Do's & Don'ts for your Barbour Wax Jacket

✗ DO NOT wash with soap, detergent, solvents, nor hot water.

✗ DO NOT dry clean, starch, or iron.

✗ DO NOT machine wash.

✗ DO NOT store wet garment in a confined area.

✗ DO NOT hang garment on radiators, expose to naked flame or use artificial heat to dry.

✗ DO NOT stitch through outer fabric. If items must be stitched, the affected area must be reproofed.

✓ DO sponge down outer fabric with cold water water when soiled and brush off grit, etc.

✓ DO hang garment in a dry airy place to dry off naturally.

✓ DO wear it, and repair it, and wear it some more.

✓ Do pass it down to someone else when it is time to get a new one!

How to rewax your Barbour

Step 1 | Clean your jacket...

Clean the jacket using cold water and a sponge to wipe down the outside of the jacket. Avoid using hot water, any kind of soap and NEVER put the jacket in the washing machine, as this will remove the wax coating permanently and the jacket cannot be rewaxed.

Step 2 | Soften the wax...

Take a tin of Barbour Wax Thornproof dressing. Remove the lid, stand the tin of dressing in a container of water hot enough to soften the wax. It should take approximately 20 minutes to melt the wax into a liquid consistency.

Step 3 | Wax your jacket...

Using an old cloth or sponge, work the melted wax well into the jacket paying particular attention to seams, creases and dry patches. Wipe off any excess wax. You should keep the wax tin in the hot water while working in order to keep the wax softened. If the wax begins to harden top the container with more hot water. Ensure you keep the wax away from the corduroy collar, the inside of the jacket and inside of the pockets.

Step 4 | Dry your jacket..

To ensure you get an extra smooth finish blow over with a hair dryer to even the spread of wax.

Step 5 | Re-wax your jacket once a year..

Once you've re-waxed the jacket, hang it up. Allow to dry overnight in a warm place away from other garments. Be aware the jacket may lose excess wax for a short while so take care not to get your newly waxed jacket near leather or upholstery.

Our fifth and final installment of M. Dumas and Sons Recommends, features our favorite places from around the city to do some shopping. From original art and home goods, to gifts for friends back home, this is our must visit guide to shopping in Charleston!

     Where to stay?

     Hotel Bennett

     Centrally located, the luxurious Hotel Bennett overlooks Francis Marion Square and provides its guest with incredible amenities as well as quick access to some of the finest shopping Charleston has to offer!

     Home & Interiors

• Fritz Porter: Fritz Porter is a unique experience where designers can source materials with trade pricing and consumers can find rare antiques and modern furnishings. You may not have planned on buying a new couch while on vacation, but that doesn't mean that you wont once you visit this incredible space!
• Mitchell Hill: What began as a labor of love for the city of Charleston has turned into a space that encourages local artists to create, share and experience the joy of giving back. From showstopping furniture to tasteful touches around the pad, Mitchell Hill has a little something for everyone.
• The Vault on King: Situated in the heart of downtown Charleston, 

  The Vault on King is an epicenter of Art and Design, where fine craftsmanship and curated services merge to create a one-of-a-kind experience. This vibrant showroom, open studio and marketplace houses deluxe textiles and home furnishing, shoes and accessories from France, handmade gifts, and 10 creatives at work, offering original art and photography, handcrafted furniture and a variety of specialized services.

• Celadon: Celadon brings an innovative, eclectic, fresh take on home furnishings. Quality, solid wood furniture built with clean, simplistic, European lines are the bones, while unique objects from around the world give this locally owned store a global point of view and bohemian flair.

