how should my argyll jacket fit?

[Mike S]

In fact, jackets have fallen almost completely out of use in the Pipe Band world. It's been years since a band in the Grade One Finals at The Worlds has worn them. Nowadays it's waistcoats only, a combination of expense and comfort driving the change.

Yes, and that is too bad. It is a trend in looks that I don't care for, and is entirely too informal for a Pipe Band IMO.

[Tobus]

Yes, and that is too bad. It is a trend in looks that I don't care for, and is entirely too informal for a Pipe Band IMO.

I agree. Short sleeves, waistcoat, and glengarry seems to be the new ubiquitous pipe band uniform, and it's a rather sorry state of affairs.

[OC Richard]

I agree. Short sleeves, waistcoat, and glengarry seems to be the new ubiquitous pipe band uniform, and it's a rather sorry state of affairs.

For sure Pipe Bands just don't look as smart and professional in waistcoats and shirtsleeves!

The short-sleeves-and-waistcoat fad seems to have abated: at the 2018 Worlds not a single Grade One band was wearing short-sleeved shirts. Soon enough the lower-level bands in the diaspora (like mine) will get the memo.

But it's also true that not a single Grade One band was wearing jackets. Or white hose.

[EagleJCS]

As a piper in a pipe band, my stance has always been that if it's hot enough to wear short sleeves, it's hot enough to ditch the vest/waiscoat and tie as well! Headgear can stay on to help those that are follicularly challenged if the band's going to be in direct sun.

Waiscoats and short sleeves don't go together in my book. Just looks odd.

[OC Richard]

As a piper in a pipe band, my stance has always been that if it's hot enough to wear short sleeves, it's hot enough to ditch the vest/waiscoat and tie as well!

What I find interesting is how often the military has more common sense in these matters than civilian pipe bands.

Here's what you say: no ties, and short (rolled-up) sleeves.



I was in a band back in 2005-2006 that didn't go with the waistcoat thing. We got the Pilot shirts, shortsleeved and with epaulettes, which were very comfortable in our hot weather. (Here's yours truly, making a bobble in the march-in!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6tammmA-GM

Waiscoats and short sleeves don't go together in my book. Just looks odd.

Yes for sure. But quite a few bands were doing that look, to the point that it was starting to look normal.

BTW do you play in the Louisville pipe band? I saw them recently in Wellington.

[Blaidd]

What I find interesting is how often the military has more common sense in these matters than civilian pipe bands.

Here's what you say: no ties, and short (rolled-up) sleeves.

Aye, good old fashioned 'shirt sleeve order' for Summer Dress....holds whatever the weather (and in the UK, Summer time is probably a Tuesday afternoon, between 1400 and 1500 - if we're lucky )

[EagleJCS]

BTW do you play in the Louisville pipe band? I saw them recently in Wellington.

I used to pipe with the Louisville Pipe Band (I was PS for a few years & led the band in a few comp's and performances). Haven't competed for a couple of years due to left shoulder issues. I actually played bass drum in last fall's 40th anniversary concert (regular bass player wasn't available).

They were up there in Wellington (OH Scottish Games) - I had to work. They took third place overall out of 4, drum corps got second as a corps.



Just to try to stay on topic (apologies to the OP for the side-track), I like my Argyll to fit like a regular sport coat, just cut for kilt length. Similar sleeve length and arm hole size. I have had some issues with trying to pipe as the left side of the jacket could ride up when moving the bag into place and occasionally the bag would start slipping down if I didn't get it high enough under my arm.