Clarke & Dawe
485 Lisburn Road
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT9 7EZ
+44 (0) 28 9066 8228
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LEXICON
Black 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 groom’s party all wear a discreet flower of the same colour, normally a pastel shade. The bride’s 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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