I had more financial and diametric stability, I'd probably opt for a velvet Balmoral doublet...

My sentiments exactly!....Bill

**creagdhubh** · 12th June 13, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by Liam

My sentiments exactly!....Bill

Mine too! And as Cygnus stated, I too like the Balmoral doublet. Very smart in black or coloured velvet. That may be my next doublet!

Cheers,

**Sir Didymous** · 12th June 13, 02:22 PM

Bit of clarification

I have no intention of using the doublet for day wear, I feel Argyles work well for that and I have been adding to my waist coat collection for when it needs dressed up a bit. That being said, I just think they seem a bit off in the evening. I don't care for PCs in any situation, but again that's just my opinion.

**BCAC** · 13th June 13, 02:09 AM

Originally Posted by Sir Didymous

Bit of clarification

I have no intention of using the doublet for day wear, I feel Argyles work well for that and I have been adding to my waist coat collection for when it needs dressed up a bit. That being said, I just think they seem a bit off in the evening. I don't care for PCs in any situation, but again that's just my opinion.

Which is what I understood because you were talking about doublets. For me doublets are exclusive for evening wear and an Argyle is not a doublet (neither is a PC, for that matter).

I voted for the Montrose, as a matter of fact. It's all very subjective though. I voted for the Montrose because I love the look. There are others here that voted for the regulation doublet because it's versatile. Versatility didn't even begin to be considered for my vote. This is why your question is very open to interpretation. I hope that it helps you decide which doublet to buy.

I think that it's a very selfish purchase anyway. I bought mine over a year ago because I think it looks great, I wanted to own one and I have worn it a grand total of 3 times since then. I wouldn't like to calculate how much it cost per hour on my back.

**David Thorpe** · 13th June 13, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by BCAC

I think that it's a very selfish purchase anyway. I bought mine over a year ago because I think it looks great, I wanted to own one and I have worn it a grand total of 3 times since then. I wouldn't like to calculate how much it cost per hour on my back.

A very wise consideration. I normally attend one formal occasion per year.