Seeking a 'suit' equivalent kilt jacket on a budget

[Highwayman]

To explain, a Masonic group I'm an officer of recently lightened up and is allowing kilts for suit and tie occasions. I own a Prince Charlie tux...But for occasions where everyone else is in a suit, that's just out of place. Any leads on what kind of jacket is the 'suit' equivalent, with ideally a slot for a pocket square? Ideally keeping it affordable, this is not daily wear and is still in my special occasion budget.

[McMurdo]

What you are looking for is an Argyll jacket. Something like this



I would suggest going to www.ebay.co.uk

I just found this one, not sure what size you need but there are normally quite a few to choose from.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Mans-Argyll-...0AAOSw6Axd486R

[The Wizard of BC]

Or what is called by one maker a Wallace Jacket.

This jacket differs from the Argyle in that it has a 3 button front closure, no epaulets, no scalloped and buttoned pocket flaps, and instead of the Argyle gauntlet cuff has a normal jacket 3 button cuff.

Here is a Wallace in black Barathea with standard square buttons. Some sellers offer more than one style of button.


Or, if you wish the same jacket in a wide range of Tweed fabrics.



One of the great things about this jacket is that it looks much more like a suit coat than the Argyle's military inspired look.

And with a simple change of vest can become quite unique and personal.

[OC Richard]

Yes an Argyll jacket.

Here's a number of gents in 1960 showing the sort of variety one might see in Scotland, at least at that time.



About the "budget" part, one can pick up a nice used/vintage jacket on Ebay for not a ton of money.

My size (50) comes up rarely but still I found this fine vintage jacket for around $100.

[gsmacleod]

In addition to eBay, I've had good luck with Etsy and Kijiji (free Canadian classifieds). I've picked up some great vintage jackets for not much money.

Here's one of my favourite finds:



Shane

[ShaunMaxwell]

I concur on the ebay advice...

Here are a few I've found on ebay, and all were bargains:



Good luck in your hunt!

SM

[Tobus]

I dare not show a photo of all my vintage eBay tweed jackets, for fear I'll realise how many I actually have. But yes, if you are patient, eBay will eventually have an incredible deal on a kilt jacket in your size.

Keep in mind that you needn't go with a charcoal or black jacket as a suit equivalent. Just because most suits are dark doesn't mean that the Highland equivalent has to be.

[gsmacleod]

I concur on the ebay advice...

Here are a few I've found on ebay, and all were bargains:



Good luck in your hunt!

SM

Love the green check (well, all of the actually). There's a green check on eBay now that I'm tempted by but the shipping and import fees make it a little more than I want to spend right before Christmas. Not that I need another jacket but sometimes it's hard to pass up a great looking jacket!

Shane

[OC Richard]

About vintage tweed Argyll jackets on Ebay, I probably see a hundred in 38 and another hundred in 40 for every one in 50.

And the majority of the size 50 jackets are Short, which I can't wear.

A 50R or 50L shows up every few years, and I usually buy it.

So, my "collection" is self-limiting! I have three now, from nearly 20 years looking. One came all moth-eaten and can only be worn to the Rugby.

Another has a little bit of mothing. Beggars can't be choosers!

[ASinclair]

I bought this lovely Harris Tweed jacket in a local thrift shop for $10. My sweetie, @carolinanan117 (who sews, yea!) converted it for wear with a kilt.



Just another possibility.