[Tartan Hiker]

I have recently acquired a beautifully made (and pricey!) embroidered clan crest (you've probably seen them...the ones that employ gold wire in addition to the usual colored threads). About 4.5" diameter.

I was thinking of putting it on the breast pocket of my black Argyle (actually a converted sport jacket. I've seen crests on semi-formal jackets like that on many occasions. Then I got to thinking...is it appropriate to put it on a PC (or in my case a converted tuxedo jacket) for black-tie occasions? I have very limited experience with formal Highland attire (other than the photos I've seen here) and I cannot recall seeing a clan crest on a formal jacket.

Any opinions from members who have real experience with formal attire are appreciated.

[thescot]

I would say no to putting it on a Charlie. Black tie (tuxedo, PC, etc.) really means simple, plain, not dressy. And while we tend to get pretty dressy when kilted in the equivalent of black tie dress (fur sporrans and silver, for example), I still think that the crest is a bit flashy.

Now, for a blazer, it's fine. I have one like the one you mention, but I usually only wear it on a blazer. It would probably be fine on a tweed argyl jacket, too, but, personally, I would never wear it for anything really dressy.

I think wearing one at all is mostly an American custom anyway.

But then, you can do whatever you want, and I am no expert. I just try to keep my own dress pretty conservative.

[cajunscot]

Originally Posted by Tartan Hiker

I have recently acquired a beautifully made (and pricey!) embroidered clan crest (you've probably seen them...the ones that employ gold wire in addition to the usual colored threads). About 4.5" diameter.

I was thinking of putting it on the breast pocket of my black Argyle (actually a converted sport jacket. I've seen crests on semi-formal jackets like that on many occasions. Then I got to thinking...is it appropriate to put it on a PC (or in my case a converted tuxedo jacket) for black-tie occasions? I have very limited experience with formal Highland attire (other than the photos I've seen here) and I cannot recall seeing a clan crest on a formal jacket.

Any opinions from members who have real experience with formal attire are appreciated.

I wouldn't wear it on a PC -- "less is more" when it comes to formal wear. The PC is elegant in its own right without a lot of "bells and whistles".

The Argyll? Perhaps for a less formal event during the day time, but not for an evening event.

Remember, blazer badges, such as a clan/regimental/club badge are really designed for a club jacket/blazer. I have one for our St. Andrew's Society that I wear on my blue blazer (with grey flannel trousers) when I am not in Highland "kit". And when I wear my badge, I never wear a lapel badge (I also only wear one lapel badge at a time.)

But, different hourses for courses...

T.

[davedove]

I would say not on the Prince Charlie, since that is the equivalent of a tuxedo jacket, and you would not see a crest there.

Wearing it as the equivalent of a crested blazer would be okay in my view.

[McMurdo]

As I understand it understated elegance is always the way to go, so no crest.

[Cawdorian]

My St. Andrew's Society Badge has three pins with clasps, I presume most of the clan type blazer badges are set up the same way. I have worn mine a few times on my Argyle for day wear, I would not wear it with formal or black tie attire, but I have seen them worn with formal attire (kilt don't ?).

[cajunscot]

Originally Posted by Cawdorian

My St. Andrew's Society Badge has three pins with clasps, I presume most of the clan type blazer badges are set up the same way. I have worn mine a few times on my Argyle for day wear, I would not wear it with formal or black tie attire, but I have seen them worn with formal attire (kilt don't ?).

Was it from Bold Blades in NC? I usually recommend folks contact them for blazer badges. They did a custom order for our society blazer badges, and they turned out very well:

www.boldblades.com

T.

[beloitpiper]

I have a clan badge that I wear on my Argyll, but only during clan gatherings or highland games. Basically, only when there are other Gordons that I want to be identified with. If it is a non-clan thing (like a ball, dinner, or any other formal event) there's no need to wear the badge.

I'd personally not wear it with the charlie. I wear a crested polo shirt if I'm in slacks or jeans, but when kilted I tend to stay away from crested jackets etc, as my own theory regarding this is that I have the clan tartan on, a crested kilt pin, one of my sgians is crested, (& when required, so is my plaid brooch) & there's more than enough there to show my affiliation to those who need to know. In fact, at mum's funeral the piper came around the corner, saw us all gathered on the street, & called "A Gordon!" He picked us from a good 200 yards away. (He was a Gordon himself.)

[Tartan Hiker]

Excellent. My suspicions are confirmed.
Thanks guys.