The Waistcoat Club was founded in 1952 to "add a little colour to men's austere clothing". Actor Terry-Thomas's collection of 155 waistcoats is a legend. They become his trademark, along with the gap between his front teeth, his monocle and his seven-inch cigarette holder.

Made for him by Wings in Piccadilly, the vast collection includes waistcoats made in silk, satin, suede, bearskin, velvet and wool. In 1952, Terry-Thomas was made Chairman of the Fashion Committee of the Waistcoat Club. This drew the attention of the Tailor and Cutter, a prestigious Savile Row trade magazine. Every year, the Tailor and Cutter printed its 'First Eleven' list, being the best dressed men in the country for that year. Terry-Thomas had the distinction of making the list twice running, in 1952 and 1953.

Mike Hawthorn was in the list in 1953 (not sure what position though - does anyone know?)

On their web site, British Pathe have a clip of the 1953 Waistcat Club annual event and we see Mike wearing his:

"Some glorious waistcoats are modelled - club members include Jon Pertwee, Peter Cushing and Mike Hawthorn shown in a nice waistcoat."