Argyll option

[English Bloke]

Snowbear posted a thread recently requesting advice on PC jackets. I mentioned that I'd rejected buying a PC in favour of a Black wool Argyll (Argyle) Jacket that I have modified slightly. Thought you might like to see some pictures.

It's a black barathea wool jacket and a barathea waistcoat. both bought through the internet but at different times and from different sources. I've removed the nasty, badly moulded, silver coloured buttons from the jacket and removed the satin buttons from the waistcoat and replaced them throughout with plain black, suit buttons.

I wasn't impressed with the jacket when I first got it but now I have meddled with it I like it a lot.



Ensemble consists of:
Light blue business shirt.
Regimental tie, tied with windsor knot.
Black barathea jacket and waistcoat with plain black buttons throughout.
Grandfathers silver pocket watch, chain and key.
Black Watch kilt pleated to sett.
Chrome Sword Kilt pin
Nasty rabbit fur, crome cantle dress sporran (mind you don't cut yourself on the metal bits)
Black Kilt hose.
Black Watch flashes
Black Oxford Brogue shoes



From the back.



From the front again...



And err... from the back again...

So there y'go. That's what I was on about.

I'm sure it would all work with a wing collar and a black tie as well. It'll have to. I'm not getting another.

Yes, That goatie has definately gotta go.

[Bugbear]

Well, English Bloke, that should be fine. If you did have a set of good silver buttons, you can make them removable with 3/4" safetypins bent like quilt basting pins. That would make the jacket do just about anything you need as far as I have read on the subject. I would rather have regular buttons than gaudy, ugly buttons too, so you probably did the right thing.

Sounds good to me.

* and reading over your description again, it sounds a bit like an outfit I'm planning right now, but with a different tartan... and probably an additional three button waistcoat, just in case. *

[Ivy]

The black buttons give it a nice contemporary look. I feel like an ensemble like this might be well suited (pardon the pun) for business attire, and maybe more accepted by the non-kilted heathens.

[SFCRick]

I think you look good

[Derek Conley]

Looks great to me...

[chasem]

looks great!

[beloitpiper]

Very modern and stylish. I think it looks really great.

[McMurdo]

I really like the look you have achieved, however I think what you really have there is a Crail jacket, at least it looks like that to me. I'm sure it will see you through many occasions, for a more formal look I would be tempted to go with a 3 button waistcoat.

[English Bloke]

... I think what you really have there is a Crail jacket, ...

McMurdo.
I thank you for your compliments but I think what I have here is neither an Argyll or a Crail. I am under the impression that Crail Jackets are the same cut as Argyll Jackets but with Prince Charlie style cuffs. This has no cuffs at all hence, in part, my initial disappoinment and the main reason for removing the gaudy buttons which appeared ridiculous when sewn to the sleeves for no apparent reason. I recall a post from PHIL explaining the historic function of silver buttons but the buttons that came with this jacket would not pay for a beer, let alone a mercenary's funeral.

To be fair, It is made of good quality wool but it is not a great piece of tailoring so I have made what I consider, the best of a bad job. I've decided I'll replace this garment in due course and chalk it up to experience. I bought it on a must have one now wave of enthusiasm but will not go to the retailer again... ever! I won't replace it soon because I have a special kilt in the making and other commitments which take priority so this will do for now. I have no pressure to replace it in the NOW term anyway.

I really do appreciate your comments. You are a man of impeccable taste and sartorial elegance and your advice is most valued and I take your point about the three button waistcoat.

[Bugbear]

Oh, it's the cuffs... It seems like no one can ever quite agree which makes what, but I wouldn't worry too much about it.