Being dressed to the nines is born out by 19th century women who attended the opera, paying $9.00 for a splendid box seat, and who used to wear long white gloves with finger openings at the wrist, closed with nine pearl buttons.
In baseball, where the team is comprised of nine players, there is a ritual in putting together a uniform so that not only is the particular outfit of special quality and design with shoes, sox, knickers, shirt, and cap, but also that the entire team of nine wears the ensemble, together—all at one time, as in dressed to the nine players.
Military uniforms abound with the nine button design: Civil War uniforms, European uniforms, military school uniforms, were all made with a nine button closure, and many still are. The Duke of Edinburgh’s 99th Regiment of Foot during the 19th century refers to the British army—legendary for its elegance and precision. The whole concept of the uniform speaks to dedication and discipline, exemplary senses of order and honor of the highest rank, and yes, smart looking fashion. This particular reference comes the closest in time frame to when the actual phrase “dressed to the nines” came into vogue.
The number nine can be used in any number of important references, whether with regard to garment manufacturing, or design. Often, it’s nine stitches per inch that makes a good seam—decorative or plain.
When we talk about being dressed to the nines, we are truly vaulting an individual into the top drawer of impeccable presentation. There is none better. No matter what one’s reference, or choice of focus, the outfit that ranks as nine is the best. Many companies have even named themselves “House of Nine,” or “Dressed to the Nines.”
For the uniform industry, this adage connotes the finest look that any group can have. Whether it is corporate or casual, formal or industrial, or costume, the best is the nines. One of the most easy and winning ways to achieve the “nines look” is to accessorize. Think tie, think scarf, think vest or cummerbund. Think braid, think customized shoulder straps, think interesting buttons, or contrasting sleeve application.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a busboy or a housekeeping uniform; it isn’t always about a power suit in poly wool. It’s not only about customer satisfaction; it’s about the inner sense of pride that is radiated by an employee who wears the garment, too. If the employee feels attractive and proud of his appearance, imagine how others will view him, and how he projects delight when he’s on the job.
When different publications award a company for its uniforms, it’s about being “dressed to the nines.” When companies show off their personnel, when we want to identify with a particular group, when various industries use a particular garment that catches on in the private sector – that’s dressing to the nines. More than any other group, it’s fair to say that the U.S. Navy has had the most admired and sought after uniforms: Not only are they incredibly stylish on their seamen and officers, but as a fashion statement for the private sector as well—who, at one time or another, hasn’t owned a midi blouse, a stunning navy double breasted blazer with brass buttons, or a pea coat?
The next time you put an outfit together, remember that form (style, color, design, fabric) is as important as function. It’s absolutely necessary to be practical, but one’s on-the-job attractiveness matters, too. Suddenly, it isn’t solely about work but rather, it’s about a pleasurable experience, also. If you see a group whose garments blend with its surroundings, whose theme matches the focus of the workplace, and yet whose appearance is one step above, you know that this is what’s called being “dressed to the nines.” Whether in public or in private, it’s difficult to imagine that any individual would want to look any other way.
