Quote Originally Posted by piperalpha View Post
Would you have a photo of the waist coat? I’m going to have a few yards of Tartan leftover from my new kilt.
Using the excess material from your kilt is the best way to get a matching waistcoat. Nothing removes the difficulties of matching tones, shades, colours, cloth-weight, etc, in quite the same way.

You also have additional options with a matching bespoke-made waistcoat. Length in body, number of buttons, pockets, style of lapels and the like are all open to you own personal choice - even having the back made in the same material, which can be a good option if warmth is a consideration, or if you in the habit of taking off your jacket and you don't want to appear 'undressed'.

Like looking at you watch, there are rules about removing your jacket in the presence of ladies - strictly speaking, a waistcoat is underwear, and taking off your jacket is akin to taking off your shoes in company.

Matching the sett as it gets displayed on the front aprons of the kilt is one option that appeals to many, so that the tartan is used vertically in the waistcoat, and follows on directly from the kilt. But this removes the contrast between the two garments, which is why so many men prefer a bias-cut on the diagonal. Some setts can be arranged to form quite decorative patterns in this way. Accurate pattern-matching is crucial, as the slightest error becomes strikingly obvious.

You will need to allow half a yard of double-width material for a waistcoat, more if you want the back in self-material, too, and sufficient for lapels, pocket welts, flaps, etc.

My recommendation would be to get a selection of pictures showing style elements you fancy, and take them to your tailor for his advice and guidance. And remember to wear your kilt when being measured, as you want to avoid it being too long and coming below the bottom of the jacket. Many tailors will try to use their own 'standard' pattern (which is designed to go with trousers) so be prepared to be strict and stand your ground..!

Alternatively, you can opt for something like this - https://www.houseofbruar.com/m-db-pl...ed-red-38-red/ which is the same flat-bottom style of mine in the pictures, and not a bad price, either. Bespoke would be about three times the amount in my experience.