More on Jackets

[Graham]

I've still not done anything about a jacket. I'm really not sure what would suit me best.

I'm not a formal person, a prince Charlie would be over the top for me, and even Argyles are expensive, so I am wondering if a vest, perhaps a Lowlander vest would "pass" for most semi-formal occasions.

What do you all think?

[bubba]

Graham, I don't think so. Mostly it's a matter of the length of the jacket. The jacket will be a long term investment. The prices on an Argyl at Scottishkilts.net are in line with a good quality sports jacket so I'd go for it.

[James]

Greetings Graham,

Though I have a tweed jacket for more 'proper' events: a few years back when in Germany I got a leather waistcoat/sleeveless jacket-which is long enough to cover the buckles and belt of my kilt-to just above where pleat stitches stop.

I've since worn it to clan semi formal events, and for casual wear-and only had spprtive comments. OK it is not suitable for the equivalent of black tie occasions-it has done me well.

James

[Graham]

James, that is my thinking exactly. Black tie events are things I never go to, but I have a "formal social" coming up with our Tasmanian Scottish Country dance group.

If a jacket, my favourite is the Crail
http://kiltstore.net/sr_swhdr_crailg...e=highlandwear

[Miah]

That is my fav to. I think If I get a jacket anytime soon i will be getting one of those. Or i will be going to the Local Department store and finding a jacket for a person with a very short torso.

[GMan]

Graham,

Although I do not have a jacket, I too would go with the Crail or a vest for those less formal occasions. However it is always nice to once and awhile go for the black tie experience, not because you have too, but just because you can, keep everyone guessing.

[Blu (Ontario)]

I tend to agree with Glen. I bought an Argyl last fall with a couple of different occassions in mind. As it turns out, I wear it more than I wear any of my dress jackets or blazers. A jacket and kilt is a serious head turner in restaurants. It generated lots of interest at our Co. trade show last spring. I like to think of it as a resource. Once you've got it, it will find its niche.

blu

[Hamish]

Graham,

You asked for comments - so here are mine.......

The Prince Charlie really is only an alternative to the Black Tie/Dinner Jacket ensemble (and really only looks at its best as "after dark" wear). That leaves you with two: the Crail/Argyll jacket which, in black barathea looks really smart at any time of day, needs no waistcoat and can be worn with a bow or regular tie. The wide range of Lowlander/Jacobite/Potaine -style jackets/vests now available is both exciting and practical. The sleeveless models do look so much better over a full-sleeved jacobite shirt however.

I love the latter styles but one needs to take care not to appear like something out of an historical film - unless that's how you WANT to appear! Bear in mind that, if you are dancing, the open neck of a jacobite shirt is so cool (in every sense of the word!).

[Graham]

Thanks for your comments Hamish, I was wondering where you were, not seen you lately.

You've put your finger on a concern I have about vests...about not wanting to look hysterical, sorry I mean historical

I'm leaning toward a Crail, I like the plain sleeves.
I got a quote from Kiltstore, they were $80 cheaper than buying Scottish jackets from a local importer, even with nearly $70 shipping costs included.

Thanks also Blu, Glen and Miah.

[Bill]

Good mornong Graham:

If you're interested there is excellent instruction for altering a standard sports coat into a kilt jacket in J. Charles Thompsons' Book "So You're Going To Wear The Kilt". Should you know someone who is a competant tailor a servicable kilt jacket could be had for far less that one off the rack. BTW I have tried this myself and it works quite well.

Hope this helps!

Bill