Vest advice

**Mikilt** · 2nd November 10, 09:15 AM

Hello all,
My "winter" DIY project will be an X-Kilt, but first I am working on a vest that can be worn with my kilt. It's tough to see examples online because they only show the front of the vest. I am not sure what material should be used for the back.

When it comes to a waistcoat, I would surely use silk or polyester. But for a simple vest, similar perhaps to an Argyll vest, can the back be the same wool as the front?

This is an on-my-way project. I don't really know how to sew so I am taking on progressively more difficult projects before attempting an X-Kilt.

**Zardoz** · 2nd November 10, 09:38 AM

Most waistcoats in Highland wear have the back done in the vest/jacket lining material.

**Mikilt** · 2nd November 10, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Most waistcoats in Highland wear have the back done in the vest/jacket lining material.

Thanks! In Highland wear, can the terms "waistcoat" and "vest" be used interchangeably?

**HeathBar** · 2nd November 10, 09:54 AM

Is this a vest/waistcoat that you are going to wear with a jacket? If so then go with Zardoz's suggestion and match the lining material. If not, then I would make the back out of the same material as the front.

**Mikilt** · 2nd November 10, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by HeathBar

Is this a vest/waistcoat that you are going to wear with a jacket?

Ah, I do not own a jacket and had not planned on wearing one. I might save myself a bit of sewing (not to mention a trip to the fabric store) by simply making the front and back from the same material.

**Tobus** · 2nd November 10, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by HeathBar

Is this a vest/waistcoat that you are going to wear with a jacket? If so then go with Zardoz's suggestion and match the lining material. If not, then I would make the back out of the same material as the front.

That's what I would do too. A waistcoat looks a bit 'unfinished' to me when worn by itself, if it has only a silk (or other lining material) back. I believe silk is usually used for the back so that you don't get friction between it and the inside of a jacket. But without the jacket, that issue goes away, and I think it looks better to use the same material as the front. That's just my opinion, though, and I've certainly seen a lot of folks running around with a waistcoat, sans jacket, with a silk back, so apparently that's not 'wrong'.

**Mikilt** · 2nd November 10, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

That's what I would do too. A waistcoat looks a bit 'unfinished' to me when worn by itself, if it has only a silk (or other lining material) back. I believe silk is usually used for the back so that you don't get friction between it and the inside of a jacket. But without the jacket, that issue goes away, and I think it looks better to use the same material as the front. That's just my opinion, though, and I've certainly seen a lot of folks running around with a waistcoat, sans jacket, with a silk back, so apparently that's not 'wrong'.

That is kinda what I wanted to hear. More than anything, I wanted my vest project to be the best that it could be. I agree that the back matching the front is going to look best for my usage and wear.

Thanks to all!

**lethearen** · 2nd November 10, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by Mikilt

Thanks! In Highland wear, can the terms "waistcoat" and "vest" be used interchangeably?

In the US, we use the two interchangeably for the most part. But I believe that they have drastically different connotations across the pond. The article you're describing would be a "waistcoat" in that vernacular. A "vest" I've heard is a sleeveless undershirt, I believe?

**piperdbh** · 2nd November 10, 12:38 PM

Some waistcoats are made with a satin back to save the expense of making the whole thing out of wool. Others, particularly tartan waistcoats, may or may not have a tartan back. Ultimately, it's your vest, and you're making it, so use whatever you want.

**Pleater** · 2nd November 10, 03:52 PM

It might prove rather expensive to make a waistcoat if you intend to cut it on the bias, and do it all in tartan. Laying out the pieces at 45 degrees to the corners and matching the front edges too eats up a lot of fabric.

As it is intended for a garment in its own right I wondered if making the back from a toning colour of plain wool would suit you - cut on the straight grain it would be economical but also warm and sturdy.

In England a vest is worn next to the skin, is usually made from white jersey material and varies from a brief singlet to a long sleeved high necked tunic depending on the season and the hardiness of the wearer.

Anne the Pleater