Choosing a Dinner Jacket

[Middo]

My old beater is too big for me now and I don't want to waste cash on a rental. Does anyone have ant tips on choosing a DJ? Black is a must but can't decided on a peaked or shawl lapel. I want to get a few years out of this, so I am thinking timeless Classic.

[oldandgrumpy]

Peaked.

The classic cut

[Layin_Cable]

I bought myself one last week from moss bros.
As long as its single breasted with no vents, silk lapels and covered buttons you can't go far wrong.
I opted for peaked lapels.

[rfrazier]

Mine is peaked as well. A cummerbund sets things off nicely.

Best wishes,
Bob

[tintin]

I went designer vintage on ebay but I suspect this is not for everyone!!!!

[Middo]

I went designer vintage on ebay but I suspect this is not for everyone!!!!

Go on then I am all ears!

[Carlton-Browne]

Where are you? Charity shops in corners of Pimlico, Chelsea or Belgravia may yield results but you would probably need to be lucky or an odd shape. Alternatively have you got an aged uncle from whom you could inherit - that's where mine came from?

[tintin]

Go on then I am all ears!

All Saints 2nd hand but vintage cut 44inch but more suited to a 42 (me!), seller was very helpful with lots of detailed measurements, think it cost me £40 including postage, was as new and trawling on the net showed originally it was over £300 (accepting All Saints is overpriced!!!), but interestingly when browsing saw quite a lot of choice in terms of vintage - just need to avoid looking like a 70's porn star!!!! S'ppose it helps if you are a fairly "normal" size as more choice.

Wore it to a RAF summer ball in the officers mess and got away with it (I was a guest)

[Bristolian]

Classic =

• Black barathea
• Peak lapels
• Corded silk lapel facings
• jetted (no flap) pockets
• no vents
• satin (or similar) trouser seam stripe
• no turn ups

Avoid fabric covered buttons too IMHO

Moss Bros may just come up trumps - or charity shop somewhere wealthy

This might help http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic/Classic_Intro.htm

[lysanderxiii]

Can't miss...

[100thmonkey]

Can't miss...

That is the nuts, love ir. Always add character

[Josh B]

Head on down to Tom Ford Kerry. You will love it!

[Albellisimo]

Head on down to Tom Ford Kerry. You will love it!

I tried on a Tom Ford and too be honest I just didn't like the cut and lapels; it was a bit 70s and not in a good way....

The Paul Smith one was really nice I ended up with and I don't really like his stuff normally, bit towny, but the DJ is great

[Middo]

All Saints 2nd hand but vintage cut 44inch but more suited to a 42 (me!), seller was very helpful with lots of detailed measurements, think it cost me £40 including postage, was as new and trawling on the net showed originally it was over £300 (accepting All Saints is overpriced!!!), but interestingly when browsing saw quite a lot of choice in terms of vintage - just need to avoid looking like a 70's porn star!!!! S'ppose it helps if you are a fairly "normal" size as more choice.

Wore it to a RAF summer ball in the officers mess and got away with it (I was a guest)

Mines for an RAf function too, small world.

Thanks all for the info.

[noTAGlove]

I got mine from M&S for £50 (full price) a couple of years ago. OK, it's not wool, but didn't have the look and feel of a cheap suit. I only use it every couple of years, so for the money it was job done.

[Wolfie]

I went designer vintage on ebay but I suspect this is not for everyone!!!!

Another one for checking out the vintage option on eBay... I looked like Jones Bond in my vintage attire (in my mind anyway!!!)

[mart broad]

Bought my one in a M&S sale about 12yrs ago classic peaked,silk lapels etc and it is still going strong and unless you move in "certain circles" all it is is a black drinking suit.With the sales round the corner worth a wait.
My other advice is try to get a lightweight suit believe me if you are only wearing it on the odd occasion you do not need barrathea and you will be grateful as the day into evening progresses.