Jacket help.

[Captain Tonga]

Hi there, I just got my kilt for my 18th (modern baird tartan) and I've been told that it's not worth forking out for a nice tailored jacket until you are 21-23 because your body is likely to change shape and jacket modifications are much harder than kilt variants.
The thing is, I realy want a nice charcoal argyll tweed two piece. They are just awesome.
So what do you guys think? Woth it or not?

*First post.... hooray!*

Regards, Tonga.

[PiobBear]

I realy want a nice charcoal argyll tweed two piece. They are just awesome.
So what do you guys think? Woth it or not?

How deep are your pockets? Regardless of what we think, is it worth it to you?

At St. Andrews Dinner I sat across from a gent, a retired vicar, who had turned out in the most beautiful Harris Tweed herringbone kilt jacket and waistcoat that I think I've ever seen. Sadly, such finery is way beyond my pauper's budget.

[Jock Scot]

Yes, it is all a question of what you can afford. Nevertheless your shape will change as you age. In my case, at least 4/5 times in the last 60 odd years! I have no wish to be impertinant here, but if you can afford it, then go for it. Oh by the way, welcome from Inverness-shire.

[Howard Clark]

Yes, changing body shape is just a fact of life over time. If it is important enough for you to want to spend the money, and you can, then do so if you wish. Welcome.

[BEEDEE]

Ten years down the road when it no longer fits, sell it on XMTS. You will get something towards a replacement and someone else will benefit from your earlier purchase.

So.... go for it!

Brian

[McMurdo]

I was lucky enough to find a Charcoal Braemar jacket and waistcoat, that were ex-rentals, and therefore were a very good buy you maybe able to do something like that so at least you're not spending too much. Here is my review of it. You should be able to pick up something on ebay I'll venture to guess you'll be looking for a smaller size there are normally a good selection of these on ebay.co.uk. Another thought is that once you do outgrow it, provided you keep good care of it, you can put it back on ebay. Yet another option would be to go to a local tartan shop if you have one in your area and see if they have anything on consignment, I'vehad good luck with that as well.

[george7]

You probably don't need a tailored jacket quite yet... and you may never if you're the same shape as 'off the rack' people. Try on some kilt jackets next time your in a town with a kilt shop.

[beloitpiper]

Why not convert a jacket? There's plenty of tutorials on the forums on how to transform a thrift store tweed into a kilt jacket!

[puffer]

Here is my recommendation.

Contact our very own VMAC3205 vmac3205@comcast.net

IMHO, Victoria offers the "BEST" source for outfitting yourself with jackets on a budget. Her "conversions" are not only GREAT but her $$$$ CAN NOT be beat. Plus she is GREAT to work with.

BTW, I am the Proud owner of 3. (2 tweeds & a Crail/Argyle (with vest)) + a vest.

Puffer

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have always bought the best kilts/jackets/accessories I could possibly afford, and would advise you to do the same. Yes, you will out grow some items and when you do they can be recycled, lent out, or put away for later. There are some who regard this advice as a waste of money.

In my view, looking your best is never a waste of money.

It is a fact of life that in the Scottish community (and society in general) a well dressed young gentlemen is, in the first instance, given a degree of greater respect by old timers, and old farts alike. It will be up to you to continue to earn that respect, but from the get-go you will have an edge over anyone else who isn't as well dressed.

There is also the personal satisfaction of looking your best, and knowing it. That is something on which you just can't put a price tag.