Recent content by Cobden

I actually experimented with Itailor (long story - needed a contemporary suit and I was broke). Anyway, some things to bear in mind: I am ignoring issues based on my failure to measure properly, natch. Cons: - Quality is...Primark. Fabric is very cheap, and looks it. I went for a wool blend -...

Certainly in conservative British offices (working on Whitehall, for example), you aren't permitted to wear braces with shirtsleeves, due to the British tradition of braces being almost "underwear" - something that is a functional and hidden.

I personally find much success with the following method: Ignore collar. Tie tie around your neck, get it perfect. Loosen tie, pull over your head Insert tie into collar. Fix in place with paper clips. Yes, paper clips. Pull collar-tie assembly over noggin Affix collar using front and year...

I admit to have once gotten a rather vibrant curry stain on my dinner shirt, which led to me to me wearing a cummerbund to cover it (I wear a DB DJ). Despite the shirt being replaced, the habit of combining the two traditionally incompatable garments is something I have had some difficulty in...

I have an excellent pair of Lennons, based on WWI officers ankle boots. Really fantastic pair of boots - I can't recommend them highly enough

In the UK, men didn't wear wedding rings really until the 1940s, and the Church of England didn't have marriage vows that allowed for two rings to be exchanged until, I believe, the 80s (maybe more recently). It just wasn't a "thing".

I was always told to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. So why did I spend today in a displinary meeting in my Batman outfit?

It is indeed. It had been sitting in an Oxford vintage clothing shop (one that is renowned for being overpriced) for a few years, not being sold. Every year, thousands have descended upon it during Ascot season, but it fit none of them. Then I, a man lacking somewhat in cranial girth (only 6 3/4...

A bit of a diversion from evening dress. My morning coat ensemble from my recentish wedding (hopefully this will work) Meant to show the buttonhole, but shows the elements very well. That and my dandruff...

Not uncommon, when you consider the tie, boater band, and blazer would be in the tennis/cricket/rowing/etc. club colours.

The only easy way I can think of is by looking at the hallmark, but that only works for British goods...

White trousers with black dinner jackets were the required dress in some Gentlemen's Clubs in the Indian Raj. Apparently, in Calcutta, one could tell which club someone belonged to by whether they wore white trousers and black DJ, a white DJ with black trousers, white mess jacket with black...

Khaki Drill Service Dress is a "re-enactorism", intended to clarify that one is talking about the uniform consisting of a service dress style tunic (worn with trousers or shorts) which was officially called "Khaki Drill" and various other, less formal, garments made of drill in a khaki shade and...

Edward, Not too cheap, but this is the only place on the web I have come across the type I believe you are referring to: http://www.classicwardrobe.co.uk/Collar-Pins-and-Clips.aspx I myself have had quite a bit of luck with charity shops and market stalls; I have a policy of "if I see...

Having been on the hunt for morning dress waistcoats myself (just as unsuccessfully!), I have come across a few places which provide them but, alas, are too long in the body for me - plus I'm looking for a DB. These chaps do good ones (my friend wore one of them for his wedding)...