Why do snooker players wear waistcoats, shirt and trousers?

[poolqjunkie]

The waistcoat helps middle aged men to look much better on TV. Look at the9 ball players, most of them overweight, with a keg belly. Polo shirt just make them look worst, because it really allows the belly to hang over the belt.

Snooker players are generally younger these days and look very fit. In the old days, may be they were a bit older, and a bit less fit physically. Like I would imagine Ray Readon had a bitof a keg belly under that wasitcoat.

Waist coat is a classy touch and a tradition of the game, sort of a fashion statement. IMO

[mister_e]

the waistcoat and trousers should definitely stay. i find it very comfortable to play in, if you get a well made suit you'll have no problems being comfortable whilst playing. it wouldn't look right players turning up to venues in just a polo shirt and trousers. we look smart as we are thanks!

[Blondie]

....lots to choose from, tartan-backed ones, and bright colours, Peter's pinky/mauve one is memorable.

And there's a black/red/burgundy one that Ryan Day sometimes wears, that's nice.

Also like the black shirt/black waistcoat/black bow tie combo....:snooker:

[moglet]

There are the sponsors' logos to consider.....

[Gimme Danger]

I agree with everyone that it does look a hell of a lot smarter, than turning up in jeans and trainers.
I must admit though I do exactly that in my league matches, jeans, trainers, and my lucky Orange Arrows F1 shirt (!), but for our semi-final and final last season we wore black trousers, shirts and shoes, which TBH I didn't feel too bad playing in (I won my frames in both and we won the final!)

[adrift]

I like the dress code as it looks smart and is the snooker uniform , so I don't want it changed but:
Steve Davis has said many times how much he hates the dress code. He's complained about how the shirt and tie have made him uncomfortable and stopped him from relaxing and playing at his best.

[adamxx]

Personally I think the waistcoats look smart, there's been enough slack in the allowance of different colours and customised trousers (if you can remember Shaun Murphy's trousers last season.. or don't). When I see pro pool players in polo shirts and jeans it's as if they're just random blokes picked from the audience and asked to play. Like you're watching a game at a pub or something.

[Monique]

Why do snooker players wear waistcoats, shirt and trousers?

The basic answer to this basic question is : playing naked would be a case of public indecency! Some ladies might like it though ... depending on the player and the lady

[Snookeraddict147]

Oh yes very interesting!

[Watford]

My two peneth on this old chestnut!
Keep waistcoat: tradition, distinctive, smart etc.
Drop bow tie just have an open shirt.

Snookeraddict147 I don't get your last post about hating the word fasten.
You could say "do up" but that wouldn't work in the case of fasten your seat belts

[Phil]

traditionally yes it looks great. but i think snooker has to move with the times, and relax the dress code, i know there are a lot of people who disagree, and each to their own.

I do agree. this may be one of the big problems of snooker in other countries and the problem with youngsters not wanting to get into the game more serious. I think it would be absolutely okay to play in Polo shirts and black troussers. but that's my 2 cents as someone who never wears a necktie.

[Ellena]

My two peneth on this old chestnut!
Keep waistcoat: tradition, distinctive, smart etc.
Drop bow tie just have an open shirt.

...

My thoughts too more or less .
I cant say i m crazy about them waistcoats , but its been the tradition - in football they havent changed the outfit, its been the same in ages, just a few modifications here and there - and as long as players feel comfortable in them..why not ?! Why change smth that works just fine ?!

Couldn't agree more with dropping the bow ties, i never liked them ( and imo they dont fit all guys, few are looking ridiculous wearing them ), give me the impression they're suffocating poor guys who have to wear them

[João]

I'm not too sure about this outfit.

Do snooker players look like waiters or do waiters look like snooker players?

[Monique]

I'm not too sure about this outfit.

Do snooker players look like waiters or do waiters look like snooker players?

Is it important? they all work around and at the table ....

[João]

haha, that's true.