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Tie When an invitation specifies Black Tie then a dinner jacket (see
below) must be worn.
Bow Tie Formal occasions call for a black bow
tie, a coloured bow tie may be worn at less formal events. It is preferable
to tie the bow oneself, but ready-made is acceptable if properly fitted.
Buttonhole (Corsage) The grooms party
all wear a discreet flower of the same colour, normally a pastel
shade. The brides party and her guests wear a white flower.
Cloth
A wide variety of high quality cloths are used in
the manufacture of Clarke & Dawe products. Below is a short description
of some of the more popular cloths.
Two-fold cotton poplin is often referred to as
the King of Cottons. Clarke & Dawe cotton poplin comes from
Egypt, which makes the finest long-staple cotton in the world. 100%
two-fold "100s" cotton poplin value its cool, crisp feel,
fine texture and durability.
Country checks made from 80% cotton and 20% wool
for added warmth. Suitable for weekend wear, with or without a tie.
Available in two-button single cuff only.
In End-on-End cloth, the white thread is interwoven
with a coloured thread to produce a subtle textured effect.
Oxford known as Oxford Broad Cloth, is designed
for durability, but is none-the-less soft, smooth to the touch and
creases less than other fabrics.
Pinpoint combines the qualities of 100% two-fold
cotton poplin and Oxford broadcloth: the lustre and superfine texture
of poplin with the comfort and durability of the Oxford.
Sea Island Cotton is an even finer yarn than in
two-fold cotton poplin giving a higher yarn count which means more
threads per inch. Made from the same Egyptian cotton as earlier.
Gives silkier feel and better colour definition.
Twill is a woven fabric showing diagonal lines
that give stronger depth of colour and a silky finish. Twill cloth
is a 100% two-fold "100s" fine cotton fabric. The reflection
from the diagonal rib in the weave gives it an enhanced depth of
colour and a wonderfully silky finish.
Birdseye is a 100% two-fold cotton poplin that
mixes blue and white thread to create a textured effect.
Herringbone is made from the finest Egyptian cotton.
From a distance the fabric appears a solid colour but close up shows
an intricate weave.
Cummerbund is a sash of pleated material worn
over the dress shirt around the trouser waistband. The pleats must
face upwards.
Dinner jacket is worn at evening social events.
The dinner jacket (also known as DJ or tuxedo) is normally black
or a very dark blue, can be single or double breasted with silk
facings on the lapels. Trousers will have a row of braiding tape
down the outside leg seam. When an invitation specifies Black Tie
a dinner jacket must be worn.
Pocket handkerchief can be plain or patterned
with colours to complement other garments being worn. Place the
handkerchief in the outer breast pocket of a jacket or topcoat,
do not fold the handkerchief too carefully, aim for a nonchalant
look.
Shirts
A Dress Shirt should be white and stiff-fronted
with is closed at the front by dress studs. Complete with a separate
wing collar fixed by collar studs. May also have an attached collar.
The cuffs are single and fixed with cuff links. Accompanied by a
white bow tie (see below).
Shoes
Evening Shoes must be gloss black patent leather.
Suits
A Morning Suit is made up of three pieces; a tailed
coat, a waistcoat and trousers. Mostly worn at weddings but if invited
to major racing events such as Ascot and the Derby; Royal Garden
Parties or Royal Investitures the morning suit will be expected.
A Top Hat is worn at weddings by the groom, his
best man and ushers (not required by guests in morning suit). A
top hat is also required in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot and Royal
Garden Parties. Made of black silk.
A Waistcoat is a sleeveless garment, either plain
or ornamental, reaching below the waist, intended to show partly
from under a jacket.
White Tie (Evening Dress): When an invitation
specifies White Tie then the most formal version of evening wear
must be worn. This includes a tail coat, waistcoat and white tie.
Weddings
Selection of ready-to-wear, made-to-measure and bespoke
formal morning dress.
Should you require more advice on what to wear for
the traditional wedding or advice on a wedding abroad, please call
in to Clarke & Dawe.

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