'Black tie' questions

**Phil** · 2nd February 13, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

I have had many bespoke items made for me by Kinloch Anderson, since they have been in Leith and the most recent garment was just last last year.

You surprise me as they pointed me towards Messrs Dege & Skinner in London with whom they have an arrangement if I was seeking a proper bespoke garment. Perhaps they have reverted to their former abilities as bespoke tailors then.

**piperdbh** · 2nd February 13, 05:21 PM

Red hose will never let you down.

**JSFMACLJR** · 2nd February 13, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by Phil

You surprise me as they pointed me towards Messrs Dege & Skinner in London with whom they have an arrangement if I was seeking a proper bespoke garment. Perhaps they have reverted to their former abilities as bespoke tailors then.

The BEST bespoke tailor in London for Highland dress is Meyer & Mortimer, by far.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 2nd February 13, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

The BEST bespoke tailor in London for Highland dress is Meyer & Mortimer, by far.

***, and dare I say it-- in some ways they manage to surpass Stewart Christie.

**Phil** · 3rd February 13, 01:46 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

***, and dare I say it-- in some ways they manage to surpass Stewart Christie.

I am sure that there are many more good tailors in London but I have always found Stewart Christie here in Edinburgh excellent and prefer to support a local business. 'Use it or lose' it as the saying goes. This article today brings the point home - http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...internalSearch

**Lime** · 3rd February 13, 10:56 AM

I wore detached collars for the first three years of my service career in the RAF (six days a week). I have also worn detached collars for black tie and for white tie events.

I can honestly say that I can see NO advantage in wearing a detached collar and would never buy one again.

They evolved at a time when homes, the streets, the workplaces, the whole world was far more dusty. Today we have vacuum cleaners, smoke free zones, vehicles with windows that close and showers.

The Victorians oft quoted "Cleanliness is next to Godliness", because their world was filthy!

I have never felt the need to change my collar two or three times a day. Attached collars for me every time.

I think that the main problem is getting a good quality shirt with an attached stand up collar; the modern ones offered for sale are, in general, rather "naff" (do people still say that?) and don't have all the little details that those who care about these things appreciate. Saying that I am sure that a good one can be found from a reputable shirt maker. In contrast shirts with a detachable collar, by their nature, can (probably!) only be bought from a decent shirt maker so is more likely to be of higher quality.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 3rd February 13, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Phil

I am sure that there are many more good tailors in London but I have always found Stewart Christie here in Edinburgh excellent and prefer to support a local business. 'Use it or lose' it as the saying goes. This article today brings the point home - http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...internalSearch

Stewart Christie have been "my" tailors since 1971, and as far as I am concerned they are the best tailors in Scotland, bar none.

**Jacobite Laddie** · 3rd February 13, 01:45 PM

Tissiman's gone eh? Very sad indeed. Thank you for the recommendation!

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 3rd February 13, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by Lime

I think that the main problem is getting a good quality shirt with an attached stand up collar; the modern ones offered for sale are, in general, rather "naff" (do people still say that?) and don't have all the little details that those who care about these things appreciate. Saying that I am sure that a good one can be found from a reputable shirt maker. In contrast shirts with a detachable collar, by their nature, can (probably!) only be bought from a decent shirt maker so is more likely to be of higher quality.

I think the best argument for detachable collars on formal shirts is that you can specify the height of the collar, something that doesn't happen with attached collar shirts. (And yes, "naff" is in use in those places where English is still spoken.)