The other argument given in favour of drape is that it supposedly helps to full out a thin build, but I find this a disaster. Fred Astaire (an A&S customer) is an example of what not to do here. I suspect he was a little self-conscious about his build but those draped coats only draw undue attention to his slenderness. I think that slimness in a man should be regarded as his best attribute, and it should not be hidden under so much drape. The worst thing about Astaire is that he managed to even get his cutter to make his dress coats with drape. Nothing could be more ridiculous than a body coat cut with drape. It is just a grievous offence against the very nature of the garment. Old books often advise the wearer to avoid the excesses of actors and entertainers. Somehow this advise has been forgotten, and you get uncritical fawning adulation of old film stars.

Last edited by Sator (2008-10-07 17:19:47)

Two of the cornerstones of good tailoring, well to me anyway, are honesty and subtlety. The drape cuts that I've seen posted on the interweb lack either. With regards to elegance, I do not see how this can be achieved without these two elements, as to me, the very definition of elegance in all fields, not just clothes; is: "The maximum effect achieved with simplicity".

'....If you tried to set yourself up as an expert in most other fields visited by men, you might find the competition tougher and the ability for one's statements to be "called out" easier...'

Very good point....