Opinions on the Piper Flex Argyll Jacket?

[Willie T]

I'm very interested in hearing some opinions on the Piper Flex Argyll Jacket. Does the difference in construction do all that it claims to do? If one were to wear it for events other than piping, could it still pass as a standard Argyll jacket or are there noticeable differences?

[Jock Scot]

Completely off topic Willie, sorry! I have just noticed your "signature" below your post. You may be interested to know that the proverb that you quote is based on fact! This cairn was erected to mark the event, not far from where I stay.

[RockyR]

I'm very interested in hearing some opinions on the Piper Flex Argyll Jacket. Does the difference in construction do all that it claims to do? If one were to wear it for events other than piping, could it still pass as a standard Argyll jacket or are there noticeable differences?

Yes, it does do all it says and yes, it can still be worn for other events.

What it does:

1. Smaller arm holes with the bottom seam sewn higher on the jacket body. This gives more range of motion to your arms without the shoulder lifting up. When you have a pipe bag tucked under your arm, it can be tucked higher and more comfortably.

2. The back panels on the jacket are not pure wool. They're a wool lycra blend, cut on the bias. This gives you up to 2" of flex (hence the name) in the back panels. Real world example - try to touch your elbows in front of your body. The back of the jacket would flex with your stretching.

3. The half back measurement on the jacket is slightly bigger than standard. Again, it gives you a bit more room across the back and helps you to flex a bit easier.

4. The chain button closure in front keeps the jacket closed "ish". In a regular Argyll, you wouldn't button the front and the side of the jacket where you held your pipe bag would open and 'dangle'. If you DID button your standard Argyll, it would restrict your range of motion trying to hold your bag under your arm. The Piper Flex has a chain closure to sort of "split the difference". It keeps the front of the jacket looking good (closed), but allows a bit of flexibility for greater motion.

I hope this info helps!

Here's a link to the Piper Flex on our site: https://www.usakilts.com/piper-flex-jacket.html

Side note... we've done TWEED Piper Cut (not flex) jackets for different pipe bands. Even without the flex part across the back, the tighter arm holes, chain closure and increase half back really makes a difference in comfort while trying to play (as reported by the bands).

[KD Burke]

I happen to own one of Rocky's Piper Flex Argyll jackets. I've worn it for piping. I've worn it to black tie events.

Works brilliantly for both!

If I didn't already own one, I'd buy in a heartbeat!

[Katia]

Yes, it does do all it says and yes, it can still be worn for other events.

What it does:

1. Smaller arm holes with the bottom seam sewn higher on the jacket body. This gives more range of motion to your arms without the shoulder lifting up. When you have a pipe bag tucked under your arm, it can be tucked higher and more comfortably.

2. The back panels on the jacket are not pure wool. They're a wool lycra blend, cut on the bias. This gives you up to 2" of flex (hence the name) in the back panels. Real world example - try to touch your elbows in front of your body. The back of the jacket would flex with your stretching.

3. The half back measurement on the jacket is slightly bigger than standard. Again, it gives you a bit more room across the back and helps you to flex a bit easier.

4. The chain button closure in front keeps the jacket closed "ish". In a regular Argyll, you wouldn't button the front and the side of the jacket where you held your pipe bag would open and 'dangle'. If you DID button your standard Argyll, it would restrict your range of motion trying to hold your bag under your arm. The Piper Flex has a chain closure to sort of "split the difference". It keeps the front of the jacket looking good (closed), but allows a bit of flexibility for greater motion.

I hope this info helps!

Here's a link to the Piper Flex on our site: https://www.usakilts.com/piper-flex-jacket.html

Side note... we've done TWEED Piper Cut (not flex) jackets for different pipe bands. Even without the flex part across the back, the tighter arm holes, chain closure and increase half back really makes a difference in comfort while trying to play (as reported by the bands).

How well does all of this work when the arms are raised? (Thinking specifically in terms of, would it also be beneficial to tenor {and some bass} drummers? I keep telling my drum teacher we need to invent a band-uniform Argyll with gussets in the underarms of the sleeves so the jacket doesn't ride up while flourishing. At least, this is how one keeps a Highland dance jacket from riding up when the arms are raised, and I assume the same principle could work for drummers as well.)

[jumary]

[QUOTE=Jock Scot;1337170]Completely off topic Willie, sorry! I have just noticed your "signature" below your post. You may be interested to know that the proverb that you quote is based on fact! This cairn was erected to mark the event, not far from where I stay.

This sound a bit similar to the fighting at Burnside Bridge at the battle of Antietam where a small group of Confederate sharpshooters held off a larger force of Union soldiers