Black Tie Waistcoats

[Edward]

So.... somebody tell me if this is an utterly ridiculous notion, but.... frustrated with the search for a decent, affordable, low-cut, black waistcoat for wearing with black tie, I have started to develop an odd notion for dying a white marcella item... I have seen a number of black vintage waistcoats cut to the same pattern as a white tie item, intended for this purpose, and they look great. I think, though, they were all wool or silk. Would cotton look odd? Anyone tried this? I know from experience the dying would be easy-peasy, no problem getting a uniform colour or anything. Just struggling a little to visualise the concept. I do know that, in the early thirties, it was common for a white marcella waistcoat to be worn with black tie, but I would like to also have the option of something in black as well.

 

[dnjan]

I think the cotton would indeed look odd.

I just sent my white (ivory) 3-button waistcoat off to Magnoli's to have it copied in black wool.

 

[Charlie Huang]

Black waistcoats crop up on eBay from time to time. You could also find them at vintage shops and Camden Market.

The waistcoat could be all wool, all silk, or wool with silk facings (the variety is there to give you a choice).

I would not dye a marcella waistcoat. I would wear it with the DJ with a white bow tie for a 1890s look (if a black waistcoat could not be sought).

 

[Subvet642]

Try this, just scroll down a bit:

http://www.uniformalwearhouse.com/apages/tuxedo_vests_solid.html

 

[Prof Branestawm]

I don't think a died marcella waistcoat would look correct - because there would be a clear mismatch, rather than contrast, between it and the rest of your dinner jacket ensemble (in fabric and pattern).

When I wanted a low cut black waistcoat, and couldn't find a vintage one that was long enough, I bought an ex-hire prince charlie waistcoat - the type sold with a kilt jacket - and changed the buttons. I think it looks rather good.