     Clothing & Accessories

• Preservation Society of Charleston: Featuring a great collection of Made in Charleston items, the Preservation Society of Charleston is the perfect place to find and support local artisans and makers!
• Croghan's Jewel Box: As the oldest family owned jewelry store in town, Croghan's Jewel Box is a treasure trove of the most exciting and unique inventory in the lowcountry. From estate and antique finds to gifts for every occasion, the store is now serving its 4th generation of customers and visitors to the Holy City.
• M.P. Demetre Jewelers: For the watch obsessed in your life, M.P. Demetre Jewelers became one of Charleston’s most respected and popular stores and is today a nationally known luxury jewelry store with loyal and satisfied customers from every area of the country.
• Maris DeHart: Maris DeHart is a contemporary women's boutique located in Charleston, South Carolina, that focuses on working with handmade artisans and designers.
• J. Stark: J.Stark makes timeless, sturdy things that will be carried with you for a lifetime. Featuring simple but thoughtful designs, the result is a product that is aesthetically minimalistic and highly functional.
• Hamden: Spacious, sophisticated shop presenting high-end designer clothing & accessories for women.
• Sneaker CHS: Sneaker is set in a historic Charleston carriage house that will make any customer feel like they are at home. The store infuses history with modern designs and textures, plus your next favorite pair of sneakers!
• Indigo & Cotton:  Indigo & Cotton features understated, classic style while preserving just a hint of Charleston's distinctive look. The small storefront has quickly become known for its curated selection of fine and casual clothing, footwear and accessories.
• Ibu Movement: Ibu, pronounced ee-boo, is a movement of women around the world growing into economic self-sufficiency through the art of their hands. Working with 101 artisan groups, in 38 countries, Ibu celebrates the imagination and skill of women and puts money in their hands.

     Gifts & More

• Candlefish: Candlefish is the destination for an amazing array of candles and gifts. Explore our Fragrance Library of 100 fragrances, or sign up for a candle making class.
• Old Whaling Co.: Old Whaling Company was founded in 2012 with the desire for a gentler alternative to everyday bath + body brands. Today, they pride themselves in offering products and scents that leave your skin feeling clean, moisturized and fragrant(ized).
• Blue Bicycle Books: Connecting readers and writers for more than two decades, Blue Bicycle Books is Charleston’s premier locally-owned bookstore. 
• Charleston Farmer's Market: Featuring a wide array of vendors and products, the Charleston Farmer's Market is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat while you shop through some of the best Charleston makers, farmers, and artisans have to offer!

     From super shoppers to foodies and history buffs, everyone likes to vacation differently. In our fourth installment of M. Dumas & Sons Recommends, we wanted to put together the ultimate rest and relaxation guide for the best places to just chill in town!

     Where to stay?

     Belmond: Charleston Place

     Located at the very heart of downtown Charleston, in the historic district and within walking distance of all the major attractions, Belmond Charleston Place is the perfect base for a city adventure. We effortlessly blend gentility and old-world charm with a leading-edge spa and innovative cuisine.

     Health & Wellness

• The Spa at Belmond Charleston Place: At The Spa at Belmond Charleston Place, every age is celebrated with a program of renewal to alleviate your body from outside interferences - stress, pollution, sun exposure, life's little over indulgences - with forward thinking skincare, detoxifying treatments, therapeutic massage and exercise.
• Woodhouse Day Spa: The distinctive Woodhouse standard goes beyond your expectations, providing outstanding facilities and treatment therapies with your overall health and wellness in mind.
• Om Outdoors: Get back to center on your vacation with a relaxing yoga class from Om Outdoors. With classes friendly for all ages and experience levels, enjoy a relaxing outdoor yoga class in one of the many beautiful locations they offer.

     Around Town:

• Charleston RiverDogs: The Charleston RiverDogs are a minor league baseball team based in Charleston, South Carolina. The team plays in the Class Single-A South Atlantic League and are an affiliate of the New York Yankees. Head over to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park for a great day at the ball field!
• South Carolina Aquarium: Home to more than ten thousand plants and animals including North American river otters, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, great blue herons, and sharks, the South Carolina Aquarium houses many incredible exhibits and features the deepest tank in North America as well as the Sea Turtle Care Center.
• Avian Conservation Center: The Center for Birds of Prey offers visitors a unique insight into the lives and impressive adaptations of nearly 50 species of birds of prey including eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, kites & vultures. Whether you’re a birder, a photographer, or simply want to spend the day outdoors, we invite you to explore the natural history of birds of prey.
• White Point Gardens Picnic: Sometimes the best way to discover a new city is to just get lost in it. One of the best ways to do this is to just start wandering the picturesque streets of the historic district. Once you have wandered long enough, make a point to stop by the South of Broad neighborhood staple, Burbages Grocery, for a simple grab and go lunch and head down to White Point Gardens waterfront park to enjoy it! 

