Velvet Argyll jackets

[KD Burke]

Cool to see velvet jackets being worn nowadays!

Do you get slippage if you're wearing the velvet Sheriffmuir and using a velvet bag-cover?

Actually it's odd about the velvet bag-covers, I've played them for 40 years and never had a problem with them slipping.

Then a few years ago I got a velvet bag-cover with the Dycem patches, but when I debuted it at a wedding gig I could barely play my pipes! It was the first time I had a bag constantly slipping down. I never wore that cover again.

I've not noticed any bag slippage issues. I have noticed that it gets VERY warm in there when playing (it's wool velvet).

[KnittedReenactor]

Less than US$100 shipped for jacket and waistcoat, Pakistan shipped, wool and polyester listed as materials, ebay. But 100% positive feedback over the past year.
Definite crapshoot with Pakistani ebay sales. I am overly cautious until someone else gives it a try.
FYI- They also have a sherrifmuir set for about same price.

[figheadair]

A velvet jacket can be a nice feature for evening wear but as with everything in life, one gets what one pays for. Personally I would avoid these.

[Jock Scot]

A velvet jacket can be a nice feature for evening but with everything in life, one gets what one pays for. Personally I would avoid these.

Sage advice there.

[kingandrew]

A velvet bow tie is usually one of the permanently made up sort, with a band which clips together inside the back of the bow - and the band is not velvet - I have to confess to owning such a thing in a slightly over the top size, and would not consider it manly in my own social circle - but of course these things differ according to place.

When I was a child, in the 1970s, the super-sized velvet pre-tied bow was an all too popular item of evening wear, often paired with a powder blue polyester tuxedo jacket featuring truly massive lapels and formal trousers of the same garish material (with flared legs). The ensemble would be completed with a ruffled shirt, with a gigantic collar that was thought to "balance" the double-wide lapels and clown-size tie. Prom pictures from the era memorialize this unfortunate look.

It's just one more reason I am glad that the era of Watergate and disco is behind us.

The black bow tie I wear on formal occasions is the same silk self-tie one I've had since my own prom in the 1980s, although it was an older item I bought at a vintage shop then.

I like the idea of velvet jackets, especially for evening wear. I am not so sure about the matching vest and definitely skeptical of the low price for a brand-new item. It would be more believable for a pre-owned jacket, perhaps ex-hire or discovered in Grandpa's attic.

Andrew

[Macman]

When I was a child, in the 1970s, the super-sized velvet pre-tied bow was an all too popular item of evening wear, often paired with a powder blue polyester tuxedo jacket featuring truly massive lapels and formal trousers of the same garish material (with flared legs). The ensemble would be completed with a ruffled shirt, with a gigantic collar that was thought to "balance" the double-wide lapels and clown-size tie. Prom pictures from the era memorialize this unfortunate look.

I was married in that outfit, only the colour was green! Picture patent leather dark green shoes as well!

[Pleater]

Persons of a sensitive disposition might wish to avoid reading this description.

The oversized velvet bow tie was worn with a burgundy satin blouse and patent leather burgundy boots, and a green velvet suit - formerly a trouser suit but the trousers had been damaged in the shop, by someone walking past with a cigarette. I got it for very little money and made the trousers into knee length britches, added gold braid (sorry) made a cap from one of the cut off bits and wore it on stage for quite a long time.
As the boots had platform soles and six inch heels I was almost 6ft tall.
That would have been in the early 70s - when I had a 24 inch waist and could sit on my hair if it was loose.

Only this last Thursday at the Morris side Christmas meet, I wore a gown of dark green crushed velvet and added crimson ribbons - and sang as well as played the music. Why break the habit of a lifetime?