Civilian Mess Jackets

[CMcG]

Looks good CMcG. I don't have one yet, but it would be my choice for formal wear. I'm keeping my eyes open for a ridiculously good deal on a mess jacket or an Eton. I don't go formal very often--every couple of years--but wouldn't mind having it ready to go.

I noticed the "dip" in the back in one of your pics. Is that the norm for civilian style mess jackets? I never really noticed it before. It's kind of like a bobbed tail or a vestigial remnant of long tails. I'm not sure if I like that part, but I wouldn't see it so it really wouldn't matter.

I really dig the cuffs though. Much nicer than the US style military ones. I'll probably wind up converting a bargain tailcoat before I find a really good deal on a mess jacket.

It seems a bit unbalanced with three buttons on the right side, but I'm used to seeing them on both sides.

Congrats on the find! I'm sure it will serve you well for many years.

You can find cheap, good quality, ex-rental Eton or Spencer jackets on eBay US or Canada by searching for "tuxedo waist coat" (note the space in between "waist" and "coat"). This tag, however, would probably turn up a vest on eBay UK Avoid the Spencer/Eton jackets that are oriented towards the hospitality industry because they are usually cheap, washable polyester (not a formal fabric) and make one look like a waiter or bellhop!

That being said, there are some subtle differences between a mess jacket and an Eton or Spencer. I don't think the latter ever come with cuffs like my jacket... Ex-military mess jackets seem more common on eBay UK.

As for the dip in the back, I'm not sure if that is common or not? The pic from Geoffrey (tailor)'s site shows a level back but Robert MacDonald's site suggests that higher cut sides, peaked front, and dipped back are the standard.

And fair enough, the buttons on my jacket being on one side is unbalanced compared to the decorative 6 button array on a standard Prince Charlie. They are ostensibly there to button the jacket closed, but the irony is that mine are non functional

<snip>
In cases where a kilt is allowed with a US military uniform it is an exception, not the rule. This has been discussed and researched ad nausium on the forum.

Let's just let CMcG know he got a heck-of-a deal here and it looks good!

US military uniforms and the kilt seems like a tricky issue to negotiate. Even taking a military mess jacket for civilian wear, in all propriety, requires some extra effort to remove insignia. This is why I looked for (and found) a civilian mess jacket

Thanks for the compliment Whidbey78. It will only be a good deal for me if I can sell off that MacDonald kilt... support your local grad student, rabble

[robbiethepiper]

Excellent jacket. I have one in a similar style from McKenzie Frain in rifle green with matching vest. Think the white vest a brilliant idea.......Robbie

[CMcG]

Excellent jacket. I have one in a similar style from McKenzie Frain in rifle green with matching vest. Think the white vest a brilliant idea.......Robbie

Nice. The pictures they have on their site have epaulettes and flap cuffs, is that how yours looks too? And does it have the same cut at the waist as mine, that is to say higher cut sides, peaked front, and dipped back?

Please post a pic of your jacket if you can, but here is the one from MacKenzie Frain's site:

[CMcG]

I'm wondering if MoR and robbiethepiper found any pictures of the mess jackets they mentioned?

And where is MacLowlife? It's not like him to miss out on a THCD thread

[robbiethepiper]

I'm wondering if MoR and robbiethepiper found any pictures of the mess jackets they mentioned?

And where is MacLowlife? It's not like him to miss out on a THCD thread

Not clever enough to post photos, but mine is as the picture you posted, except in rifle green (very dark) with black facings. Have always found this company VERY flexible and willing to customise a standard design. They are even making me a piper's doublet to my own design at a reasonable cost.....Robbie

[MacLowlife]

I am a fan of Dress Mess jackets, but I will admit most of mine started out as somebody's uniform. I have a great red flannel one with green cuffs. I have seen the dip on some jackets and not on others. I also have a US Army one with red lapels and elaborate knots. I would be tempted to try removing the knots, but I'd also need to remove about a cubic foot of gros ventre before it would do me any good.

I think the (US) army ones are very cool with the color coded lapels, but I do wonder about wearing them for civilian wear, even after swapping buttons and removing epaulets. Fortunately, I haven't had to go that far. The red one is from the UK and I will go ahead and promise never to wear it there.

For those who haven't seen them, UK Dress Mess jackets often are impressively constructed, with quilted lining and neat piped edges.

Finally, (and sorry for the ping pongish back and forth) I think the USAF Dress Mess is a great starter jacket for the man who needs something formal and needs it right away. The buttons are often on those little cotter pins and you can switch them in an hour.

(So much for keeping my mouth shut and letting others contribute for a while.)

Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS, HONOUR ROLL honorees.