The Waistcoat, Part 2

Previously, we discussed casual and informal waistcoats, but this week we'll get into the semi-formal and formal styles.

Black Tie

Black tie waistcoats can come in many permutations and combinations. This in mind, the one thing they should never emulate is an informal waistcoat with five or six buttons (which even manufacturers who should know better are selling now). Stick to single breasted three or four button waistcoats with low, closely spaced fastening. Double breasted ones, which can have anywhere from four to ten (!!!) buttons with half of them buttoning on one side, should also fasten low and closely together. The main goal is that the waistcoat barely show above the jacket waist button when closed, maybe an inch or two at the most. The body should ideally be of the same fabric as the dinner jacket and trousers. Same goes for the silk facings on the lapels and buttons. Keep in mind that waistcoats do not need to be worn with double breasted dinner jackets since they will always be kept closed and would not be seen anyway.

Brad Pitt shows off a rare double breasted ten button, five to fasten (10x5) waistcoat on his Tom Ford evening kit. It's a flashy style for sure, but saved by how low fastening it is.

Shawl lapels are proper as either the rounded or angled type but not required, strictly speaking. There should only be two lower pockets on a black tie waistcoat. Besides the common "V" opening, there are also "U" shaped or shield shaped openings which can add a dash of style.

A rather stylish four button waistcoat for black tie complete with straight bottom, "U" shaped opening, and shawl lapels.

Backless models will offer some advantages. Namely, they allow for fewer layers in back and thus wear cooler during warm months. The other big advantage is that they can work with just about any trouser rise since the neck strap is adjustable. (I still recommend wearing trousers at or near the waist for best effect.) Good quality backless waistcoats will have an inside front loop to attach to an inner trouser button and keep them level all night. For best results, your shirt should have a loop under the back of the collar to keep the adjustable neck strap secure as well. These are easy to install with the help of a tailor.



A proper backless waistcoat from Ralph Lauren, this one has a normal "V" opening.

White Tie

White tie waistcoats follow many of the same customs as black tie, only made in starched white marcella (often called piqué by Americans) cotton instead. The biggest difference is that these should always have shawl lapels. More often than not they will be found as backless models instead of fullback. They should be able to take studs through eyelet holes which are fastened with a metal pin in back. This is similar to military uniforms that can have their brass buttons removed through eyelets for cleaning. Commonly these are mother of pearl without metal settings, but there are just as many variations as on shirt studs if one looks at vintage examples.



A high quality backless waistcoat from Darcy Clothing.

Remember, the waistcoat points should never go beyond the points of the tailcoat. It looks sloppy and breaks the flow of fabric from top to bottom. This error has been made a lot in recent times, even in period movies and television series not to mention the last two Presidents of the United States! The easiest solution is to get everything made bespoke... but it's also the most expensive. In the meantime, wear the trousers at your waist and adjust the waistcoat straps for it to sit accordingly higher.




A lovely double breasted four button, two to fasten (4x2) waistcoat. Note the shield shaped opening, mother of pearl studs, and correct length.

Morning Attire

Unlike white and black tie the button spacing doesn't need to be very close on these waistcoats. Typically they come in double breasted six buttons, three to close or eight button, four to close with peak and occasionally round shawl lapels. Single breasted six or five button versions exist, often with notch lapels. While correct, in my view they lack the same presence due to resembling waistcoats made for typical business suits. The most common colour choices are dove grey and buff. The latter can brighten up the otherwise colourless ensemble which is why it is my preference. Duck egg blue is also considered acceptable. Black is okay and arguably more traditional, but a little somber for daytime events in my opinion.

A dove grey linen waistcoat. This has the traditional keystone button arrangement for double breasted.

A buff linen waistcoat. This style is much the same as found on ordinary waistcoats, but it is still correct.

However, if you want something extra special then slipped waistcoats can add a distinctive touch. A slip (not to be confused with the undergarment) is literally just a white Marcella cotton edge that can be buttoned inside the waistcoat opening. It's an old fashioned detail that has nevertheless been kept alive by those with good taste. Those in the United Kingdom may not have a hard time obtaining them. Elsewhere may be a little more difficult. It's best to have them made, but off the rack slips can be purchased with buttons added to the inside of your waistcoat.

An excellent slipped waistcoat from Kingsman: The Secret Service. I was delighted to see proper morning dress represented in a mainstream action movie. Made by bespoke tailor Martin Nicholls.

What are your favourite waistcoat styles for semi-formal and formal dress?