The ideal time for the black argyll

[OC Richard]

Back to the original topic of "when is the ideal time to wear a black Argyll" I said earlier that in the latter half of the 19th century it seemed to be just another cut of Evening jacket, that the fact that it was black seemed to make it suitable for Evening attire to kiltwearers then.

I was surprised to, just now, come across this photo from a Highland Dress catalogue from perhaps around 1930 illustrating the Argyll jacket as one of several Evening Dress choices (the others being Doublet, Prince Charlie, and Montrose).

So here, well up into the 20th century, is the Argyll's 'ideal time' shown as Evening. Note the low-cut waistcoat and white bow tie



Here's what you often see in the latter half of the 19th century: full elaborate Highland costume worn with a quite plain ordinary jacket