     Outdoors

• Golfing at Kiawah Island: The biggest names in golf have made their mark on their championship courses—both as designers and pro players putting their skills to the ultimate test during the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and other top-level tournaments. Year-after-year, the most respected experts place their resort golf courses at the top of every list!
• Coastal Expeditions SUP at Shem Creek: It’s a fantastic way to experience Charleston, seeing the Holy City skyline from across the harbor. Glide down this historic creek between the docked shrimp boats and out into the Charleston Harbor for a unique perspective standing on your board.  Dolphins and- in the summers- manatees are likely to breach nearby, often so close that you can hear them breathe.
• Fishing with Redfin Charters: Named the “Best Fishing Charter” Charleston, SC has to offer by Charleston City Paper, Redfin Charters are dedicated to helping anglers of all skill levels experience the world-class fishing of our region.

     In our third installment of M. Dumas & Sons Recommends, we share our favorite food and beverage destinations throughout the city. From the seafood tower of your dreams to the cocktail you will try to make at home from now on, we take you through a day of eating and drinking to highlight all of the best our incredible food scene has to offer!

     Where to stay?

     The Dewberry Charleston

     Honoring the history of the landmark L. Mendel Rivers Federal Building (circa 1964), The Dewberry captures the luxury and quiet restraint that are hallmarks of historic Charleston. Despite being located just a short walk from the vibrant food scene of Upper King St., don't miss out on the great offerings at the hotel restaurant Henrietta's and when you're done enjoy a cocktail at one of its two bars on site- The Living Room and the Citrus Club.

     Breakfast 

• Marina Variety Store: Since 1963, the Marina Variety Store has been a local favorite for everything, but especially their breakfast. In a town full of avocado toasts and fresh-pressed juice, the Marina Variety Store is unapologetically old school. Come for Mike's Double Buttermilk Biscuits & Gravy (*Pro Tip- add their fried chicken tenders and don't go light on the hot sauce) and stay for the friendly service and waterfront view!
• Christophe Artisan Chocolatier: Christophe Paume is the rarest of artisans, a third-generation French chocolatier, who grew up in his father's pâtisserie in Toulouse, France. When you walk in, you're going to want everything so pace yourself. Order a French-pressed coffee with a fresh fruit tart and one of their famous almond croissants for good measure. Don't be surprised when you come back 2 or 3 more times before you head home.

     Lunch

• Dellz: Charleston is know as a food mecca, but it doesn't all have to be fried chicken and butter laden shrimp & grits. Dellz passion is creating healthy, creative fare that's vegan friendly and just plain good.
• Cru Cafe: For more than two decades, Cru Catering and Café Executive Chef and Owner John Zucker has been creating a recipe for success in the Lowcountry. Their Chinese Chicken Salad may just become your favorite salad ever.
• Rodney Scott's BBQ: The Patron Saint of South Carolina Whole Hog BBQ, Rodney Scott was born to be a pitmaster (he cooked his first whole hog at 11!). A trip to Charleston without tasting his simple but endlessly complex whole hog bbq just isn't complete.
• Basic Kitchen: The goal of Basic Kitchen is simple- use seasonal, local produce and the best ingredients to create food that's nourishing and delicious, giving you tons of energy to pursue the things you love.

     Drinks

• Proof: An intimate craft cocktail bar with an extensive wines by the glass list and a real good beer list, Proof will wow you with their thoughtful cocktails and warm vibes. We recommend the Proof Gin & Tonic or the Smoldering Manhattan, you'll wonder why you ever drank them any other way!
• Graft: Graft is a wine shop and wine bar in uptown Charleston, South Carolina. Created by two long-time friends, it is a celebration of good wine, community, great times and the best music. Stop in for a bottle to take home and while you are there, enjoy a glass and some education from Miles & Femi.

      Dinner

• Leon's Oyster Shop: Housed in an old body shop that belonged to Leon Ravenel, Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop is a comfortable Southern joint serving fried chicken, oysters, lots of salads, cheap beer, soft serve, Rose on tap, tons of grower Champagne, and good cocktails.
• The Ordinary: The Ordinary is a Southern seafood hall and oyster bar located in an old bank in Charleston, SC with a menu that celebrates the “merroir” of the Coastal Carolinas and the East Coast. Three words; TRIPLE SHELLFISH TOWER.
• Chez Nous: With a daily changing menu of just 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and 2 desserts, Chez Nous proves that sometimes less really is more.
• Zero George: Zero Restaurant + Bar will change the way you think about hotel restaurants. This tucked-away gem serves up some of Charleston’s biggest flavors and most dazzling dishes from undoubtedly the tiniest professional kitchen around.

