Prince Charlie Vest

[beerbecue]

This is exactly why I started the thread. To find out if it would be OK to have a backless vest as a formal vest vs. a PC vest. I wasn't sure if the back/backless vest option would be more appropriate if/when a jacket was removed.

While the waistcoasts with PC jackets have a full back most formal waistcoats do not. Find yourself a nice waistcoat it will look better in the long run. Try a rental store if price is a problem; many will sell used ones.

[Panache]

I think I will wind up ordering a three button formal vest (backless) from uniformal warehouse (like Alan H. has recommended in other posts) and change the buttons. One of the great things about X Marks is that you can have an idea and try it out here before heading out into the world. I thank you all for the feedback, and hope the visuals were helpful.

Cheers

[beerbecue]

I have seen PC vests on clearance for $45 CDN each.

I was thinking of uniformalwearhouse, too, but am thinking of the PC vests... The one size fits all is OK, I just don't know how 'nice' an adjustment strap will look....

I just want to be more confident into which would be more appropriate...

[Panache]

beerbecue,

If you plan on spending a fair amount of time at formal events with your jacket off, you should get a waistcoat with a full back. As for me, most of the occassions I wore my tuxedo I seldom removed the jacket. Therefore in the interest of thrift I'm going for the less expensive option.

Cheers

[beerbecue]

Unfortunately, that is a tough call, different venues=different comfort levels. I do tend to get hot......

beerbecue,

If you plan on spending a fair amount of time at formal events with your jacket off, you should get a waistcoat with a full back. As for me, most of the occassions I wore my tuxedo I seldom removed the jacket. Therefore in the interest of thrift I'm going for the less expensive option.

Cheers

[Panache]

beerbeque,

By the by, do you already have a PC jacket or are you going to convert one?

Cheers

[beerbecue]

I converted an Eton jacket. I took some pictures this morning and will try to get them posted today....

Here are pics of the jacket (I am doing epaulets today to take a break from grading) and of the cotter pin/washer setup I made to keep the buttons on.

[Chef]

This is exactly why I started the thread. To find out if it would be OK to have a backless vest as a formal vest vs. a PC vest. I wasn't sure if the back/backless vest option would be more appropriate if/when a jacket was removed.

The backless waistcoat was developed partialy to allow people to NOT remove the jacket. They are cooler than a full waistcoat for obvious reasons. However, they usually look like a mess when the jacket is removed.

I always suggest to my clients that if they expect to be removing their jackets that the wedding party should always wear a full waistcoat. Personally the only backless waistcoat I own is a white one, worn with my PC jacket for white tie affairs. Obviously at such an affair I would not be removing my jacket so the fact that is backless is not a problem. All the rest of my waistcoats are full back. So if you are not sure whether you will want to remove your jacket or not, then find a full backed waist coat.

[beerbecue]

Obviously at such an affair I would not be removing my jacket so the fact that is backless is not a problem. All the rest of my waistcoats are full back. So if you are not sure whether you will want to remove your jacket or not, then find a full backed waist coat.

Pardon my naivete, but it is inappropriate to remove your jacket at a formal function?

[Chef]

Pardon my naivete, but it is inappropriate to remove your jacket at a formal function?

This is one of those times when what is common place and what is appropriate are not necessarily the same.

However, how formal an event is matters as to how much of a faux pas it is to remove your jacket. Certainly at a white tie event it would never be considered appropriate. At most black tie events it would also be crass to to remove the jacket however in hot weather it may be acceptable if you are wearing a full waistcoat.

Now that said the majority of people dress in formal attire only at weddings and while the rules still apply most people don't go by them. So what should you do...well I tend to go with this advice at a wedding follow the wedding party, it is certainly not appropriate to remove your jacket before they do. If they keep them on then so do you. Other formal events are dictated by the host, if it is quite warm the host should remove his jacket to signal others that it is appropriate to remoe theirs. If he keeps his on, so do you. This is particularly true if this is a business function. However when you get away from weddings and formal occaisions where there is dancing, expect to wear a jacket at all times.