Casual kilt jackets?

**Tobus** · 15th November 10, 01:44 PM

I'm on the hunt for a kilt jacket that's meant for a casual setting or outdoor activities. Like hiking, barbecueing, etc.

The problem with traditional kilt jackets is that they're too dressy. Unless there's some style of kilt jacket that I've never seen before (which is possible), all the traditional jackets just seem like they're not made for banging around and getting dirty. They're like suit coats... but for kilts.

Yet the modern style of casual/outdoor mens' jackets are usually too long for kilt wear, and have no provision for wearing a sporran. And the ones I've seen that might work from a functional standpoint just don't look 'right' with a kilt from a style standpoint.

Is there no happy medium? Surely someone out there has produced a jacket that's warm and functional for wearing with a kilt, but that looks casual and fits the style of a kilt? And doesn't cost a fortune?

**artificer** · 15th November 10, 01:52 PM

Perhaps an old surplus "Ike" style jacket is what you're looking for.

Wool, inexpensive, cut to the waist. And olive or British khaki looks great with LOTS of tartans.

**thescot** · 15th November 10, 01:56 PM

Well, Artificer beat me to it. I really like the look of an Ike jacket, and you can find them around if you look. There are some reenactment suppliers that furnish them. I know WPG has some pretty nice, both the enlisted and the officer style.

**JSFMACLJR** · 15th November 10, 02:05 PM

What's wrong with an old tweed doublet?

Here's Lord Lovat showing how it's done:

**Whidbey78** · 15th November 10, 02:20 PM

The Ike is a good choice. Sportsman's Guide often has foreign military surplus jackets of similar styles for a good price. Unfortunately, it's not the right season so the selection in some places is limited.

Another that might might work depending on your tastes is an M-41 Parson's jacket. I was considering one myself, but would probably prefer the Ike:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=194177

This has potential with modification. And at 20 bucks it wouldn't be a heartbreak if it didn't last forever.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=414725

My American Legion uniform has a blue Ike. You might check with your nearest post...maybe you'll get lucky and someone close to your size will be replacing one and you could get it cheap or free. Sorry...I'm using mine.

**Jock Scot** · 15th November 10, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

What's wrong with an old tweed doublet?

Here's Lord Lovat showing how it's done:

Yes that's me too. I have an assortment of old tweed jackets in various states of dis-repair that do for a day out with the ferrets to almost any rough and tumble type day that life throws up!

**NewEnglander** · 15th November 10, 02:29 PM

I did a quick google search for "ike" jacket and found THIS one for a decent price with a few options of color. Not "vintage" but might be a good one to try out first. I think I'll add it to my x-mas list...

**Chas** · 15th November 10, 03:09 PM

When I was a child, we wore windcheaters (or bumfreezers if your mum wasn't listening), like this but without the hood.

No one could ever call that formal.

Regards

Chas

**tinksdad** · 15th November 10, 09:50 PM

Don't have a picture to share; but over the weekend I wore my black denim jacket with my kilt to a Civil War re-enactment down here in northern Mississippi. It's about hip length and when buttoned ended just above my sporran. Having an inner pocket to carry the flask (for medicinal purposes) was an advantage as well. I also have a blue one with a flannel lining that I haven't tried yet. Can't get much more casual than that.

**Tobus** · 16th November 10, 04:15 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

Perhaps an old surplus "Ike" style jacket is what you're looking for.

Wool, inexpensive, cut to the waist. And olive or British khaki looks great with LOTS of tartans.

Aye, that's probably the best choice I've seen. It's definitely the right length, and it's obviously made for banging around outdoors and getting dirty!

Hmm, I wonder if I can find one at a local military surplus store.

What's wrong with an old tweed doublet?

Too dressy! I'm sorry, but that style of jacket isn't what I meant by "casual". Nobody I know wears jackets like that (i.e. with a lapel) unless they're trying to look nice. It's a great looking jacket, and would definitely be more casual than many other jacket choices, but it's not quite casual enough for what I'm talking about.