Enlisted mess dress ?

[Morris of Pabbay]

I am in search of an Enlisted Mess Dress jacket and Waistcoat in red for formal military functions. I know that there was an overabundence of them manufactured over the past 50 years, however seem as they do not exist. I have found a great tailors guide to possibly have one custom made, however, would like to see if there are any to purchase first... If anyone could help, it would be greatly appreciated !

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I am in search of an Enlisted Mess Dress jacket and Waistcoat in red for formal military functions. I know that there was an overabundence of them manufactured over the past 50 years, however seem as they do not exist. I have found a great tailors guide to possibly have one custom made, however, would like to see if there are any to purchase first... If anyone could help, it would be greatly appreciated !

Mess jackets (in the British army) aren't of a "universal" pattern-- each regiment has it's own distinctive trim and colours on the cuffs (and often on the collar and lapels as well). I mention this because it would be a bit incongruous to wear a Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers mess jacket with your kilt to a formal military function.

In the long run I believe you would be better off wearing a red waistcoat with an evening wear civilian Highland jacket or coatee on those formal military occasions when you would be kilted. There are two reasons that I hold this opinion:

1) It's a no-no to mix military and civilian items of dress at any time, but especially at a formal military function.

2) The wearing of a British regimental mess jacket with a kilt really will give you a "wanna be British army" look, probably an unintended consequence of how you'd be dressed, and something best avoided, especially if you are planning on wearing miniature medals on your jacket. (In other words, don't be a "Walt".)

If you prefer the look of a mess jacket over, say, a Prince Charlie coatee then you might want to consider having one made to a non-regimental pattern in the USA by this firm: www.customuniformcompany.com

[Morris of Pabbay]

Just what I am looking for... I should have stated that I wanted something generic as it will be worn with the U.S. Army tartan, and as a piper. I do not want the royal regimental look due to my service within this service. I am willing to spend the money to get something that will fit in at the MP dine in or out, and yet be a standout as a piper... U.S. Army green or mess dress black would be perfect... Thanks for the address and information, it pays to be on this thread!

Dan

[Azrobert]

Please, what does it mean " don't be a walt " ?

[cajunscot]

Please, what does it mean " don't be a walt " ?

As in Walter Mitty...

T.

[Bigkahuna]

Should you really, really desire British mess dress, try Hogspear on Ebay. He usually has one or two complete uniforms on hand at any given time. Be advised, the sizes run small.

[Morris of Pabbay]

I have noticed that British and Scottish soldiers were quite smaller. My grandfather was a Gordon highlander NCO, 3rd infantry brigade, 103rd Batallion (Princess Mary's). Stationed in Canada and later moving to New York after the war. I remember him as a small man that had a heart bigger than anyone I've known. He unfortunately left all memorabelia of his service behind him, and only few pictures remain. My father and I both served proudly in the U.S. Armed forces, my Father an Officer and I enlisted. Regardless of being a "Walt" I would prefer to honor my Grandfather by dressing in the fashion similar of a regimental NCO, yet adhere to my service traditions and honors that I have been awarded... I thank everyone for their help and advise, and wish everyone a Healthy and prosperous New years !!!

[Tim P]

I have to echo the sentiment that mixed dress is poor etiquette in any environment but a prince charlie jacket is as close to a mess dress cut jacket as you could hope for.
many tailors will make one in a colour complimentary to your tartan although black is universal.