Advice on jackets

[beloitpiper]

In the kilt accessories section, I commented on how nice a camel hair argyle jacket would look. Unfortunately, those are really expensive. Instead, I have found an old wool jacket that my grandfather owned. The great thing about my grandfather's old clothing was that 1) it was (and still is) really stylish, and 2) I'm the only one in our whole family that it fits. So all of his old clothes are now mine.

Anyway, jacket. What would you think about a black, white, and tan wool jacket in houndstooth (that Lowland pattern!)? I know argyle jackets are normally solid colored, but this is a really nice jacket that would make for an easy conversion. Should I do it? Would the houndstooth pattern clash with the tartan? Should I save this jacket and look for another tweed? If I found a kilt in this style, it would make for an amazing suit (think Matt Newsome amazing), but all I have is the jacket.

Advice is requested....photos of the jacket will be posted tomorrow.

[Freelander Sporrano]

If you want to try it a conversion like the ones David Dalglish has made in the past would be a good idea. Not being able to see the jacket it is difficult to advise. However it all has to do with the tartan you chose to wear it with

[David Dalglish]

Go for it.

[gilmore]

Some one posted a photo here of HM Edward VIII when he was Prince of Wales, inventor of the Winsdor knot and supreme arbiter of fashion in his day, wearing a houndstooth jacket with a kilt.

[TheKiltedWonder]

I think it would look fine! Some might call the ensemble too "busy", but judging from diced hose and what not, "busy-ness" seems to be the height of highland fashion.

That said, have you tried a acket conversion before. I definitely wouldn't begin experimenting on one of my grandfather's jackets. But maybe that's just me.

[Mr. MacDougall]

Yeah, I think I'd start with something from a thrift store, and save Grandfather's jacket for when I had a few under my belt as experience.

[James MacMillan]

Jacket conversions suit the kilt wearer’s needs on several levels.

Satisfaction; taking a jacket which you get little to no use from, and making it into something useful.

Cost; most jackets chosen for conversion have cost little to obtain, or are sitting in closets not being used.

Style; jackets made from high quality saxon wear retain most of the original style.

Cost; kilt jackets cost a lot if purchased from a vendor.

Variety; the fabric available in possible jackets to convert to kilt wear offer more choices.

Cost; mistakes are less costly when they happen.

Education; each jacket conversion teaches you something.

Cost; attractive finished products take less money.

Opportunity; with more jackets you can wear your kilt to more places.

Cost – did I mention that converting a jacket costs way less money than buying one?

I think the houndstooth jacket would look nice with the right tartan. I say - Do it!

[slohairt]

I say do it as well. I've always liked houndstooth. It would probably look good with a darker, sombre tartan like Black Watch.

[Jock Scot]

I have worn a brown houndstooth Argyll for many years and loved it.Sadly it has been permenently retired!

[Arlen]

Greg, I say go for it.
Houndstooth can look fantastic with a kilt and there's something very satisfying about converting your own jacket.