"U" Shaped Waistcoat Versus a "V" Shaped Waistcoat

**ASinclair** · 8th May 14, 04:14 PM

I prefer to wear the "V" shaped waistcoat, but I think the "U" shaped waistcoat is a nice, and different, look. If that is what you fancy, then by all means, go for it. BTW, as others have intimated, pictures of you WITHOUT the lovely and ever radiant Stephanie would be less distracting.

**MacGumerait** · 8th May 14, 10:46 PM

Tobus , we didn't realize you had a secret alias .

Faster than a speeding bullet ... more powerful than a locomotive ... able to leap tall castles in a single bound ...

Oh yes , I almost forgot . The vest is quite smart looking as well !

**Calgacus** · 9th May 14, 12:51 AM

I officially declare this thread "Funniest Thread Of The Week".

The 'Tobus' comment cracked me up, and I even suspect the corners of Tobus' mouth possibly curled upwards slightly.

Was there a question about waistcoats? Oh yes, personally I prefer the V-shape front, but the U-shape does make a pleasant departure from 'cookie cutter'. My concern is how well it would work with the cut of the jacket, as the line of the lapels would not match that of the jacket.

I'd be interested to see how it turns out though. Maybe somebody happens to have such a waistcoat, even if it's not a matching fabric, and could post a photo for illustrative purposes.

**longhuntr74** · 9th May 14, 01:29 AM

Let me draw your attention to an example:

GaryMe.jpg

**BCAC** · 9th May 14, 01:49 AM

Originally Posted by Rick Y

Who cares about the vest? More pictures of your daughter!!!

Nice one, Rick.

You know that it's really his Mrs, don't you?

**Orionson** · 9th May 14, 04:42 AM

I'd be interested to see how it turns out though. Maybe somebody happens to have such a waistcoat, even if it's not a matching fabric, and could post a photo for illustrative purposes.

I had this Edwardian style Marcella waistcoat made up by Geoffrey Tailor especially for my daughter's wedding. I bought 1 meter double width Marcella Cloth from the actual
Mill in Lancashire which invented the cloth in the 1880's for £30 and had it sent directly to Geoffrey. They made up the waistcoat to a pattern they already use for one of their daywear tweed lines for £125.

The boiled front shirt and detachable 2.5 inch wing collar shirt came from Darcy Clothing, http://www.darcyclothing.com/shop/ an excellent and very reasonable, relaible source for traditional clothing, both formal and casual.

Because it is all white on white, it is difficult to discern the U shaped full shawl collar on the waistcoat in the photograph. (However, I can assure you that it looks very sharp indeed and I that received many compliments on the day from everyone - including the Scots Guards RSM Piper, who also fell in love with The Artificer's magnificent Sporran commissioned for the wedding.) The four buttons match the buttons on the jacket.

There is also an unseen, but crucial detail which I feel compelled to point out. The waistcoat deliberately has a full white silk back with an adjustable strap. I deplore the ubiquitous "no back" waistcoats, hawked by all the rental firms and modern day Formal Haberdasheries. I have never seen the point of them. They never fit or drape properly despite their purported "adjust-ability" and they look ridiculous without a jacket.

I cannot speak highly enough for the feel and fit of the finished ensemble and I recommend it whole heatedly to anyone seeking to achieve the ultimate finish for Formal Highland Dress.

Note: with the board stiff heavily starched shirt front (which I found exceptionally comfortable and remained sharp and crisp throughout a long day and evening of dancing) you will require good quality strong shirt studs. The ones I had were not strong enough to cope with penetrating the holes of the shirt front. I had to resort to simply using the pearl buttons which are fitted to the shirt. Good quality Mother of Pearl shirt studs are available online.
Lorna & Dad, Down the Aisle.jpg

**Calgacus** · 9th May 14, 04:51 AM

I think you are exceptionally well turned out there, and the waistcoat certainly works in white.

**creagdhubh** · 9th May 14, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by Calgacus

I think you are exceptionally well turned out there, and the waistcoat certainly works in white.

I couldn't agree more!

**Tobus** · 9th May 14, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by MacGumerait

Tobus , we didn't realize you had a secret alias .

Faster than a speeding bullet ... more powerful than a locomotive ... able to leap tall castles in a single bound ...

Oh yes , I almost forgot . The vest is quite smart looking as well !

Oh, if only I were half that dashing! I don't know who this chap is, but he certainly has a great look going on there. From one beardo to another, I say well done sir!

Actually, I've trimmed my beard back down to somewhat normal length, though it's still shaggier than most men these days tend to wear theirs. This is about as long as I had it a couple of years ago:

Eh, mine is getting quite a lot of grey in it now. That young fellow above looks like he's in a Just For Men commercial!

Anyway, back to topic, I do like U-shaped waistcoats (though I don't have one). And while I think they're perfectly appropriate for all levels of dress, I think their best presentation is with formal wear. A stiff white shirt and black bow tie really make it look smart.

By the way, anybody else notice the shoes that guy is wearing? They look like brown ghillie brogues, with the 'ears' at the lacing. And I think I see the laces criss-crossing up his leg (going into his trousers). Ghillie brogues with trousers?! What gives?

**Orionson** · 9th May 14, 12:10 PM

By the way, anybody else notice the shoes that guy is wearing? They look like brown ghillie brogues, with the 'ears' at the lacing. And I think I see the laces criss-crossing up his leg (going into his trousers). Ghillie brogues with trousers?! What gives?

Well spotted, Tobus. I had missed it. If you actually click on the photo itself, it's title is: "brogues and dress pants". What are we to make of this?