Kilt jacket measurements

**Scottish Chi** · 24th June 06, 04:33 AM

After watching online auctions for a nice previously owned kilt jacket in my size one is finally listed. I have purchased regular sport coats this way and find that many list measurements in addition to the size. The measurement from shoulder seam to seam varies from about 19 inches to 21 inches in those auctions. I have always bought sportscoats that are listed as 20 or 21 and find they are comfortable (not tight). So now the question.

Do kilt jackets fit differently in the shoulder and chest? The one for auction is listed as size 44 and is 46 at the chest (proper measure for the size jacket) yet 18 at the shoulders. That seems pretty tight when a chest measure is 46 inches. Any guidance?

Cheers! Bill

**mbhandy** · 24th June 06, 07:23 AM

If you have time you could go to a scotish shop that has jackets and find out what size you really need. I had to do that for my PC jacket. Then I got the jacket from ebay and it fits great. I also found that I normally wear a 46 but the PC fits tight and I needed a 48 to fit properly. Lots of luck.

MrBill

**Tattoo Bradley** · 24th June 06, 10:21 AM

I recently rented a PC for my upcoming wedding from Kathy Lare. It won't be here for another week. But, when I called and talked to her I told her the tuxedo shop had done complimentary jacket measurement for me (since all my groomsmen are going to be tuxed by them) and that my chest measurement was a 44. She suggested we go with a 48. Hope this helps some? :confused:

**Moose McLennan** · 26th June 06, 03:58 AM

FWIW, my tweed kilt jacket (this one) is a 38" according to the label. Normally I'd be looking for a 34S. The jacket fits like a dream, but it could not possibly be even a shade smaller. I have heard this a lot about kilt jackets: Buy a size or two larger.

M.

**Scottish Chi** · 26th June 06, 05:03 AM

Thanks for the guidance. I'll pass on that auction and wait until I can find one that looks more promising. I appears the best thing to do when buying a jacket sight unseen is to request actual measurements. I have probably overlooked a few jackets in the past that may have fit but there will always be others.

Cheers! Bill

**Panache** · 26th June 06, 07:34 AM

Scottish Chi,

Another option is to find a regular jacket you like and convert it to a kilt jacket.

Alan H. did it himself (so did the cycling Way2Fractious)

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=14252

...and Alan even set up a website for everyone on how to do it.

http://www.geocities.com/alanhsails/...lt_jacket.html

Much less talented I, used Alan's site to take a regular jacket to a tailor and have it converted (so did Michael Steinrok)

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=17818

A great way to get a kilt jacket that fits just right and cost significantly less than buying one new.

Cheers

**Scottish Chi** · 26th June 06, 02:25 PM

Panache,

Converting a regular sports coat is a great idea and certainly less expensive. I have read the posts you mentioned and was impressed by the conversion you had done. I have been watching auction websites and been visiting Goodwill etc. but have yet to find the proper jacket in my size. Eventually I will find a tweed jacket with patch pockets at just the right price. It would be nice if I could keep the cost (including the conversion) to about $100.

Thanks for the quick links to the posts. I'll be visiting them again.

Cheers! Bill