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Morning Dress at Brooks Brothers

14K views 37 replies 22 participants last post by  cgc  
#1 · (Edited)
So, I'm at the St. Louis Brooks Brothers on Friday, milling about and picking up a few odds and ends, and what to my wondering eyes should appear...

...a morning coat and vest on a mannequin. As I'm looking it over my salesman mentions they have one in back in my size.

I make my selections and am sized up for hemming on a pair of linen pants but I still can't get the morning coat out of my mind. The salesman suggests I try it on, so I do. It fits very nicely. Dark gray coat, light gray double breasted vest and striped pants.

Now I'm racking my brain for one, just ONE, occasion in middle America to wear such a get up. If I can come up with one, I'm tempted. Alas, I simply can't justify such an outlay.

Mr. salesman said they just unexpectedly showed in an inventory shipment one day. Although there has been a great deal of interest, all interest so far has turned out like mine... Tried it on, loved it but in the end couldn't justify it. They have not sold one yet.

I left instructions that if they go on clearance to give me a call.
 
#2 ·
Don't the Cardinals still allow the 1st ball thrown by a fan in a morning coat on the 3rd Sunday each month?

I told my daughter I would love her to get married at a 10:00 setting, so that we could wear morning coats for the wedding, and small reception, change into suits for the afternoon tea, and then back into tuxes for the dinner. As if any of that will happen

Sam
 
#5 ·
Really talking exotic and more exotic, but IMO a stroller would be somewhat more "practical" than morning dress. There was a suggestion on another forum that an "Oxford" grey stroller coat could be made with a pair of matching pants as well as the "stroller" pants; thereby offering more opportunities to at least wear the garment (albeit not as a stroller).

Although these days, a stroller would probably be seen as a "really cool black sportcoat and pants combo" :icon_smile_wink:
 
#6 ·
Out of curiosity, what was the price for the whole deal?

I will get married in either a morning coat or a stroller, so it would be nice to know what my price range is if I decide to buy one.

Its such an elegant garment, I too wish there were more opportunities to wear a morning suit...
It is Golden Fleece and the price was $1,600. Includes coat, vest and pants. Pretty reasonable for GF, I thought.
 
#8 ·
Although these days, a stroller would probably be seen as a "really cool black sportcoat and pants combo" :icon_smile_wink:
I wear one often, and that is what people say. It makes the stroller easy to wear. Those in the know appreciate it, those that don't think is is a sportcoat.

Oh buy the coat. I have one, I wear it from time to time. Yes it gets some odd looks (unlike the stroller) but a lot of compliments as well. I wouldn't wear it for work, but at other times, why not? I just enjoy wearing it, and that is reason enough to me.
 
#9 ·
I wear one often, and that is what people say. It makes the stroller easy to wear. Those in the know appreciate it, those that don't think is is a sportcoat.

Oh buy the coat. I have one, I wear it from time to time. Yes it gets some odd looks (unlike the stroller) but a lot of compliments as well. I wouldn't wear it for work, but at other times, why not? I just enjoy wearing it, and that is reason enough to me.
AOI is your stroller black or grey? SB or DB?
 
#11 ·
I'm working on putting together a stroller set right now. I have formal striped trousers in hand and a charcoal db coat on its way to me. We'll see how it all works together. I want to aim to pick up a pair of b&w check or houndstooth trousers, too, for stealth stroller wear. I believe that could be pulled off as the cool sportcoat and pants combo more easily than the striped trousers.

FYI, Polo outlets currently have b&w Glen plaid and shepherd's check RL Polo ties right now marked down to the $30 and under range. I picked up a Glen plaid tie last week for $20; it's designated as my stroller tie.
 
#12 ·
It is Golden Fleece and the price was $1,600. Includes coat, vest and pants. Pretty reasonable for GF, I thought.
Yes, I would say that is reasonable for the whole set. Thanks.

I wear one often, and that is what people say. It makes the stroller easy to wear. Those in the know appreciate it, those that don't think is is a sportcoat.

Oh buy the coat. I have one, I wear it from time to time. Yes it gets some odd looks (unlike the stroller) but a lot of compliments as well. I wouldn't wear it for work, but at other times, why not? I just enjoy wearing it, and that is reason enough to me.
Nice to hear that someone still wears it! What are some past situations where you have worn it?
 
#13 ·
AOI is your stroller black or grey? SB or DB?
Black (morning coat is charcoal though) SB PL One Button.
Wish I Could tell you who made them, but in all honesty I can't.

Several years ago an older gentleman -80's- who lived near me was killed in a car wreck.. A few weeks later his daughters had an estate sale. I wandered by late just before close and got into a conversation with the two ladies. They complemented my sportcoat and asked what size I was. I told them a 50L, and a size 14 shoe. They mentioned that was their dad's size at one point. They then said they had not put out any of his clothes as they felt sure no one would want that size. They asked if I might be interested. I said sure. They took me inside to his closet. They said his shoes wouldn't fit as he had them made to fit his foot, narrow at the heel, wide at the front and flat..... just like my foot.

I left with a Morning coat, stroller, 3 Oxxford suits, 2 Oxxford sports coats, 2 other suits 2 bal boots, and 3 monkstraps. I was 21 and just setting up my wardrobe, so this was a Godsend. I was asked not to pay anything. I pointed out the value of these clothes. They refused to take money. After a while I convinced them to let me donate $200 to his church.

A week later I bought his car too 67 Valiant, he was original owner 48000 miles. Served me well till a drunk driver hit it a few years ago.
 
#16 ·
As I've said here often, I wear a stroller to work maybe 3-4 times a month. I find it the perfect bit of kit in a number of situations, particularly if I have to remove my jacket :)eek: ) whilst working or at my desk. I wear striped trouser with mine and find that like AOI it gets admired my those who know and merely mistaken as a sportcoat / trouser combo by those who don't.
I'm itching to add a pair of shepherd's check trousers to the equation.
 
#18 ·
#20 ·
I was thinking the same. Have you considered Pakeman's houndstooth trousers at all?

https://www.pakeman.co.uk/products.asp?cat=25

A.
I have indeed ! PC&C are just about the only place I've ever seen them on sale outside of the vintage stores. I guess I may as well just bite the bullet and get them since they never seem to go on sale. The only issue I have with PC&C's trousers is that they are cut really, really narrow in the lower leg. Not annoying or anything, just quite noticable.
 
#21 ·
Some potential events for a morning coat besides the usual one of being a member of the wedding party:

Lunch with your wife at the best restaurant in town.
Easter or Christmas service if you go to a more formal fellowship.
Daytime charity event.
Hosting a Sunday lunch in your home.
Daytime event where you receive an honor or award
Introducing a politician or candidate at an event
Giving a speech or presenting an award
Event at country club
 
#25 ·
As I've said here often, I wear a stroller to work maybe 3-4 times a month. I find it the perfect bit of kit in a number of situations, particularly if I have to remove my jacket :)eek: ) whilst working or at my desk. I wear striped trouser with mine and find that like AOI it gets admired my those who know and merely mistaken as a sportcoat / trouser combo by those who don't.
Wouldn't "those who know" think that you're dressing too formally?
 
#26 ·
Wouldn't "those who know" think that you're dressing too formally?
There is no "Too formally" at my work. My company, my rules ! :icon_smile_wink:
Seriously though, anyone who recognised a stroller as daytime formal would appreciate why I was wearing it. Out of respect for my clients I think it fitting to wear the smartest level of attire I can. Sneakers and a company logo'd polo won't cut it.
That and I like the look, and like I said, my company, my rules !