Are You A Dapper Or A Dandy?

[@albertocasirati7788]

Great video, thank you. I am looking forward to the next five videos. I usually wear hats, cravats, bow ties, pocket watches...

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi Alberto, glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your continued support👍🙂

[@05Rudey]

Love the cravat, one day I will pluck the courage to wear one (Golden Eye Style)

[@TheBritishDapper]

It's great way of adding a bit of colour instead of wearing a tie and more formal, you should go ahead and try it🙂 glad you enjoyed the video 👍🙂

[@samwiseman150]

These terms are often used interchangeably these days, given the general level of casual dressing displayed by most men. You can be called a dandy just wearing chinos, shirt and blazer - what I would call dapper. I love the elegant look of a suit, formal hat and cane, so I wear them every chance I get. And I feel great! I wear a pocket watch any time I wear a waistcoat, and love it. I guess that makes me a dandy to others, but I don’t see it that way. I don’t do it to show off, but because I just love how it makes me feel.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi Sam, thanks for your support and glad you enjoyed the video. You're right that terms like "dapper" and "dandy" are often used interchangeably today, especially given the general trend towards more casual dressing among men. Traditionally, "dapper" has referred to a neat and stylish appearance, often implying a certain level of formality but without excessive flamboyance. On the other hand, "dandy" historically described a man who places particular importance on physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies, often characterised by an extravagant style. However, in contemporary usage, these distinctions have blurred, and what one person considers dapper, another might call dandy. I would note that you describe being a dapper more than a dandy in my book🙂 Fashion is personal and very subjective. What matters most is how you feel in your clothing. Wearing chinos, a shirt, and a blazer might be considered dapper due to its neat and stylish nature. However, the elegance of a suit, formal hat, and cane, which you enjoy wearing, could be seen by some as embodying the essence of a modern dandy. Ultimately, these labels are secondary to your personal enjoyment and the confidence your style brings you. Society's views on fashion is constantly evolving. In a time when casual dress is predominant, dressing up can stand out more and attract labels like "dandy" or "dapper" regardless of the intent behind it. Historically, both terms were associated with a level of sophistication and attention to detail, but today, they might simply reflect a preference for dressing well in a world that often opts for comfort over formality. The most important aspect of fashion is how it makes you feel. If wearing a suit, hat, and cane brings you joy and makes you feel great, that's what truly matters. A pocket watch with a waistcoat is a charming touch that can enhance your sense of personal style. Whether others see you as a dandy or dapper is less important than the fact that you wear these items because you love them. Fashion should be about self-expression and confidence, not just about adhering to or defying labels. just keep on enjoying being the best version of yourself👍🙂

[@samwiseman150]

@TheBritishDapper Sir, I could not have put it any better myself. To me, the terms "dapper" and "dandy" are a compliment, as they indicate a certain level of style, elegance and sophistication- not to mention the effort to put on more than jeans and a t-shirt. By the way, I have been admiring your moustaches, they look top-notch. I have a handlebar moustache myself, and appreciate the time and effort it takes to maintain. I do have a question about top hats. I have four, and love wearing them. Is it OK to wear one less formally, say with a regular double-breasted suit? Mine are not formal really, as they are red, blue and green, and two of them have a slanted "roof" instead of flat. I don't have occasion to wear a top hat properly, to a black-tie or white-tie event, but love mine so much I just want to wear them. I'm interested in your thoughts on this. Cheers, Sam.

[@chiragjeram]

Thank you sir for nice video

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi there, glad you enjoyed it👍🙂

[@zoedarazsdi1011]

Love the stained glass window in the background! Thank you for the great fashion history lesson!

