Conversion / Alteration options - to alter or to leave it be??

[unclevenus]

Hello, all!

Following the lead from a previous post (called Lucked out today), I found jacket today. Was wondering if some of you with more knowledge / experience on jackets would do if this jacket was theirs. It's a bit snug on the wearing, but I like it that way. I am wondering if I could wear this in semi-formal / formal occasions. I'm happy with how it is, but have not ruled out making any kind of alteration or conversion. Being new to the jackets, I am not sure what kind of look they should have when wearing out (ie: are my pockets too high/low, is the wear too tight in appearance, etc.) Here's what it looks like. Also put a shot of the tartan I may wear it with.

[Scout]

"As is" you'll find it too long to wear with your kilt. You'll want to shorten it so it ends around the bottom of the fell and modify the front with a sporran cut out. Once shortened your pockets will be too low. An easy solution would be to make them "false" pockets by sewing them closed and making pocket flaps (from the left over material from shortening the jacket) that just cover the opening. That way they'll appear to be higher on the jacket than they actually are. I imagine it has a center vent in back. You might also stitch that closed and add two side vents along the seams.

There are several threads and some great instructions here on the forum that will be helpful. Just do a search for "jacket conversion." Good luck!

[Mikilt]

Unclevenus,

Here is a similar jacket conversion I did. I just cut it to length and shaped the sporran cutaway, then I had a tailor sew it up for me.

[Downunder Kilt]

For truly formal events ie Black Tie or above, no. Tweed jackets at the uppermost is the equivalent of wearing a business suit.
As for semi formal, it does not translate down here.