Performing in a sport coat

[Charlie Bernstein]

You don't want to go to Scotland, Charlie! Plenty knees showing 'neath the kilt.

Nope. I don't even like drinking Scotch!

[CES]

I can see both points of view. With our youth worship services jeans or shorts and a t-shirt was just fine. Flops or bare foot was totally fine. We were trying to convey a comfortable, relaxed, friendly environment. Dressing up would make you look really goofy. At the contemporary service I'd step up to jeans or khakis and a button down or polo. But when we played in the more "traditional" service, "church clothes" it was. I'm trying to think if I ever played in a sport coat or suit and can't recall (this was all pre-COVID, so been a while, and I'm very conscious of not button/belt rashing my instruments). I'm sure I wore the coat in, but likely shed it before the music started.

I used to be much more of a stickler for dressing appropriately and often just a tad better than required, but, man, since 2020 I really couldn't care less. If you can play/sing, just bring it. Don't care what you're wearing (or not wearing). But for those of you that do care, I respect that. If we were to ever play together, I'd dress to match you.

[Dagger Gordon]

"high-quality sport coats and other fan gear."

other FAN gear? Well, it sounds like a step up from the T-shirt from your favourite band.

[Bob Clark]

I make it a point to never perform in anything that has buttons that could scratch the back of my instruments. I prefer to wear a vest-type sweater than a sport coat. I can do this with or without a tie, depending on a venue. To be honest, patrons in most of the places my duo plays would look at us funny if we appeared too well dressed. We tend to be in the more 'casual' places.

[Dave Hicks]

I usually practice and play in short sleeves, which means long sleeves tend to get in the way and block strings. Oh well, not really a major problem.

D.H.

[Tom Haywood]

It took 49 years to get around to the advice Hartford gave me. Cut the buttons off of your performance coat or vest. They can always be sewn back on. I did this not long ago with a vest, and I'm real happy about it. Haven't done it with any coats so far, only because I haven't had to play in a sport coat.

[journeybear]

[milli857]

Tonegard also acts to protect the back of your instruments from button scratches.

[Mainer73]

My go-to is a button shirt (with or without a tire) and my tweed waistcoat, with nice pants and shoes. It fills a similar role but is definitely a little cooler and also enables more relaxed freer movement. If I was outside, I have a fedora and scally cap depending on the need.

[tmsweeney]

two words "Joe Craven"