Jacket Materials

**Mr. MacDougall** · 7th January 10, 11:54 PM

I was reading The Book of the Dead tonight, one of Lincoln & Child's Agent Pendergast thrillers, and I came across this quote:

"There were two kinds of coats! Super-expensive cashmere and mohair, and then a bunch of hairy, heavy, itchy tweed coats! Do you know of anyone who wears both? Hell, no!"

Setting aside for the moment whether his characterization of tweed is accurate or not, it did make me wonder... does anyone have a kilt-cut jacket made of cashmere or mohair? Or do we pretty much stick to tweed and barathea?

**Mac Ghille Sheathanaich** · 8th January 10, 05:06 AM

I am nearly finished with an Argyll and waistcoat in a green lovat. It has the look and feel of barathea or a gabardine.
Am making it for one of our Brothers who lives near me. Will be posting up pix that we take at our local Robert Burns dinner

**OC Richard** · 8th January 10, 05:24 AM

The fine bespoke uniform tunics of the officers of Highland regiments were made of "doeskin", which seems to be a certain type and finish of wool.

I just Googled "doeskin" and I saw a jacket costing $4000.

The heavy Scottish-made military tunics are made of "melton".

**piperdbh** · 8th January 10, 06:13 AM

i have a camel-hair jacket that I cut down into a Crail. No cashmere or mohair, though.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 8th January 10, 07:45 AM

Velvet has always been a good alternative for formal doublets in Highlandwear.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 8th January 10, 08:45 AM

Linen and corduroy both make up into excellent kilt jackets suited to warmer climes.

**acolander** · 8th January 10, 09:12 AM

Well, I have two "day" jackets/waistcoats that aren't tweed or barathea, one is a wool/cashmere blend and another is linen... And then there are the 4 doeskin mess jackets and an Edwardian officer's drill/home service jacket that I also have... No tweeds as of yet, but do have a couple others in barathea and melton as well.

**Ancienne Alliance** · 9th January 10, 07:37 AM

Very good question.

My next Doublet will be in what we call "alcantara" in French; I couldn't find the English translation. It's a washable fabric that looks and feels like swede. Imagine a dark blue swede looking doublet with gold plated buttons...

Eventually I will have one made of tartan. yes, tartan !

For summer I think Indian raw silk or a first class cream coloured linen fabric would be dashing.

Best,

Robert

**Mr. MacDougall** · 9th January 10, 11:52 AM

Certainly the fellows in the old paintings rocked the tartan doublet pretty well. I think I'll keep my tartan above the waist to the occasional waistcoat, though... these are different times. 8)

**Ancienne Alliance** · 9th January 10, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. MacDougall

Certainly the fellows in the old paintings rocked the tartan doublet pretty well. I think I'll keep my tartan above the waist to the occasional waistcoat, though... these are different times. 8)

Yes sir !

Let it not be said that we rock any less !

Best,

Robert