Recommendations for a dress pipe

[bigpond]

Everyplace that I know of that requires a tuxedo also has a ban on smoking. I wonder where you'll be off to OP? In any event, here's a perfect example of what to look for:
http://www.gettyimages.com/pictures/german-federal-chancellor-helmut-schmidt-at-the-news-photo-155930369#german-federal-chancellor-helmut-schmidt-at-the-bundespresseball-he-picture-id155930369
If you're sartorial inclined I think it probably a safe bet to extend the dress conventions you use for matching your shoes to your pipe, as well.

 

[jpmcwjr]

That link shows a whole passel of images. Which one?

 

[newbroom]

So, it would seem that convention dictates the color black as 'formal' and the pipes presented in suggestion have been black.

I'd have to say that an immaculate white meer in simple form might also fit the bill.

I also pictured a typical billiard shape as the most representative of a 'dress' pipe, ala Kevin's avatar, and unlike mine, which employs a sleeveless t-shirt and a corn cob. At least I have the shirt on.

 

[clickklick]

I always thought of dress pipes as being matte black, smooth, and some sort of white or silver thin band shank adornment.

 

[newbroom]

There ARE white tuxedos, or used to be. Not what a pipe smoker should wear though. heh heh.

 

[jpmcwjr]

So, it would seem that convention dictates the color black as 'formal' and the pipes presented in suggestion have been black.

I'd have to say that an immaculate white meer in simple form might also fit the bill.

Hmmmm. Maybe if it's all right to wear a white dinner jacket.... A no-no in some circles beyond college age. Still like the idea of a smallish black blast billiard, a couple of which I will be taking to an outdoor wedding this weekend, though it'll be a dark suit, not dinner jacket.

 

[stephenw]

I smoke my cob no matter what I am wearing. I have gone to functions in a black suit that looked for all the world like a tux, worn 3 piece suits, dress trousers and sport jackets, and my cob is with me. It is part and parcel of the outfit. The hell with convention. I am not out to impress, only to enjoy a good smoke.

 

[pappymac]

Ask yourself. "What would Bing Smoke?"

 

[jimmyh]

I've never mentioned tuxedo nor formal clothing so I don't get why a few questions that.

I only said dress up for when out on the town. But to be specific a pipe to smoke after dinner when I'm out with my girl I will also use it when I'm on a wedding this summer.
Ideal pipe
This would be the ideal pipe as I have a thing for dunhills but they are rare on eBay and a new one is 570 usd, so that's unfortunately to expensive.

 

[mso489]

Unless you do considerable pipe smoking in "dress pipe" situations, I think you could get an excellent dress pipe for around $110 or $120. For example, Peterson makes gloss ebony pipes in their Killarney line. I have a bent brandy B11 with two slim silver-tone bands, and it would go to any dress occasion. I think you could find similar English or French pipe in black in various shapes. For sheer dressiness, I think glossy black exceeds rusticated or blast, love 'em though I do.

 

[mso489]

...like this:
https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/peterson/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=167093
smokingpipes.com has a few other Killarney Petersons in ebony, if you'd prefer a different shape.

 

[mso489]

Nonetheless, I agree, a MM or Old Dominion cob will go anywhere. But you can't be shy. Hold it as if it is an ultra-level pipe.

 

[bigpond]

That link shows a whole passel of images. Which one?

:crazy:
The first photo...aka...the one with the guy in a tuxedo with a pipe...not the jet....
OP a "dress pipe" is a pipe that is appropriate for formal dress, which is a tuxedo. By the way, a black or white tuxedo would both be complemented by a polished black pipe, as would black patent shoes.
Going back to the shoe thing (as I think this is really apt), a blazer and slacks....9 times out of 10 is going to be a brown pipe pipe, you can go meer if you want to look like a douche, though...but it requires elbow patches and a driver cap for maximum douchyness, probably a waxed mustache too :rofl:
If you just want something that will be appropriate for a night out with your girl, or a dinner with her folks, well, my recommendation would be to forget about brand (no one but you will know anyway) and focus on something that looks discrete and mature. Something like you would see the guys on Madmen carrying.
Some examples that look appropriate to me follow. I'm in no way advocating for any of them, they just look right. In a few cases, you'll see a cheap pipe contrasted by a similar expensive pipe, see if you can spot the difference (or realize that your friends won't be able to).
straight, brown

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/Chacom/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=198013

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/dunhill/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=195050

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/sebastien_beo/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=163946
bent, brown

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/Ropp/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=199701

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/estate/england/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=199790
If you're the type that likes a little extra interest but wants to stay classic:

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/estate/united-states/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=204834

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/estate/england/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=180616

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/estate/ireland/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=207102
black or banded

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/savinelli/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=168179

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/peterson/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=203880
My own take is the Sav soiree under black or the chacom in the first link would be perfect. That said, I would grab one of those panels for me.

 

[instymp]

Northern, either of the 2 would fit the Wear of the evening. Hopefully someone will recommend one that will be used more often than with a tux.

Glad to see that more people dress for special occasions than not & not down dress for those that do.

 

[troutface]

Ask yourself. "What would Bing Smoke?"

That's perfect pappy. The man was the very definition of elegance.

 

[jpmcwjr]

They may be wearing formal clothes under the overcoats, but I saw no photo with either pipe or dinner jackets. (aka black tie, aka tuxedos) The photos seem to be somewhat random, as I've gone to the site several times.
Anyway, the Sasienis are terrific.

 

[andrew]

Any billard in good shape is a "take me seriously" kind of pipe no matter the occasion.

 

[ravkesef]

I confess that I have been seen smoking a Missouri Meerschaum while at a black tie event. Permit me to suggest that the offset is quite appealing.

 

[mso489]

I smoke my Peterson B11 Killarney ebony (see link in earlier post) in rotation any old time, in any state of dress. I also do so with its cousin, a B11 Shannon. This unusual shape just had my name on it. It's a sitter, has a very ample bowl and a wide chamber, and gives a complex blend plenty of room to unfold.

 

[gloucesterman]

There are occasions when a "Dress Pipe" is appropriate. Generally they are black, small, smooth, classic shapes with an inconspicuous banding. Traditionally they were used on occasions when someone was out for the evening in a more formal setting. Changing standards of dress have blurred the lines today but the standard of "simple elegance" remains true. The Dunhill "Dress" line should give you a good insight on what fits into that category. Then you can match that type and style to a pipe that better fits your budget.