Looking at argyles, but what length?

[Avonlea22]

I do have a tux jacket, and it fits well, but I'm curently on a weight loss program, so within a few months, I will hopefully be smaller (would not order the jacket until that time).

Do finer department stores sell argyle "type" jackets? If I were to go in and get measures, if I told them I'm ordering a jacket over the internet, and I have a choice between regular, long, etc., would they have the knowledge to tell me what I need, or do I just geuss?

This doesn't seem to be an easy task when you can't just go try it on.

[HeathBar]

Do finer department stores sell argyle "type" jackets? If I were to go in and get measures, if I told them I'm ordering a jacket over the internet, and I have a choice between regular, long, etc., would they have the knowledge to tell me what I need, or do I just geuss?

If only they did. Unfortnately, if you don't have a local higland wear shop nearby,your only option is internet/mail order.
As for proper measurement, you can always go to a formal wear shop, and asked to be sized for jacket with tails. They are probably the closest thing to the cut of a kilt jacket in the way they fit.

[macwilkin]

Do finer department stores sell argyle "type" jackets? If I were to go in and get measures, if I told them I'm ordering a jacket over the internet, and I have a choice between regular, long, etc., would they have the knowledge to tell me what I need, or do I just geuss?

Any good tailor should be able to take a look at the measuring instructions provided by Higgins and then measure you.

T.

[Alan]

Some jackets come with the sleeves unfinished. Just take them to a tailor and get them hemed. that way you know it will fit

[Zardoz]

I've got a lot of stuff, including an argyle jacket from J.Higgins. They are nice folks. I'm pleased with my jacket, it's nicely made from good weight material, with good details and functional pockets, including 2 inside pockets, which you don't always get on 'basic' or lower priced coats.

A bad picture of me in it can be found here; http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...t=14549&page=1

I was also concerned about fit and length. I generally need to get the sleeves shortened on most off the rack coats, so I measured a sportcoat that fits, and then called Higgins and talked to a sales rep. And I ended up with a jacket that fit well right out of the box. I went for the gauntlet cuffs, but if you are leaning toward the straight or PC cuff, I figure those will be easier to alter for length than the gauntlets if you need to.

[Colin]

Personally i like the gauntlet sleeves the best, but get what you like the most as you will be the one wearing it.

As for sizing, check out a few sites for their measurement instructions:

http://www.jhiggins.net/sf_mguide.asp

http://kiltstore.net/product_popup.h...=0:id=FgCSDxS8

If you go with J.Higgin's argyle, I would suggest seriously considering getting the waistcoat as well. If you think you may wear it, it is going to be a good investment for an extra $60 http://www.jhiggins.net/sf_proddetai...181C0C0OQSP9FD

If you decide to order one in the future or from another supplier it may not be an exact match with the jacket.

Good luck with the purchase, I find that an good kilt jacket just completes the look.

[Avonlea22]

Thanks all for your input.

The wife said an argyle isn't in the budget quite yet, so I have some time to think about this.

Now I need to decide if I want to go with a more formal black, or a more practical and casual charcoal. I like the idea and look of the waistcoat, but that obviously goes with only the black.

I'm amazed at the price difference between the black and charcoal argyle, though.

Maybe a charcoal argyle and a nice bottle green tie. hmm. so many choices.

[GlassMan]

Not really, they sell very nice matching waistcoats for charcoal, lovat blue & lovat green at many retailers too.