The London Lounge

I am looking to have an ivory dinner jacket and a black morning coat made, but was curious about the buttons. I was thinking either fabric covered or mother of pearl for the DJ, but leaning toward mother of pearl. And I'm not sure what is standard for the morning coat. If anyone can provide some background as to what is appropriate, I would be very appreciative.

Many thanks.

MOP seems more appropriate to me for the DJ.

Brady P. wrote:I am looking to have an ivory dinner jacket and a black morning coat made, but was curious about the buttons. I was thinking either fabric covered or mother of pearl for the DJ, but leaning toward mother of pearl. And I'm not sure what is standard for the morning coat. If anyone can provide some background as to what is appropriate, I would be very appreciative.

Many thanks.

My morning suit coat has plain shiny black buttons. I never specified anything and it just came that way. It would not surprise me if they were plastic . Somehow fabric-covered buttons seem to me more of an evening thing, but what do I know? Have you consulted Nocholas Storey's book? Does he have anything to say?

Frog in Suit wrote:

Brady P. wrote:I am looking to have an ivory dinner jacket and a black morning coat made, but was curious about the buttons. I was thinking either fabric covered or mother of pearl for the DJ, but leaning toward mother of pearl. And I'm not sure what is standard for the morning coat. If anyone can provide some background as to what is appropriate, I would be very appreciative.

Many thanks.

My morning suit coat has plain shiny black buttons. I never specified anything and it just came that way. It would not surprise me if they were plastic . Somehow fabric-covered buttons seem to me more of an evening thing, but what do I know? Have you consulted Nocholas Storey's book? Does he have anything to say?

For you morning coat, I'd recommend plain black horn buttons. You will see those on most vintage morning coats from the 30s on. Nevertheless, I have seen covered buttons as well on very rare occaisions.



When it comes to the DJ, I also prefer black plain buttons, others opt for covered ones though MOP buttons might also look very nice if they are black not not just charcoal in color. Can you get black MOP buttons?

You can get black mop buttons - they have a nacreous glow. Mop on the ivory Dj sounds good> I suppose that plastic or horn is more conservative for the morning coat although I did have mop on a morning coat once and it looked fine.
NJS

NJS wrote:You can get black mop buttons - they have a nacreous glow. Mop on the ivory Dj sounds good> I suppose that plastic or horn is more conservative for the morning coat although I did have mop on a morning coat once and it looked fine.
NJS

I'd love to see pictures of that morning coat!

I've asked a friend at whose wedding I was best man (and for which had the coat made), for a scan of a photo - the trouble is that he is no longer married to the same girl and I'm not sure who got the wedding pictures - but let's see!!
NJS

NJS wrote:I've asked a friend at whose wedding I was best man (and for which had the coat made), for a scan of a photo - the trouble is that he is no longer married to the same girl and I'm not sure who got the wedding pictures - but let's see!!
NJS

Lovely - I keep my fingers crossed that the picture reappears!

The good news is that I am still on speaking terms with his ex-wife - so let's see! Bakelite was another vintage option.
NJS

Actually, this photo has come from another friend and dates from 1995. She notes that it is 'the way we were'. The detail on the coat is not that clear, as the photograph was taken in the dark crypt of St Ethelreda's Church in Ely Place, Holborn, London. The history of the church is much more interesting than my coat - http://www.stetheldreda.com/history.html










NJS

storeynicholas wrote:Actually, this photo has come from another friend and dates from 1995. She notes that it is 'the way we were'. The detail on the coat is not that clear, as the photograph was taken in the dark crypt of St Ethelreda's Church in Ely Place, Holborn, London. The history of the church is much more interesting than my coat - http://www.stetheldreda.com/history.html










NJS

Thanks for posting the picture - too bad your MOP buttons are not visible at all .

No, they are not! Costi is kindly having a look to see whether he can improve the image.
NJS

Although, actually, the buttons on the vest are mop.
NJS

Great photo NJS, are your trousers cuffed?

If I'm not mistaken, morning trousers don't need to be cuffed like business suit trousers.

Best Regards,

Cufflink79

Cufflink79 wrote:Great photo NJS, are your trousers cuffed?

If I'm not mistaken, morning trousers don't need to be cuffed like business suit trousers.

Best Regards,

Cufflink79

Hello Cufflink 79 - no these trousers are not cuffed; although, on grounds of economy, I had a suit made of the same material as these trousers and the other trousers are cuffed. Thanks to Costi, better image is available now in the bespoke forum.
NJS