Long Sleeve or Short?

**Hal** · 29th June 05, 07:31 PM

Greetings, again!
Thanks for all the input - And I think I'll run with my first impression, which was long sleeves! Two "side notes", in response to other replies....

I have done the "short sleeve under a dress jacket" trick when it was hot, but only under a Class "A" FD uniform tunic. The sleeves aren't *supposed* to show (unlike a traditional jacket) and the short sleeves were a lot cooler. And the tunic never came off, so no one noticed!

As for the bow tie, I (personally) don't like the way *I* look in a traditional tie w/kilt. As a bonus, if I ever get to a point when I untie it...A bow tie looks OK untied, while a standard tie looks "messier" (My opinion only!) Besides, I despise wearing ties at all...But I despise bow ties less! ;)

As for trading fashion tips, OK...It's unusual. Anyone wany my "spiced orange pot roast" recipie? <LOL>

Again, thanks for the advice!

Hal

**Big Paul** · 29th June 05, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by Hal

Hal

Long sleeves all the way!

Originally Posted by Bob C.

Am I the only one struck by the fact that we are a bunch of men, trading fashion tips?

I have thought the same thing many times now!

**Andrew Breecher** · 29th June 05, 10:31 PM

By the way, I attended an outdoor wedding a few weeks ago in PA. It was 95 degrees out, and massively humid. I wore a black Argyle with my long-sleeved shirt and tie, and wool kilt hose. Sure I was warm, but I was never in danger of passing out. If I had a lighter-coloured jacket I would have worn that, but all I have is the black. The kilt is still cooler all around than a suit.

Andrew.

**Scotus** · 30th June 05, 04:24 AM

Bob C.:

As far as fashion tips being exchanged by a bunch of men...

If you read through many threads and many posts, you'll see that a lot of them are "What do I wear with this," "I just got my new tank and I'm so happy," "Everyone thought I looked so cool, handsome, etc.," "Where can I find a ______ to match my ______?" Well, the list could go on. I think that posts about fashion are natural in a forum devoted to a specific style of garments; i.e., the kilt.

I'm sure on some cycle forum somewhere, they are exchanging tips on how to make their bikes look really "cool" by adding a blue stripe here or a red splash there.

**Jerry** · 30th June 05, 04:29 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

Although our opinions of 'formal' and 'informal' differ on either side of the pond, I would certainly go with the others and recommend long sleeves.

The thought of attending a wedding sans jacket is almost more than my system can take, but I know that's the sort of thing you guys do over there!!

Comfort is important, but so also is the show of respect you have for your hosts and those around you. We cannot, nor should not, put our own comfort above all else, at least not under such circumstances.

Whatever; enjoy that wedding.

Ham, it's a bit different over here. I'm not sure what part of Pa Allentown is in, but here in Va, a temperature in the 90s F (32 to 35 C) would also be accompanied by humidity in the 75 to 90 percent range. This would lead to a comfort index over 100. Taking off a jacket in those circumstances can often be as much about avoiding heat stroke as about comfort. Some parts of Pa are similar in climate.

**macwilkin** · 30th June 05, 05:36 AM

Originally Posted by JerMc

Ham, it's a bit different over here. I'm not sure what part of Pa Allentown is in, but here in Va, a temperature in the 90s F (32 to 35 C) would also be accompanied by humidity in the 75 to 90 percent range. This would lead to a comfort index over 100. Taking off a jacket in those circumstances can often be as much about avoiding heat stroke as about comfort. Some parts of Pa are similar in climate.

This leads to my theory that this is a fairly "modern" trend due to the invention of air-conditioning; remember that our ancestors in the 19th and early 20th century wore jackets & coats year round, and many made from wool. I've seen photos from this time period of gents in Arizona, Florida and other "sub-tropical" climes wearing suits, jackets, ties, etc. Yes, there were suits of lighter-weight material (linen, seer-sucker, etc.), but the standards of decorum were still maintained.

The late Barry Goldwater was once asked what it was like living in Arizona before the advent of A/C -- he replied they didn't know any better! <grin>

In the mid 19th-century, it was considered rude to remove a coat without a waistcoat and show bare braces (suspenders). A friend of mine in Civil War reenacting taught me a neat trick: while many fellows will "strip blouses" at the drop of a hat in the hobby, he always kept his "sack coat" on, because "once you take the jacket off, you won't want to put it back on."

Health & safety should always take priority, though.

Cheers,

Todd

**Dreadbelly** · 30th June 05, 05:41 AM

Edited. Post unusually acidic for this early in the morning.

**Rob Wright** · 30th June 05, 07:45 PM

I'm not a fan of regular ties but I did find a very nice bola tie in a sun pattern that looks like a blend of celtic and native american styles. It looks great and goes with all my tartan kilts.

Rob

**jfellrath** · 1st July 05, 07:12 AM

Maybe you can try to find one of those long-sleeved shirts that has a little strap for holding the rolled-up sleeves in place. I personally find those to be sharp-looking, and the sleeves are obviously MEANT to be rolled up in them.

**macwilkin** · 1st July 05, 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by jfellrath

Maybe you can try to find one of those long-sleeved shirts that has a little strap for holding the rolled-up sleeves in place. I personally find those to be sharp-looking, and the sleeves are obviously MEANT to be rolled up in them.

I have a British Khaki "safari" style shirt from Woolrich with the "roll-up" straps that I wear to games, etc. in the summer time.

Cheers,

Todd