While watching Ronnie O’Sullivan defeat Ding Junhui last week to become the oldest winner of the UK Championship, it struck me that snooker’s dress code – usually a black waistcoat over a white shirt, paired with a black bow tie – is oddly formal. Even darts players wear polo shirts. When did this outfit become standard attire, and why does it persist? Simon Byatt, York
Send new questions to nq@theguardian.com.
Readers reply
Billiards and snooker originated in stately homes, gentlemen’s clubs and officers’ messes and the dress code of the current players reflects what the original players wore – three-piece lounge suit and tie during the day and three-piece evening suit with a bow tie in the evening, only taking off the jacket to play. Darts originated in pubs and working men’s clubs, where more casual attire would have been the norm. Olddogandgrump
They wear waistcoats with a small pocket to keep the cue chalk handy and dry. Simple as that. Janeira1
Nothing more complicated than reducing the risk of loose clothing touching any of the balls on the table, the penalty for which is a foul and the loss of a shot. zebideedoodah
I would speculate that they offer a degree of warmth while allowing the arms to move freely. Also, pockets for chalk and other necessary impedimenta. I am reminded of Mr Toad’s waistcoat with its pockets, which distinguished him from “the inferior one-pocketed or no-pocketed production”. I would recommend thoroughly the waistcoat for those times of year when it is neither too cold nor too hot: broadly, autumn and spring.
However, a degree of sartorial caution before purchasing such an item. The waistcoat with lapels is to be frowned on in all cases, as is the tartan item. A plain moleskin for the country, or of course one matching one’s suit, although here definitely no waistcoat if it’s a striped or checked suit, as one can end up looking like a racecourse bookie. BaronOchs
Snooker players traditionally wore waistcoats with four pockets: one for chalk, one for ciggies, one for a malt whisky miniature and one for a small pistol that fitted neatly in the palm of the hand. In addition to scoring duties, the referee was also on hand to light fags, replenish libations and deal with minor flesh wounds caused by said pistol. MikeC
They need to protect their vested interests. EddieChorepost
To give the audience something interesting to look at. Dorkalicious