     Dessert

•  Carmella's:  “Always eat dessert first, so you never have to worry if you’ll have room after dinner!” is the mantra that Carmella's lives by. Stop in for a sweet treat and the perfect end to an evening.
• Saffron Restaurant & Bakery: A local favorite since their opening in 1986, Saffron has a wide variety of cakes and other sweets that you don't want to miss!
• Peninsula Grill: It goes without saying that the Coconut from Peninsula Grill is arguably the most famous dessert, if not dish, in all of Charleston. You're going to want more of it when you get home and that's perfect because they ship hundreds of their angelic Coconut Cakes around the country every year!

     In our second installment of M. Dumas & Sons Recommends, we chose to highlight the incredible History of Charleston, SC. From our favorite museums to historical sites, these are the places you don't want to miss out on during your visit to the Holy City!

     Where to stay?

     The Wentworth Mansion

     A 21-room tribute to Charleston’s gilded age, the historic Wentworth Mansion exudes the glamour and grandeur of the Holy City. Italian crystal chandeliers, hand-carved marble fireplaces, and Tiffany stained glass create a setting of gracious hospitality, further enhanced by luxurious amenities and thoughtful guest experiences - all just a short stroll from King Street’s world-class dining and shopping.

In the Spring and Fall, take advantage of the Preservation Society's annual Tour of Homes and the Historic Charleston Foundation's Festival of Houses & Gardens respectively.

     Museums 

• Old Slave Mart Museum: Located at 6 Chalmers St., the Old Slave Mart Museum is the first African-American Museum. It is often staffed by individuals who can trace their history to Charleston slaves. Many people don’t realize that at one point during slavery as many as 35-40% of slaves entered the United States through Charleston. Plan on spending at least an hour reading the very informative posters and soaking in the history.  
• South Carolina Historical Society Museum: An architectural treasure in its own right, the South Carolina Historical Society Museum is housed in a National Historic Landmark building and features interactive exhibits on the people, places, and movements that shaped the state and nation. With 350 years of state history comprised in rare books, manuscripts, and visual materials, the South Carolina Historical Society is the state’s largest and oldest private archive as well as a modern historical museum.
• The Charleston Museum: The Charleston Museum is one of the oldest museums in the United States. Its highly regarded collection includes historic artifacts, natural history, decorative arts and two historic Charleston houses. Progressively acquired since the late 18th century, the Museum's collections now represent the most comprehensive assemblage of South Carolina materials in the nation. Focusing on the South Carolina Lowcountry, modern collecting emphases include natural history, historical material culture and both documentary and photographic resources.
• H.L. Hunley: The night of February 17^th, 1864, the Confederate submarine H. L. Hunley attacked and sank the USS Housatonic off the coast of Charleston. She then mysteriously vanished with her crew of eight. That night, history was made and a mystery was born. The Hunley became the first submarine ever to sink an enemy ship. Lost at sea for over a century, the Hunley was located in 1995 by author Clive Cussler and raised on August 8^th, 2000. The innovative hand-cranked vessel was delivered to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center, where an international team of scientists are at work to conserve the submarine for future generations and piece together clues to solve the mystery of her disappearance.

     Locations to Visit

• Drayton Hall: For more than 250 years, Drayton Hall has stood witness to the American South. Among the best and most complete examples of Southern colonial life open to the public today, the property holds a vital educational responsibility. It is also an active archaeological site with an extensive museum collection of rare 18th- and 19th-century objects and artifacts.
• Aiken Rhett House: Built in 1820 by merchant John Robinson, the Aiken-Rhett House is nationally significant as one of the best-preserved townhouse complexes in the nation. Vastly expanded by Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. in the 1830s and again in the 1850s, the house and its outbuildings include a kitchen, the original slave quarters, carriage block and back lot. The house and its surviving furnishings offer a compelling portrait of urban life in antebellum Charleston, as well as a Southern politician, slaveholder and industrialist.
• Magnolia Cemetery: The oldest public cemetery in Charleston, founded 1849 on the banks of the Cooper River, is listed on National Register of Historic Places. It is the final resting place for generations of Southern leaders that include governors Thomas Bennett, Langdon Cheves, Horace L. Hunley and Robert Barnwell Rhett. The hundreds of Confederate soldiers buried here include five generals - Micah Jenkins, Arthur Manigault, Roswell Ripley, James Conner and C.H. Stevens.
• Charleston Tea Plantation: The Charleston Tea Plantation is located on historic Wadmalaw Island in the heart of the Lowcountry of South Carolina. This is the home of Charleston Tea Plantation teas - nine very special flavors of tea, including our original American Classic Tea. Today, the beautiful 127-acre Charleston Tea Plantation has become the standard bearer for the long and illustrious American tea story.
• Middleton Plantation: A National Historic Landmark, home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America and an enduring, vibrant, and essential part of the Charleston and American experience, Middleton Place is owned and operated by the Middleton Place Foundation. The Foundation, an educational trust established in 1974, uses historic preservation, documented research, and interpretation as a force for education, understanding, and positive change.