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi Zoe, glad you enjoyed the video and the window is nice - thanks👍🙂

[@billyo54]

Hi Chris. Dandyism for me is chiefly about one accessories. You can take an average siut, a plain blazer and chinos or a sweater and corduroy trousers, all nondescript and turn them into something people take notice of by the thoughtful addition of quality accessories. Where these foundation garments can be bought with a relatively modest income it is always worth it to be a bit more extravagant with ones touches of style such as a pocket square, tie or cravat, pocket watch or wrist watch, hat, boutonier belt or suspenders. Many times I've seen my father turn his plain old Sunday siut into something more eye-catching for an occasion.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi there, great to hear from you again and glad you enjoyed the video. Indeed, accessories have a remarkable ability to elevate an outfit, adding a touch of individuality and sophistication. It's fascinating how a well-chosen pocket square or a unique timepiece can completely transform the look and feel of an ensemble. While some may opt for extravagance in their accessories, others find creativity in subtler details. It's a wonderful aspect of personal style, allowing each person to express themselves uniquely. Your father's knack for enhancing his Sunday suit speaks to the artistry of accessorising. It's a skill that truly enhances a person's appearance and presence. Wouldn't you say?🙂

[@johnparnell8571]

Excellent, thought provoking content, Chris, and what a lovely room setting for a video! It is also good to see you relaxed in an armchair wearing an open neck shirt and perfectly colour-balanced cravat.👍 Concerning the topic of the video, the nearest I ever came to a Dandy was reading a childhood comic. 😂Joking apart, where once I always wore dark conservative colours, I now find myself embracing a lot more colour in my outfits with emphasis on wearing complementary pieces. Being sartorially dapper doesn't preclude us from wearing a cravat, a bow tie, or a hat for a bit of individual self expression. The art of dressing smartly is equally about having a bit of fun in the process too.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi John, lovely to hear from you and thank you so much for your kind words and insightful reflections. I remember the comic Dandy too, I seem to recall it was a weekly comic, but I could be wrong 😆 I'm glad you enjoyed the content and appreciated the cosy setting. It's fascinating how our style evolves over time, isn't it? Embracing more colour and experimenting with accessories like cravats, bow ties, and hats definitely adds a playful dimension to dressing smartly (being dapper). It's all about expressing our individuality while still maintaining that sartorial elegance. And I couldn't agree more, having a bit of fun in the process makes it even more enjoyable. Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your continued support dear friend👍🙂

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Hello Chris great advice. I read a book about Brummel years ago. It said that the other dandys would visit him in the morning to watch him dress.😅. We saw his townhouse on Chesterfield Rd in London. I would have to agree with you that Dandys were arrogant self-centered and self-serving elitists. Cheers Ron

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi Ron, great to hear from you again and glad you enjoyed the video. George Brummell is a fascinating character and I have also heard that the other dandies would visit him in the morning to watch him dress. The historic dandies were very arrogant, self-centred and considered themselves to elite. The modern dandies are more aligned to whilst dressing well and making a personal statement, their behaviour is now more gentlemanly, thankfully! Thanks for your continued support👍🙂

[@yoricirving-clarke836]

Another great video, Chris. Like others here I'm looking forward to your mini-series! For myself, I'm definitely moving to more dapper than dandy. The older I get the more conservative I get in my dress. Its that old thing of 'If someone notices your suit, your tailor made a mistake'. I am really enjoying just classic, under stated style at the moment. I also find myself carrying this over into more informal style e.g. chinos and a polo shirt or tailored shorts in hotter weather. Keep up the great content! 🙂

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi Yoric, good to hear from you again and glad you enjoyed the video. Classic is a great way of dressing and it does cover not only wearing a suit but also casual and you mention some classic summer items that are ideal in those warmer months. Thanks for your continued support 👍🙂

[@douglasdietz7503]

Spot on as usual Chris. Looking sharp and dapper is pleasurable and fun. Doing it with subtle flair and nailing it is very satisfying. It all adds up to remarkable experiences meeting people and making friends. I look forward to your videos and gain insight, ideas and inspiration every time. 👍 Cheers

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi Douglas, glad you enjoyed the video and I totally agree with you about getting satisfaction out of dressing well and also the joy of meeting other people. Thankyou for your continued support for the channel, Hope you have a great day👍🙂

