Laydown Collar for Formalwear?

[Captain]

I'm putting together a formalwear kit...

I'm using this jacket, refitting it with these buttons (six on the front, 3 smaller ones on each sleeve, and 2 for a button/chain clasp), adding a tuxedo shirt, self-tie bow tie and all the various accoutrement...

After looking at all the formal pics I've noticed that anyone wearing a bow tie seems to use the wing-tip tuxedo shirt. So my question is this, is there anything wrong with wearing a lay-down collar tuxedo shirt instead of the wing tip? I've always loved the look of the lay-down collar tuxedo shirt with a traditional dinner jacket and think it would also look pretty dang good with a kilt. What say you, wise kilt wearers?

[macwilkin]

I'm putting together a formalwear kit...

I'm using this jacket, refitting it with these buttons (six on the front, 3 smaller ones on each sleeve, and 2 for a button/chain clasp), adding a tuxedo shirt, self-tie bow tie and all the various accoutrement...

After looking at all the formal pics I've noticed that anyone wearing a bow tie seems to use the wing-tip tuxedo shirt. So my question is this, is there anything wrong with wearing a lay-down collar tuxedo shirt instead of the wing tip? I've always loved the look of the lay-down collar tuxedo shirt with a traditional dinner jacket and think it would also look pretty dang good with a kilt. What say you, wise kilt wearers?

Traditionally, a wing-tip collared shirt is really only for "white tie", but the formal-wear rental places have made it more standard.

For "black tie", a "lay-down" collar is more appropriate.

T.

[Chef]

I only wear a lay-down collared tuxedo shirt with black tie. My stand up collar comes out only for white tie. It is also what I suggest to my clients if they ask me.

[Captain]

I was pretty sure that was the "traditional" or "correct" answer for black tie, but I didn't know if the same applied to kilts, especially since a P/C is kind of like a tails jacket...

Thanks for the help guys.

[ChromeScholar]

It is. See here.

Nowadays, semi-stiff and non-detachable wing collars have become popular, although in the United Kingdom a classic collar (as worn with a lounge suit) is sometimes preferred.

[DTrain]

Personally I think the lay down collar looks better. So many guys wear the pre-tied bow tie with the wing collar shirt and you see the clasp and all that hardware that shouldn't be exposed. go for the lay down collar, that's my vote. BTW, would love to see pics of the finished product.

[Captain]

I agree absolutely! If you are going to wear the wing tip... then for God's sake take 5 minutes to learn how to tie a real bow tie!

I will definitely post pics when I get the jacket modified and get all the pieces in...

BTW, anyone know where to get some affordable celtic-styled studs and/or cuff links? The only ones I found were in silver and/or gold and cost a lot of money.

[Jock Scot]

Traditionally, a wing-tip collared shirt is really only for "white tie", but the formal-wear rental places have made it more standard.

For "black tie", a "lay-down" collar is more appropriate.

T.

I concur with that.

[DTrain]

BTW, anyone know where to get some affordable celtic-styled studs and/or cuff links? The only ones I found were in silver and/or gold and cost a lot of money.

I found some diamond shaped thistle buttons made of pewter for a PC modification project. The owner told me he could make the smaller buttons into cuff links and/or studs if so desired. Here's the link: www.noonesbusiness.com/buttons_2.htm
Scroll down toward the bottom to see the diamond thistle buttons. The price is pretty good.

[James MacMillan]

I have both, and wear both - I don't see much difference.

I do tie my own tie, even though, not many can see it except when I trim the beard short!