     Before you leave, don't miss out on the chance to dine at one of America's most historic restaurants- McCrady's Tavern. Built by Edward McCrady in 1778, McCrady's Tavern has welcomed guests and now offers American cuisine with an ever-evolving seasonal menu, an award-winning wine and beverage program, and genuine hospitality. This magnificent space has attracted city leaders and socialites since its earliest days and is renowned for the prestigious grand dinner party thrown for President George Washington during his southern tour in 1791, and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and Landmarks.

     In our first installment of M. Dumas Recommends, we have chosen to focus on the vibrant Arts & Culture Scene in Charleston. From the best place to listen to live music to our favorite galleries to visit, we have included all of our must-see locations right here!

     Where to stay?

     The Vendue: Charleston’s Art Hotel

     The Vendue was renovated and “reborn” in 2014 to create Charleston’s first and only hotel dedicated to the arts – in all forms. Over 300 pieces of original art have been installed for our guests to enjoy. Their main exhibition space covers theentire public spaces of 19 Vendue. Additional installations are on display in all guestroom corridors, the public areas of 26 Vendue, and within the Gallery guest rooms.

     Music/Theater

• The Gaillard Performing Arts Center: Replacing the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, The Gaillard Performing Arts Center opened in 2015 to.provide the Lowcountry with a world-class performance hall, elegant venue space, and vibrant educational opportunities inspiring our dynamic community through the power of the performing arts. 
• Music Farm: A mainstay in the Charleston live music scene, Music Farm is situated in an old warehouse on Ann St. and features a wide variety of local and visiting talent covering many genres.
• Windjammer: For the last 40+ years, the Windjammer has been THE place for live music at the beach. If a cold drink, good vibes and a great view is your thing, don’t miss out on this awesome place!
• The Commodore: Looking for a little more than just good music? Head down to the Commodore on Meeting St. for some great DJ sets and a dance floor that doesn’t stop moving all night long!
• Dock Street Theatre: Built on the corner of Church Street and Dock Street (now known as Queen Street), the Historic Dock Street Theatre was the first building in America built exclusively to be used for theatrical performances beginning on February 12, 1736. Flora, the first opera performance in America, took place at the Historic Dock Street Theatre.

     Museums

• Gibbes Museum of Art: Formerly known as the Gibbes Art Gallery, the Gibbes Museum of Art is an art museum in Charleston, South Carolina. Established as the Carolina Art Association in 1858, the museum moved into a new Beaux Arts building at 135 Meeting Street, in the Charleston Historic District, in 1905. The Gibbes Museum of Art is home to the foremost collection of American art that incorporates the story of Charleston. The Museum connects the city and region’s artistic past to a vibrant contemporary art scene. 
• The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art: The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art is a non-profit, non-collecting contemporary art institute within the School of the Arts at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. The HICA presents contemporary art exhibitions by emerging or mid-career artists.

     Galleries

• Redux Contemporary  Art Center: Redux Contemporary Art Center is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering creativity and the cultivation of contemporary art through diverse exhibitions, affordable studio space for visual artists, meaningful education and outreach programs, and a multidisciplinary approach to the dialogue between artists and their audiences.

• Corey Alston Sweetgrass: Perfecting his craft for 14 years, Corey takes pride in keeping the Gullah culture alive. “Gullah” is a lyrical word used to describe the linguistic and cultural heritage of local sea island inhabitants who descended from Africa. The Gullah imprint on Charleston culture runs deep, from the soulful flavors of Lowcountry cuisine to the coils of artistry woven into each handcrafted sweetgrass basket. Originally made to winnow rice on the plantations, the baskets have become sought after objects of work and are even on display at the Smithsonian Institution. Find Corey at the entrance to the Charleston City Market at Meeting St. Market St..

