white coatee as a warm weather option

[Dileasgubas]

I have a fair number of formal events to attend this coming Summer and was wondering about the appropriateness of a white coatee. Is such a thing appropriate or a mixing of styles? I came across the included photos (one from XMarks and another of what appears to be an Australian mess uniform) - both look to be quite sharp; however, I don't see them commonly for sale on suppliers' websites.

So, I was wondering what tends to be done when the weather gets hot? My current jacket options are limited to barathea, tweed and wool in dark tones, none of which are particular appealing for a hot Summer evening.

Suggestions would be welcome.

[Chas]

The white coatee is for black tie events, generally in the tropics and only in the summer months. There are specific dates, but as I don't live in the tropics, I have never bothered to learn them. The UK does not qualify and I don't think that anywhere in Canada would either.

But all that apart, the important thing is that it is for black tie events. That is to say, the level just under the most formal, a black bow tie and after 18:00.

If the conditions are met, I see no reason why it should not be worn.

I have just noticed that this thread is in the "Contemporary Made Kilts and How to Wear Them" board. I do not think a white coatee should be worn with anything less than a tartan kilt.

[Tobus]

That first photo in your examples was me. It was an 'experimental' photo just to see what it would look like with a kilt. The tie and sporran I was wearing were wholly inappropriate for that level of dress, and as Chas mentions, it would need to be worn with a black bow tie. The jacket in question was my grandfather's US Air Force mess jacket. Mess jackets make for excellent kilt jackets due to their length. If you can find a military surplus one and modify it for your needs (by changing out the military buttons and removing the shoulder board loops), it's a real winner for hot weather!

One of these days, I'll put together some photos of that jacket with a more appropriate black tie level of accoutrements.

[TomFromBama]

Not to hijack the thread, but this topic in general (warm weather options) is of considerable interest to me, being a newbie and living in Coastal Alabama, where our temperatures routinely run in excess of 80 deg. F (at 80-100% humidity) for 6-7 months a year on average.

I absolutely love the look of the thick wool stockings, wool waistcoats under wool jackets, topped with wool hats - all of it looks fantastic to me, but honestly, I can't imagine wearing anything like that (at least not outdoors) any time its over 70 degrees or so, which is pretty much ~9 months a year.

The tip on military mess jackets is appreciated, and one I'll need to look into!

FYI, White tuxedo jackets ARE well accepted and used for black tie events around here during summer months. I'm not positive on the dates, but I assume it to be the same calendar that applies to white shoes and panama hats, though I have seen white jackets at black tie events in Mobile even before Easter.

[artificer]

I think Jeeves said it best

ith:

[plaid preacher]

Artificer... your Google-fu is better than mine!! I went looking for that clip when I first saw this post, and couldn't find it. Well played, Sir.

Deliasgubas, I was a reservist when they white mess jackets were gaining popularity; and I do kinda like them (despite what Jeeves says). If you have sufficient occasion to wear it, then sin boldly, I say.

[Nathan]

I don't think that anywhere in Canada would either.

Interesting. Have you been to Canada in the summer? Most of the country is extremely hot and humid in July and August. The UK climate is dramatically less extreme.

Nathan

[Chas]

Yes, Nathan. I grew up in Canada.

[Nathan]

Yes, Nathan. I grew up in Canada.

Even more interesting!

[rondo]

In the US, I was taught that white or ivory dinner jackets were appropriate from Memorial Day [late May] until Labor Day [early September]. I think the same would apply to a PC or Mess Jacket.
Rondo