What Does Your Dinner Jacket Say About You?

by Peter White
Photo by Kent Wang

In a matter of months festive invitations will begin to drop through letterboxes. As we approach the busiest season of the year for black tie events, you’ll want to make sure your dinner jacket is in the best possible condition.

Before you send out your seasonal RSVPs, take a moment to consider what your dinner jacket says about you.

What colour is your dinner jacket?

There are three acceptable colours for a dinner jacket: classic black, midnight blue or white. The first option, classic black, is appropriate for everyone all year round. White is best worn in summer or while visiting the tropics. Midnight blue is a good choice for those who want to be a little rebellious while still looking classically stylish.

Do you have a the right kind of lapel?

The most elegant dinner jackets have a peaked or shawl lapel with a silk or satin facing. This sets them apart from a normal suit jacket and takes them from simply great tailoring to something really special. 

How classic is the tailoring?

Dinner jackets are a big investment designed to last for years to come. When you choose one, you may wish to opt for a style that’s as traditional as possible. Quirkier styles can be fun, but they tend to become dated far more quickly. Remember: classic tailoring never goes out of style.

Is your jacket well cared for?

When you’ve invested in a garment that’s made to last, it’s important to take proper care of it. When not in use your dinner jacket should be hung on a jacket hanger that’s shaped for proper support. Keep it in a breathable garment bag to protect it from moths and moisture, and make sure to have it regularly dry cleaned. 

Are you trying to make a fashion statement?

The only fashion statement you should be trying to make at a black tie event is the type that orders a martini ‘shaken not stirred’. Stick to the James Bond look and you’ll look dashing, well informed and appropriately attired.  

Are you wearing a rented jacket?

We’ll just say this: we can always tell. 

If you’re looking for more black tie men's fashion inspiration, why not read our brief history of the dinner jacket? And of course, if you’re not keen on what your dinner jacket says about you, there’s still time to do something about it.

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Business suits start from £999 for single or double breasted, and from £1,299 for a three-piece with waistcoat. Wedding suits start from £999, averaging around £1,500 depending on cloth and detailing.

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Yes. Alongside the York and London showrooms, Mullen & Mullen serves Sheffield and Manchester by arrangement, with fittings available at a client's home or office.

An independent, family-run business with over 50 years of combined experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on exceptional value: quality that speaks for itself without the inflated price tag. Fittings are in person and unhurried, built around a conversation about how a garment should look, fit, and feel, from a standout velvet jacket to a quietly sharp business suit.

The York showroom is at Unit 3, Middlethorpe Business Park, Sim Balk Ln, YO23 2BD, open by appointment Monday to Saturday, 9:30–5:30.

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Bespoke shirts start from £180, made from English and European mill cloths with a choice of over 60 collar and cuff styles.

A bespoke suit is cut to a client's own measurements rather than a standard size, through a multiple-fitting process designed to get the fit right before it's finished. Cloth, lining, buttons, and detailing are all chosen individually rather than fixed in advance.

This individual approach also means better quality and longevity. A bespoke suit is made to fit and move with you, making it a garment built to last for years, not seasons.

Yes, alongside our bespoke suits, we also make bespoke shirts, overcoats, velvet dinner jackets, and shooting attire. Whatever the garment, the same approach applies: an unhurried, in-person fitting process built around getting the look, fit, and feel exactly right.