Why Doesn't Anyone Wear a Dinner Jacket Anymore? (Chicago, Mark: bankruptcy, restaurants)

[binarybelle]

OK, so I'm new to the city. My boyfriend and I decided to have a day/night on the town and hit up some of the more "quintessential" Chicago spots, one of these being the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock Center. I suggested to him beforehand that he really ought to bring a dinner jacket for the occasion, as I assumed people would be dressed a little more smartly than usual (no tuxedos or anything mind you, but business-casual like). Well, I was really astonished to get there and see people in jeans, sneakers, and hoodies. Now I expect that at a pizza place, but the Signature Lounge? Really?

I've noticed this trend among a couple of other places I've tried - not fancy establishments, but nicer than average places. Why don't men wear a dinner jacket anymore? Even if it's not "required," doesn't it just feel nice, and isn't it sort of a mark of respect for yourself and others?

What gives?

[aragx6]

Yeah and why don't people ride horses around the city anymore -- it gives them such an air of distinction.

[jdiddy]

Business casual wouldn't require a jacket. But yeah, I don't think you should be able to go up to the signature room lounge - in the evening - with a hoodie and sneakers.

[chet everett]

Al Baskin Co.: Owner of Mark Shale stores files for bankruptcy -- chicagotribune.com

Irv's menswear chain no longer suited for this economy -- chicagotribune.com

No one buys "dressy" clothes now...

[Chicago60614]

Signature Lounge gets a lot of tourists, and isn't really "high class". It's more high class to eat there, but otherwise the drinks are very expensive for what you're getting. Most people who have been in Chicago long enough to get their fill of the view won't go sit with tourists and visitors to get small overpriced drinks.

Granted I like the place, and when people come visit I take them there, but I don't just go up there with residents.




All things aside - the past 20 years especially have seen a huge reduction in what people find necessary to wear when going "out on the town". It's quite relaxed, especially in the Midwest. I like the casual nature of it all, since I'm a more hoodie and casual/comfortable type person myself.

Stop thinking of it as disrespectful though, because while it might be where you're from, it isn't in this culture. It's just typical and normal. It's all a mind/culture thing.

[Irishtom29]

And jerks that wear those goddam ballcaps indoors should have them stapled to their heads.

This topic shows the breakdown of civility in our society, people are so self centered they think any standard of behavior or dress is an infringment on their freedom to be a jerk.

Nice restuarants and lounges should enforce dress codes; for men nice slacks, leather shoes and a sports jacket. I worked all my life in dungarees, work shoes and Carhartts and I don't need to see people dressed like that in a nice joint.

An interesting topic would be why middle class, white collar adults feel the need to go out in dungarees, T-shirts, gym shoes and faux work jackets. Peter Pan?

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

Signature Lounge draws a ton of tourists.

I wear jackets when I go somewhere nice fairly often and never feel out of place. (A tie is generally a bit much, but a jacket? Rarely.)

Heck, last Bulls game I went to, I saw tons of guys who were probably fresh from work who changed into jeans, but left the jackets on.

But yes. In general, we've gotten to be a more casual society. It impacts all areas of life. Manners. Writing ability. Heck, if you teach people that SPELLING COUNTS, I'll wear a full suit every day for the rest of 2009. (And I work from home!)

[ajolotl]

You forgot to mention 30-year-old men in sports jerseys.

I actually 100% agree with the OP. I've found over the years though that almost nobody agrees with me (including many of my friends), so I've learned to get over it and keep my mouth shut. You would never catch me going to any establishment without a blazer, though. I feel like a kid otherwise. Must be the way I grew up.

[surlycue]

Two points. The Signature Lounge is a total tourist trap. I cannot recall any locals I know going there unless they have people from out of town and would rather pay $9 for a cocktail and view than the $12 it takes to get to the top of Sears (Willis) Tower. Most tourists will not expressly pack formal clothes since they know they'll be hiking around the city and they probably would to have the room in their suitcases anyway now that it's $25 to check a bag. I know that I tend to wear my undies inside-out when I fly anywhere so I can get away with just a tiny roll away. TMI

I imagine that at hoity toity places like Alinea guests still dress to the nines but restaurants, particularly expensive joints, have been hit hard by this recession and they are in no position to turn business away. Customers could show up in overalls and they would bite their tounges and show you to your table.

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by ajolotl

You forgot to mention 30-year-old men in sports jerseys.

That is pathetic, almost as bad as adults who take a glove to the ballpark like a little kid does.