Every third Tuesday of September, all of the Netherlands is glued to the screen: it is then Prinsjesdag. The ladies appear with the most extravagant hats and the gentlemen traditionally wear a tailcoat. During Prinsjesdag, everyone observes a number of traditions. Think of the Prinsjesdag documents that are announced and the King's speech from the throne. GENTS brings you today up to date on the tradition of Prinsjesdag for wearing the tailcoat.
Article 65 of the Dutch Constitution states that every third Tuesday of the month of September, a statement is given by the government about the policy to be implemented. That is Prinsjesdag as we know it today. Although the term ‘Prinsjesdag’ was already used in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the meaning was somewhat different. The first real Prinsjesdag took place on May 2, 1814. Only after the First World War was the Constitution revised and it received its current specific meaning. The traditions of Prinsjesdag have remained virtually unchanged over the years. This is especially true for the clothing.
Appear stylishly
When the third Tuesday of September has arrived, all of political The Hague appears stylish and neat at the designated place. It is expected of the ministers and Members of Parliament to appear in a formal suit. In other words, they must appear in a tailcoat. A tailcoat is a very formal suit that is extremely suitable for the most official events, such as Prinsjesdag. As a result, the tailcoat is the only attire appropriate to wear during the opening of the new political season. But how do you wear this formal suit?
This is how you wear a tailcoat
For every formal suit, specific etiquette applies. When a tailcoat is worn, the following agreements apply:
- It is a three-piece suit where the jacket, trousers, and waistcoat are important components.
- A tailcoat jacket is traditionally black, but grey is also allowed. In addition, the long coat has short lapels and curved front panels.
- The shirt of a tailcoat is white, has double cuffs, and features a spread collar complete with a concealed button placket.
- The waistcoat of a tailcoat is plain grey.
- The trousers is a grey striped trouser without cuffs.
- As accessories, you wear a grey tie, grey suede gloves, and a top hat in the same color as the coat.
So are you also going to watch Prinsjesdag soon? If the suits of the ministers and Members of Parliament comply with the above agreements, then they are perfectly dressed for the official meeting. Is there something wrong with their tailcoat? Then they are committing a faux-pas!
