Ask a question, get an answer [general attire edition]

[Metatron]

The same type of thread in the hat section is extremely popular, and plenty of one off question threads get posted in the general attire sub-forum which generally get a couple of replies and then disappear.

Therefore I think there might be a need for it here as well.

I would like to kick things off with a question of my own:
Taking advantage of some fleeting sunlight, I went for a walk in the countryside(UK) and promptly got splattered with mud-making me realise a possible need for a pair of wellies.
To fans of wide trousers, do you just stuff them into your boots? Or does wearing such boots necessitate a pair of breek type things? (I hope for the former)

 

[MelancholicNostalgic]

A splendid idea for a thread Metatron!

One long-burning question I've always had:
In regard to the sartorial rule of matching one's leathers (i.e. shoes to belt), what is one supposed to do in regard to two-tone/spectator/correspondent shoes? Do you get a two-tone belt to match? Do you match the outermost facing colour of the shoe only? The innermost colour?

An answer would surely assist me in avoiding many more a sleepless night!

 

[Metatron]

I think a two tone belt would be trying too hard- I think matching the belt to either of the two colours is fine, but generally isn't the second colour cream? In that case I would match to the darker colour.

 

[Papperskatt]

I think a two tone belt would be trying too hard- I think matching the belt to either of the two colours is fine, but generally isn't the second colour cream? In that case I would match to the darker colour.

This.

 

[Patrick Hall]

i think it's generally wise to have three belts, the only three you will probably ever need - one in black leather, one in dark brown, one in a lighter tan, chestnut shade. Certainly, one of those three would match the non-white leather on the specs, and that's the one I'd wear.

 

[Pat Spade]

@Metatron: I always stick my wide trews into the boots. I`ve got a dog and live in a wood here in Germany, so I get quite a lbit of mud`n stuff. I don`t own a pair of breeks. They might look kind of smart, but I`d feel probably a bit fancy dressed...

 

[LuvMyMan]

The same type of thread in the hat section is extremely popular, and plenty of one off question threads get posted in the general attire sub-forum which generally get a couple of replies and then disappear.

Therefore I think there might be a need for it here as well.

I would like to kick things off with a question of my own:
Taking advantage of some fleeting sunlight, I went for a walk in the countryside(UK) and promptly got splattered with mud-making me realise a possible need for a pair of wellies.
To fans of wide trousers, do you just stuff them into your boots? Or does wearing such boots necessitate a pair of breek type things? (I hope for the former)

This was (is) a great idea! Being able to seek information super good, as we all have something to share at times about what we wear (or may want to wear)! HA!

As to the question about the boots and what to do with the end of your "trousers"....

Myself, I have to go out now in the Winter and shovel snow. I have some almost to the knee boots, no lace ups just wellies if you want to call them that, I just tuck in the top of my trousers. Now of course, we have a gentleman that does come here every so often to use his "snow blower" to save me or my Husband the worry about shoveling....as my Husband has some very serious health issues that do not allow him to be out shoveling snow at all.

My Husband also would tuck trousers into high boots to keep the bottom of the trousers from anything that could stain or get them wet or dirty. Also, I would think at some times, what a person would wear out and about when the elements are not so friendly, could demand what attire we wear be a bit more "oriented" for sloshing about rather than to be wearing a bit more "top shelf" clothing! HA!

Thank you again, for starting this. It should prove to gain popularity as time goes!

 

[LuvMyMan]

Oh yes...one question I have had as to date I have not found any answer to this question....on Spats! You see some rather nice vintage Spats being sold. How can one determine if those Spats would be a good fit? I have seen some Spats that have a number on them per the sellers listings, such as a 2 or 4 or 6, etc., but is that an actually shoe/foot size per say, or a size system for Spats that have no direct relation to a shoe size?

 

[LuvMyMan]

A splendid idea for a thread Metatron!

One long-burning question I've always had:
In regard to the sartorial rule of matching one's leathers (i.e. shoes to belt), what is one supposed to do in regard to two-tone/spectator/correspondent shoes? Do you get a two-tone belt to match? Do you match the outermost facing colour of the shoe only? The innermost colour?

An answer would surely assist me in avoiding many more a sleepless night!

Hello. It is not always easy to match a two toned belt for use with spectator shoes. And of course, it may happen that what color theme is it as regards to that two toned look you would desire for the belt to look like? I make mention of this, as my Husband has one belt that is a cream white and black, the colors run the entire length of the belt, and is worn with black and white spectator shoes often. However to date, I have not found a similar two toned appearing belt in a light brown and cream, nor a brown and cream leather belt.

