Thread: Medals with Black Tie

Right then my shield is at the ready..........

I have always worn my minatures on the left lapel when in "Black Tie Rig" however whats your opinion in purchasing one of these plastic gizmo's that sit in your top pocket and the medals are attached to it....

The reason I ask is my poor old left lapel is starting to look like a dart board with me attaching and removing said bling......

Or should I dry my eyes and carry on normal jogging...... :D

I think it is a good idea. Top tip: use rawl plugs on either side of the pin in order to prevent it from sliding from side-to-side.

Another option is to get a local tailor to put two small loops on your lapel through which the pin goes. It saves making/enlarging any holes in the lapel by the pin and may even be a conversation point at non-miniature wearing events.

Originally Posted by Gas Gas Gas

Another option is to get a local tailor to put two small loops on your lapel through which the pin goes. It saves making/enlarging any holes in the lapel by the pin and may even be a conversation point at non-miniature wearing events.

Yup that is definitely the smarter and more traditional option, and should not cost a huge amount more than having the card done.

You wear your medals with a DJ?

I have a plastic gizmo, and use the rawplugs to stop them sliding about. The only problem I found was that sometimes of you bend over (to pick something up off the floor for example) is that the plastic gizmo can fall out your pocket and you have to pick your gongs up off the floor.

I broke my Bosnia clasp when that happened.

Originally Posted by smudge67

You wear your medals with a DJ?

I have a plastic gizmo, and use the rawplugs to stop them sliding about. The only problem I found was that sometimes of you bend over (to pick something up off the floor for example) is that the plastic gizmo can fall out your pocket and you have to pick your gongs up off the floor.

I broke my Bosnia clasp when that happened.

Yup, some functions are listed as 'Black Tie and Miniatures', hence the need.

Edited to add: It is also the correct form of dress for retired officers when others are wearing Mess Kit with medals.

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Originally Posted by smudge67

You wear your medals with a DJ?

I have a plastic gizmo, and use the rawplugs to stop them sliding about. The only problem I found was that sometimes of you bend over (to pick something up off the floor for example) is that the plastic gizmo can fall out your pocket and you have to pick your gongs up off the floor.

I broke my Bosnia clasp when that happened.

Yup, some functions are listed as 'Black Tie and Miniatures', hence the need.

Edited to add: It is also the correct form of dress for retired officers when others are wearing Mess Kit with medals.

I didn't know that. Been to a couple of Black Tie does in Officers mess' since leaving, with no gongs on. Not been mentioned.

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Originally Posted by smudge67

You wear your medals with a DJ?

I have a plastic gizmo, and use the rawplugs to stop them sliding about. The only problem I found was that sometimes of you bend over (to pick something up off the floor for example) is that the plastic gizmo can fall out your pocket and you have to pick your gongs up off the floor.

I broke my Bosnia clasp when that happened.

Yup, some functions are listed as 'Black Tie and Miniatures', hence the need.

Edited to add: It is also the correct form of dress for retired officers when others are wearing Mess Kit with medals.

Cheers Gremlin...beat me to it.
Loops on the lapel......simple but effective....shame I did'nt think of that

Originally Posted by BORO_LAD

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Originally Posted by smudge67

You wear your medals with a DJ?

I have a plastic gizmo, and use the rawplugs to stop them sliding about. The only problem I found was that sometimes of you bend over (to pick something up off the floor for example) is that the plastic gizmo can fall out your pocket and you have to pick your gongs up off the floor.

I broke my Bosnia clasp when that happened.

Yup, some functions are listed as 'Black Tie and Miniatures', hence the need.

Edited to add: It is also the correct form of dress for retired officers when others are wearing Mess Kit with medals.

Cheers Gremlin...beat me to it.
Loops on the lapel......simple but effective....shame I did'nt think of that

It was a very common addition to bespoke dinner suits, right up until the early '70s; but as the generations that were likely to wear medals died out, so did the trend. Likewise the percentage of ex military was much lower!

Where exactly should the medals be worn?

Two different theories there:

Decorations and orders: Military, civil, and organisational decorations usually worn only to full dress events, usually of State or other sovereign organisations. Miniature orders and awards are typically worn on the left breast or left lapel of the jacket, and neck badges, breast stars, and sashes are worn according to country-specific or organisational regulations. Unlike white tie, where they are always permitted, the dress code will usually give some indication when decorations are to be worn with black tie.

and Debrett's:

In the UK decorations are only to be worn to black tie events when the invitation specifically states "Dinner Jacket - Decorations". In those circumstances miniature (half-size) orders and decorations are worn on a metal bar on the left breast of the jacket. One star and one neck badge on a minature ribbon can also be worn.

Full details here however:

http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplem...ecorations.htm



I rather like this addendum however:

Dress Decorum
Although there is no specific etiquette regarding the number of miniature medals that can be worn, it would be prudent to limit yourself to a maximum of six. Any more and you may be mistaken for a head of state.

In light of current Ops, they may have to update that!

Thanks. Will look into that. Would rather wear them on my chest than on the lapel though.