Tailcoat rear buttons

[HappyStroller]

The evening dress tailcoat made by a Shanghainese tailor has two small side pockets plus three buttons on each sleeve. But there are no buttons on the rear, unlike the Morning Coat that I have, which has two waist-high buttons on its back. Should an evening dress tailcoat have two waist-high buttons on its back?

[jruley]

Sir, I can't speak for modern dress, but every 19th century tailcoat I have seen has these hip buttons, or the remains of thread where they used to be. They seem to be universal on men's garments with pleats in the skirts. I believe this detail is traditional on modern format tails as well, but others here are better qualified to answer definitely.

Regards,

Jim Ruley

[AnthonyJordan]

Yes, they are a traditional feature, although no longer fnctional. Their original purpose was to button up the skirts of the tailcoat to keep them out of the way when riding.

[HappyStroller]

Thank you, Sirs, for your helpful replies.

I shall add the two missing buttons. In addition, I will be adding the two corresponding buttonholes to the bottom of the skirt, just in case the Sartorial Police happen to patrol Shanghai city.

Speaking about Sartorial correctness, I was led to believe that there was no room for differences when it came to formal and semi-formal dress. But the strange thing is that the more I participate in the sartorial forums, especially LL, the more I feel there is some freedom to dress differently. I mean it's not like "We'll ostracise him for the screech his fork generated during the banquet" when someone observes that I have two side pockets on my tailcoat or "he will no longer be admitted into our Club" because there are no buttons on the sleeves of my Morning Coat. I just can't image Her Majesty deciding that Bush Jr. will never ever be knighted because he forgot to display his presidential colours and medallions while wearing White Tie.