[@sjoerdslavenburg7775]

Very nice video Chris. Looking forward to the upcoming serie. Such a beautiful shirt btw. Best regards.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi Sjoerd, glad you enjoyed the video and looking forward to the upcoming series 🙂the shirt is a button down collar in a thick herringbone cotton by Brook Taverner, gives a greater level of warmth and casualness. Thanks for your continued support dear friend👍🙂

[@alexanderchapman1875]

It took me some time to listen to everything here and digest it all. But The dandy type does sound like a bit of a bit of a bum with big money. I hail from the United States. My family has cousins from England. I like your videos. I also like the chats guide. Thanks thanks for posting! This is educational.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi Alexander, your statement about them (dandies) being a bit of a bum with big money is not far off the mark and in many cases they wasted their money and then would ponce off others. Whilst we can still see this in modern life it is not to the extremes it was in the during the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Britain and it was very much more about an artist movement. Great to hear you have relatives living in the England and glad you enjoyed the videos👍🙂

[@DJunclepaul2nd]

Good setting for the video

[@TheBritishDapper]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed the video👍🙂

[@shadnunemaker5869]

It would probably come as a shock to you that people who you describe which today are called "arrogant" and "self centered" still exist today. I love to make bold statement with my dress, but was raised to dress with style. Some people think they can put on a high dollar suit and automatically be somebody, even though they are bums. Nice education, thanks again.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi There, it does not surprise me that people are becoming more and more "arrogant" and "self centred" and that was my point in the video about the traits of the historic Dandyism and their then twisted views of being a gentleman, compared to our current views and opinions on being a gentleman. Being a kind, approachable, generous and helpful person are far greater qualities. Making a personal statement with the clothes you wear and being bold should be commended and are arguably great traits of the modern dandy, elevating your style and this doesn't stop you being a kind, approachable, generous and helpful person. I would note that there are there is some overlap between the two terms, "dapper" which tends to imply a more conservative and refined style, while "dandy" now suggest a more flamboyant and extravagant approach to fashion, but neither stops a person from being or trying to be gentlemanly. Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your comments, great to hear from you again👍🙂

[@Rob-cv3vh]

Good morning Chris, After many years of effort and attention I think I can safely say that I'm neither! 😆 Love the video, it's good to hear the history of characters and lifestyle that nowadays are not really explored, yet advertisers push that imagery and iconography forward to sell things. I do sometimes wonder what the people behind the imagery were really like, we all know the pictures of James Dean and Marilyn Monroe but I'm sure they were very different to how I imagine. Kind regards, Rob.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Good morning Rob, great to hear from you again and glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂I completely relate to your sentiment. It's fascinating how advertising often romanticises certain images and lifestyles without delving into the true depth of the individuals behind them. James Dean and Marilyn Monroe are perfect examples; their public personas are iconic, but the reality of who they were off-camera is likely much more nuanced and intriguing. It's a reminder that there's always more to a person than meets the eye, even in the glamorous world of Hollywood. I personally would consider you to be a dapper person rather than a dandy, you are always well presented, polished, pressed and groomed, wearing a conservative, yet well styled quality suit, shoes and accessories, you are well put together, as they say and a gentleman 👍🙂

[@nahumlead5831]

There are not only dandy’s in The Republic of the Congo 🇨🇬 There are also Dappers their 😌

[@TheBritishDapper]

There certainly is Nahum, thank you pointing that out👍🙂

[@shadnunemaker5869]

In my opinion, any man can start with a slick pair of jeans, and what truly defines a man is his choice of footwear. I've seen guys with $500 shirts on, and old ragged shoes like he just crawled out of a dumpster. No sense of class. I didn't realize that some people never picked this stuff up when they were five years old.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Absolutely, a well-chosen pair of jeans can set a strong foundation for a stylish look. It's interesting how different people prioritise aspects of their appearance. While footwear can indeed make a statement, I believe true class extends beyond material possessions. Everyone has their own journey and influences that shape their sense of style. Diversity in expression is what makes fashion so intriguing, wouldn't you agree?

