Ascots

[iammatt]

I have always liked ascots when I have seen them on others and in pictures. It turns out that my wife is also a fan, and picked up a couple for me as a gift. Last night, I tried one out for the first time and would like to get some input on how it could be done better, and on what I am doing correctly. I imagine that there are more ascot wearers here than elsewhere, so it is probably a good group to ask.



Thanks!

[TVD]

The ascot allows you to open the second shirt button which makes it look more raffish (I do not know whether you would consider that an advantage, but it has its uses).

[alden]

Matt,

Looks very good to me.

And the chap above is pretty masculine and elegant as well.


Cheers

[iammatt]

Thanks Michael.

If I were to try with a scarf/neckerchief rather than an ascot, what is the proper size to look for? I imagine that a 90cm square would be the way to go, or would I need bigger?

[DD MacDonald]

Thanks Michael.

If I were to try with a scarf/neckerchief rather than an ascot, what is the proper size to look for? I imagine that a 90cm square would be the way to go, or would I need bigger?

If you were to do this, I would applaud. You will find your choices far greater and have the least chance of being compared with Thurston Howell. I am a great one for a tie on a winter day just to keep my colalr closed a the neck. For exactly the same reason, I'm a huge fan of a scarf, cotton or silk.

A scarf folded in half across its diagonal and then folded from the point in 3 inch +/-so folds untill it meets the diagonal produces a cravat with far greaer elan than the ones sold formed, which can be too perfect, potentially affected. Even better than looking a bit more natural, you can choose the patterns. I have a couple of cotton provencal carves probably 30 inches square (I'll measure) that work wonderfully.

I always see men wearing scarves or silk at their necks when I'm in Italy, they make it look so natural and easy. None of the scarves are perfect. The big thing is that they wear them and the look extremely comfortable and satisfied. Although every American shop sells ascots, their wearers often end up looking uncomfortable and feeling overdressed like Thurston Howell. A perfect dimple is great for a tie, perfection in an ascot becomes precious too quickly.

My recommendation in this situation is to roll your own.

DDM


Matt - I like the white stripe on red, you look comfortable.

[iammatt]

Thanks DDM-

I am going to run downtown tomorrow and try to find a scarf or two like the ones that you describe. It does sound a little more relaxed, and after all, that is what it is all about. I will try Hermes as they are the only likely candidate around here. If all goes well, hopefully I'll be able to pick something nice up the next time that I am across the pond.

Pictures to follow for sure.

[Will]

Bowring & Arundel, New & Lingwood's necktie cousin across the way in the arcade, had some large squares made for neckerchiefs last year. Dots in interesting colors.

Worth a phone call.

[Costi]

I very much enjoy wearing ascots and I never seem to have enough of them: there are so many colours, patterns... I agree with TVD that they look even better with 2 buttons unbuttoned on the shirt. Perhaps even worn with a sportier shirt (not necessarily a neutral solid colour). For reasons I can't explain, I like to puff my pocket square when worn with an ascot; it looks less tidy to me.
Once you start wearing ascots, you'll find them ever so useful for dressing up or down various combinations and for avoiding the bare neck look without having to wear a tie.

[Marabunta]

I don't have the face, for ascots. Nor, do I entertain people who could 'cope' with them . . . they're a charming accessory for those who find them useful and complementary. If I had any 'advice,' it would be not to fuss with the ascot. Same with pocket squares. The less 'meddling' with the fingers, the better. That goes for bow ties, too.

[vonwotan]

Never can have enough. With the new casual workplace on days when we don't see clients I wear ascots. My problem now, is that I 'need' quite a few more. For variety I have been picking up large scarves that can be folded and worn as one would an ascot and I find I can no longer abide an open collar without a piece of silk to keep the drafts out...

[Sator]

You are looking good, Matt. It suits your style. Very nice!

Good to hear the other half encourages it too.

[Guest]

When l have my new shirts come in, i'm going to try ascots for my first time ever. l quite like the look.

l would prefer to have the ascot showing on the outside of the shirt [instead of having it tucked under {like lmmatts}].

[Will]

When l have my new shirts come in, i'm going to try ascots for my first time ever. l quite like the look.

l would prefer to have the ascot showing on the outside of the shirt [instead of having it tucked under {like lmmatts}].

Then you will want to be wearing a morning coat.

[Guest]

When l have my new shirts come in, i'm going to try ascots for my first time ever. l quite like the look.

l would prefer to have the ascot showing on the outside of the shirt [instead of having it tucked under {like lmmatts}].

Then you will want to be wearing a morning coat.

With a morning coat only?

[From what you have said], l take it that wearing an ascot outside of the shirt is more formal than having it tucked under [the shirt]. ls that right?

l was actually thinking of pairing the ascot [outside the shirt] with a nice sports coat. ls that such a bad thing?

[JLibourel]

In recent years I have resumed wearing ascots with some frequency. Hope to buy some more in the not-too-distant, sartorial priorities and the ol' exchequer permitting,

I really couldn't imagine wearing an ascot outside the shirt. Opening the second button of a shirt to display more ascot seems a little to "stagey" for me, unless perhaps the second button was quite high. (And I am not averse to a touch of flamboyance!) I note that in the recent movie "The Last King of Scotland" Idi Amin is portrayed as quite frequently wearing ascots with the shirt open to display a lot of ascot.