One belt that does seem to be used often, is an elastic belt made by Torino. Super good quality as it has been in use for over 10 years or more. The color is sort of a off tan, with a light brown leather holding the buckle end and the end with the holes in it. It looks nice with many color clothing, including blue, brown and tan or olive greens. For a straight black belt, or blue belt, alligator is what seems to work for him more than not.

As to what color for any Spectator shoe, I would think the non white or darker color of the shoe is dominate, and is more appropriate as to the color for the belt itself. However as to dress well, if you like your attire and think it suits you well, (no pun intended) then do not worry about what anyone's rule of dress would be. I add this as at times, my Husband will wear a pair of Spectators even in the Fall or Winter weather. A good pair of rubber overshoes allows him to not have to worry too much about the weather elements, and having several styles of overshoes helps decide the trend look for the day.

 

[eugenesque]

Whenever I am wearing higher boots, I stick the ends of my pants into them. Somehow I think that keeps one warmer.

 

[eugenesque]

Oh sticking it into the boots help to prevent creepy crawlies from entering the bottom of the pants too.

 

[Metatron]

In sewing a button to a coat or jacket, do you make your passes through all the layers of cloth, or do you just sew through the outer layer, and why do you prefer your chosen method?

 

[LuvMyMan]

In sewing a button to a coat or jacket, do you make your passes through all the layers of cloth, or do you just sew through the outer layer, and why do you prefer your chosen method?

I would personally sew through everything, however, I also believe the real proper way would be to only sew through the outer layer of material. I say this due to some thinking that the inside of a coat or jacket has a lining, and to sew on a button through that lining would perhaps add some difficulty to removal of the lining if it needed to be removed for repairs. I know it sounds silly, but I am fairly sure that would be the rule on it. I have had several pairs of trousers worked on by a Tailor, they installed some buttons for braces to be worn and upon looking on how those are sewn on, the thread does not go all the way through the material of the trousers, so I would think the same rule would also apply to your question on sewing a button on the outside of a coat or jacket.

I'm do not use a sewing machine, and have my limitations on using a needle and thread to do much, so for me, the easiest way to put on a button is to keep it simple, which means going through all the material. Both my Husband and I have wished we knew more about sewing and could use a machine, but just never did.

 

[Metatron]

Thanks for your reply. I always used to sew through all the layers, but I noticed that most of my tailored jackets had no visible stitching on the inside facing. Upon doing further research, it seems the clean method is predominantly an aesthetic rather than a purely practical choice - although I stand to be corrected.

Here is a tutorial on how to do it, I will certainly give it a go next time I need to sew a button.
http://tuttofattoamano.blogspot.co.uk/2009/08/how-to-sew-button-on-suit.html

 

[tropicalbob]

I have a question about matching as well. I've owned a RL bottle-green corduroy hacking jacket for some time. It has a half-belt and an "action-back", almost exactly like my Aero Long Halfbelt. Last week I won a green RL corduroy vest with lapels on Ebay from our friend, Dinerman. It hasn't arrived yet, but from the photos it seems to be of the same color and wale-size as my jacket. Both have brown leather buttons (I'm guessing they were part of the same year's production). I'd be interested in any opinions you all might have on wearing them together. I used to always wear three-piece tweed suits, but a jacket and matching vest with, say, gray flannels I'm not sure about. It'll help when I finally receive the vest and can see them together. Any opinions?

 

[tropicalbob]

Rereading my post, I realize my essential question concerns the wearing of a matching jacket and vest but with different trousers. I don't think I've ever attempted this before.

 

[bwchase]

What type shirt do you wear with tan khakis or cargo pants?
Too cold for polo shirt now.

 

[Papperskatt]

Rereading my post, I realize my essential question concerns the wearing of a matching jacket and vest but with different trousers. I don't think I've ever attempted this before.

I like it.

 

[bwchase]

What is the difference between an aero thunder bay highwayman and an aero highwayman?

 

[LeonardoDiSilvestre]

In regard to belts, i would say you cant go wrong if you own at the very most four belts, different shades from black to light tan should do the job, one for every occasion. In theory at least this should cover all bases from formal setting to informal gathering. Unless you have a certain proclivity towards owning more i.e. you are a collector then four belts should be adequate for all your requirements. Naturally one who is predisposed to owning more belts than this would in my book be considered a collector of belts (no bad thing) but in all honesty you will find it difficult to make use of more than four. Obviously this is an opinion that stems from my own personal experience, others may naturally disagree.