[@StephenCowley001]

Thomas Carlyle used to satirise "dandyism", but mostly as a foil to his own highly earnest view of life.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Interesting, thank you🙂

[@cesarmejia1900]

I consider myself dapper ... of course in a world of black t-shirts and track pants others might consider me a dandy 😏

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi César, what an interesting thought, glad you enjoyed the video👍🙂

[@shadnunemaker5869]

Women know much more than men, that sometimes the most defining clothing we where is our undergarments, which almost nobody sees except for who the want to see it. Sometimes women have wisdom that seems new and unheard of to men. Right ladies?

[@TheBritishDapper]

Indeed, clothing can hold a significant power in self-expression, and undergarments, often unseen, can carry a personal significance. It's true that women may have insights and wisdom that bring fresh perspectives, just as men do. Diversity in experience enriches us all, regardless of gender. Wouldn't you agree?🙂

[@ZoomZoom-ng6sn]

...'walking wardrobe'...LOL

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi there, they were called this because back in those days people only had 2 or 3 ensembles in there wardrobe, were as Dandies had a lot more as they lived for clothes🙂 Glad you enjoyed the video👍🙂

[@ZoomZoom-ng6sn]

6:38 mark. Looks like a hippy dandy.

[@TheBritishDapper]

Not sure what you mean, could you clarify for me please?

[@ZoomZoom-ng6sn]

@@TheBritishDapper Sorry about that. It was just a joke of some sort. The picture at the 6:38 mark point of the video shows what looks like a 1960's Era hippie dressed up like a Dandy. Just my imagination.

[@mr.mauriceevansjones]

I never heard of dandyism

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi Maurice, glad you enjoyed the video and learnt about a new aspect of fashion history. Dandyism emerged as a cultural phenomenon in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, primarily in England and France. The term "dandy" was first popularised in the early 19th century, and it became associated with a particular group of men who were known for their distinctive style and lifestyle choices. One of the most famous figures associated with the early dandy movement was Beau Brummell (George Bryan Brummell), an Englishman who rose to prominence in Regency-era London. Brummell is often credited with popularising the modern suit and tie, as well as establishing the principles of dandyism, which emphasised impeccable grooming, attention to detail in clothing, and a refined sense of style. Dandyism also found expression in France, particularly in Parisian society during the same period. Figures like Charles Baudelaire and Honoré de Balzac wrote extensively about dandyism and its cultural significance, helping to shape its image and influence. Overall, dandyism emerged as a response to the social and cultural changes of the time, including the rise of industrialisation and the changing roles of men in society. Dandies were often seen as rebels against convention, using fashion and style as a form of self-expression and identity in a rapidly changing world. Thank you for your continued support for the channel 👍🙂

[@inblack-d9d]

whats the difference? they are synonyms, both pretty same

[@TheBritishDapper]

Hi there Dok, while both "dapper" and "dandy" are often associated with well-dressed individuals, they have slightly different connotations and historical contexts. "Dapper" typically refers to someone who is neatly and stylishly dressed, with a focus on being smart and trim in appearance. It's often used to describe a person who has a refined, polished, and perhaps somewhat conservative sense of style. Think of someone who wears well-fitted suits, crisp shirts, and polished shoes. "Dandy," on the other hand, has a broader and historically more extravagant connotation. A dandy is someone who is very concerned with fashion, often to the point of being flamboyant or extravagant in their clothing choices. Dandies historically were known for their attention to detail, sometimes even pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion with bold colours, patterns, and accessories. They were often seen as trendsetters and individuals who placed great importance on their appearance and style. So, while there is some overlap between the two terms, "dapper" tends to imply a more conservative and refined style, while "dandy" can suggest a more flamboyant and extravagant approach to fashion. Hope this answers your question 👍🙂