Quote Originally Posted by JerseyLawyer View Post
Hrm. Interesting. I knew the pleats faced up, and had heard the, "They're there to hold your opera tickets" line (which I think is not really true, but it doesn't matter), but I'm surprised that the regulation has it backwards.

This is easily solved by wearing a waistcoat/vest instead. Is that an option?
Yes, the pleats originally faced up to provide a "pocket" of sorts, but the real reason was to facilitate the drawing of a tulwar-- the hilt of which was apt to become caught in the cummerbund if the pleats faced down.

Since swords (or tulwars for that matter) aren't carried with Evening/Mess dress I suppose the Army chose to have the pleats facing down as it provides a smoother look for the uniform.

A white waistcoat is worn only with white tie with Army Evening/Mess dress. Black tie requires a black cummerbund (which should be of the same fabric as the bow tie).