• Take advantage of the First Friday Artwalk to peruse some of our favorite independent galleries in the city such as:
• Robert Lange Studio
• LePrince Fine Art
• Principle Gallery
• Miller Gallery
• Atrium Art Gallery
• Charleston Artist Guild

     With a history of dressing the Charleston workforce, to our modern day mission of dressing any and every man that walks through our doors, M. Dumas & Sons has a century of style and a heritage of service. Although we are always on the lookout for whats new and exciting in men's apparel, we can't ignore the significance of what we refer to as "Heritage Brands".

     A historical brand is a brand with a positioning and an added value based on its heritage, the result of the precise choice to use its history as a key component of the brand’s identity. Many brands have a history but only a few are historical brands that are able to exploit this distinctive factor as an asset in a global market where tradition and identity seem to be the only defense against a ruthless competition often played on lower prices. Brand heritage is a communication asset for the company, a cultural heritage treasure for the country and an emotional journey for the consumer. Because the story, told by the brands, is actually also our own.

Stay tuned as we feature some of the Heritage Brands we are so fortunate to partner with here at the #CornerofKingandSociety!

    At M. Dumas & Sons, we pride ourselves on building relationships with clients and visitors alike, and a constant in that process is providing recommendations. From the perfect fit of a sport coat to the Christmas presents they actually want, making the right recommendations is something we do daily but it doesn’t just stop with our goods and services. From what to see and do, to where to eat, we are constantly asked to share our favorite aspects from this beautiful city that we are lucky enough to call home. With this in mind, we figured it was high time that we created an official list of our favorites from around the city.

Stay tuned as we present you with our guide to Arts & Culture, R&R, Food, History, and Shopping around the Charleston area!

At M. Dumas & Sons, we pride ourselves on being a part of the heritage of Charleston, SC. Throughout our 101-year history, we have been intimately involved in the dressing of the men of this town from Navy service members and Shipyard workers to generations of grandfathers, fathers, and sons, all have proudly been dressed in Dumas. Heritage is something we often look for when introducing brands to our customers, and few brands have the heritage of Barbour. Beginning in 1894, in the Market Place in South Shields, England, John Barbour started the company with a focus on providing the best jackets for any type of outdoorsman. Now on its 5^th generation of Family ownership, Barbour is headquartered in Simonside, South Shields, where it still produces its classic wax jackets by hand in the Simonside based factory.

Famous for its quality and durability, Barbour has developed a loyal following all over the globe most notably including the Royal Family who have awarded Royal Warrants to Barbour on three separate occasions ( 1974- HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, 1982- Her Majesty the Queen, 1987- HRH the Prince of Wales). While enjoyed by the Royal Family, Barbour has also managed to become a cultural fashion icon through its wardrobing of Daniel Craig in the James Bond film Skyfall, as well as the iconic images of Steven McQueen wearing his wax A7 jacket during the International 6 Day Trials in East Germany in 1964.

We are proud to partner with such storied brands like Barbour, and look forward to having their heritage entwined with ours for years to come! Stop by the Corner of King and Society and let us introduce you to the one jacket you will have for the rest of your life before it becomes a family heirloom and develops a heritage all of its own!

As anyone who has spent time in Charleston in the Fall and Winter can attest, tuxedos have long been a staple of Western dress for everything from proms to weddings. Although assuming a prominent spot in many men’s wardrobes, most do not know the history of this special garment. Evolving from the “smoking jacket” of the 19th century, the tuxedo, or dinner jacket, was first introduced by the then Prince and later King of England, Edward VII with his tailless blue silk smoking jacket and matching trousers commissioned through renowned Savile Row tailors Henry Poole & Co. References to the semi-formal dress coat substitute first emerged in the United States in the Summer and Fall of 1866, with the most famous reference linked to the New York state countryside enclave for the Manhattan elite- Tuxedo Park, New York.

Deemed “black tie” in typical Western dress code, tuxedos are typically evening wear worn in black, midnight blue or white with a white dress shirt, black bow tie and waistcoat, cuff links, and black patent leather dress shoes. Early models were worn with 1, 2, or no buttons and a shawl collar faced in satin or silk. Peaked lapels became fashionable by the turn of the 20th century which is also when the single button became standard for the tuxedo. Notch lapels fluctuated in popularity until the 1980’s when they returned for good. Although formal etiquette champions like Emily Post would deem tuxedos too informal for weddings or social events earlier than 6 pm, contemporary dress differs greatly and allows for individuals a wide range of use for their tuxedos. Differences aside, they all agree on one thing- men should own their own tuxedos, never renting them.

With the Holiday season quickly approaching, stop by the #CornerofKingandSociety to order and get fitted for your tuxedo before it is too late!