formal evening dress: vest or no?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Sorry to be misleading I was only trying to supply additional information for any civvies who would be invited to a military dining in night for any reason.

Jordan

I thought, possibly erroneously, that "dining out" implied guests attending the mess, whilst "dining in" implied only members of the mess would be present.

Either way it doesn't matter-- you are absolutely right: if one is a guest one should always strive to be dressed properly. In this instance (a military mess night), the waistcoat should be considered an absolute requirement.

[billmcc]

I thought, possibly erroneously, that "dining out" implied guests attending the mess, whilst "dining in" implied only members of the mess would be present.

That is correct for the US Military.

[AFS1970]

A semi related note here, my wife and I are considering going on another cruise. While looking at a cruise forums site I found a growing number of people who think that formal night no longer requires formal wear. All they have succeeded in doing is make me more resolute to wear my kilt to (at least) those dinners.

[Jordan]

I know MacMillan of Rathdown said that a Gentleman should keep his jacket on at all times except when playing pool/Snooker or offering his coat to a lady (Sorry I can’t find the quote right now).

And that everyone agreed myself included, but I’m just back from Edinburgh (picking up my jacket and waistcoat from TFCK with kilt to follow beginning of next week) I will post pics when I get it etc. But it occurred to me that my works night out this coming Thursday is a meal then bowling so I put it to the rabble what are your opinions on removing your jacket while going ten pin bowling or in fact any activities in that sort of situation?

I plan of taking mine off no matter what the opinion on here is but I am curious anyway.

A little bit of info the last works “do” I was the only person who wore a jacket and tie (pc + vest and normal tie) everyone else just had on a shirt. This time I’m planning on open shirt waistcoat and jacket to look dapper but not too smart.

Jordan

[sfb]

I know MacMillan of Rathdown said that a Gentleman should keep his jacket on at all times except when playing pool/Snooker or offering his coat to a lady (Sorry I can’t find the quote right now).Jordan

I think this is the one you're after:

"a gentleman never removes his jacket in public, especially when at table. He may, however, remove his jacket when playing billiards, or to cover a lady's shoulders should the evening air turn chilly."

I'm not sure that gentlemen are ever permitted to play pool, jacket or no jacket.

[Jordan]

I think this is the one you're after:

"a gentleman never removes his jacket in public, especially when at table. He may, however, remove his jacket when playing billiards, or to cover a lady's shoulders should the evening air turn chilly."

I'm not sure that gentlemen are ever permitted to play pool, jacket or no jacket.

Why not its all the same thing isnt it?

[sfb]

There's some comments about number of balls that I'm resisting the temptation to go anywhere near, I'm afraid.

[fluter]

Why not its all the same thing isnt it?

But just as I say it takes judgement, brains and maturity
To score in a balk-line game
I say that any boob can take and shove a ball in a pocket
And I call that sloth...

- M. Willson

Here is the canonical reading by Robert Preston.