How far do you take it?

[BR Gordon]

I have two dinner suits. The one that I'm currently using was made in 1970 and fits me well. It's a single button, peaked lapel jacket in very good condition, with satin facings. The second was made between 1934 and 1949 and is also a single button, peaked lapel jacket, but with grosgrain facings. The ACWA tags were sewn in in such a way that the copyright dates are not visible. The tailor will have a lot of work just to make this fit properly, and additionally a lot work work to make it presentable.

I would really like to have the earlier dinner suit, possibly because I like the grosgrain facings. So my question is: how much work is it worth doing to have the earlier jacket? How far should I take it?

 

[reetpleat]

On the one hand, if you spend less than $300 or so, you are still money ahead over what you would pay for a lesser quality lower style dinner suit. On the other hand, vintage tuxedos are a dime a dozen and do not bring a lot as far as I can see. Now, bug sizes, and single breasted are rarer, but still, you could likely find your sixe for $100 or less. Depends on your budget and time budget. If your time is worth more than your money, then spend the time to find a better fit. If you make good money or do not have a lot of free time, spend the money on tailoring and be done with it.