PC or regulation doublet?

**freddie** · 10th June 07, 02:59 PM

How about this for a nice twist on a Regulation Doublet ?

I found it on the Gleniff website http://www.glenniff.co.uk/index.htm

**kevinkinney** · 10th June 07, 05:57 PM

Cool,

Nice style. I like it. Looks like I'll have yet another thing to contemplate making. Darn hobbiest genetics- other's in my family tree have found themselves grinding telescope lenses and building ships for fun. My dad was on his way to becoming a master knifemaker before FEMA called him to service. Now he just collects classy cutlery in his spare time.

For those of you on the thin side, the Ebay store Monkeysuits has plenty of old formal coats in the 42 and below range. At $16 to $45 each, they can't be beat for jackets. I bought extras just for the fabric. While I'm proud that we support excellent kilt makers, I'm not too proud to help others find goodies at bargain prices.

Cheers,

Kevin.

**angerli** · 12th June 07, 06:43 PM

Hi, Lads and Lassies!

I wouldn't say that this thread is my favourite subject to wax on, but I have a soft spot for the RD for one particular reason:

There are SO many PCs out there, probably on account of it being the formal jacket of choice for the hire companies, that the RD looks nicer because, if for no other reason, it's not seen as often. I also favour the Argyll cuffs as having more style than the plain cuffs on the PC. That's just my observation. All things being equal, it shouldn't matter which one to wear for formal occasions, be it a PC, RD, Montrose Doublet, Sherriffmuir, etc...

Sandy

**Robin** · 13th June 07, 01:49 AM

In the Netherlands...and probably most of Europe...the etiquette and dress code are slightly different as in the USA.
The dress code dictates what we should wear, little room for personal preferences.
Underdressed is not good...overdressed is as bad...or even worse.

Black tie:
All men wear a black tuxedo (coloured tuxedos are not done!) with black (mostly silk covered) buttons, a white tuxedo shirt, cufflinks, a black bow tie, black socks and polished black (laqué is classic, with or without buckles) brogues...no wingtips. A black cumberbund is optional. No hats, no medals or any other kind of bling bling.
When you wear anything else you will stand out and that's not good! The point of black tie is: equal among peers. All look equaly good.

So when you wear a kilt...don't go over the top either (we already stand out because of the kilt and dress sporran) and a black Prince Charlie jacket seems the best way to go. No dirks, swords, powderhorns, plaids, medals etc.

Don't shoot me...just explaining "the local rules"

**orangehaggis** · 13th June 07, 05:16 AM

In re the last point, one must remember that the Highlanders' formal costume has always been "over the top!" The "bling bling" was a result of the Highlander investing his fortune into dress accessories which was a more stable investment at the time than putting his money into a bank. I say if you're going to wear the kilt to a black tie function, follow Highland/Scottish etiquette rather than that of your trousered fellows.

I would, however, like to see a black tie option for the kilt that corresponds to modern trends in dinner jackets which tend to look like black suit jackets with silk lapels, and high necked waistcoats. Perhaps a more formal version of the Argyll jacket? With His Grace's permission, maybe it could be called the Duke of Argyll?

Mark O - Ohio

**Robin** · 13th June 07, 05:54 AM

one must remember that the Highlanders' formal costume has always been "over the top!"

Georgian and Victorian era fashion...yes, but it's 2007 now

costume

A garment...costumes are for carnavalesque parties.

follow Highland/Scottish etiquette rather than that of your trousered fellows.

Is there a difference? Maybe some Scots can chime in to explain what's different...if at all.
And I really think it's a good idea to adapt to the etiquette of the country we live in...or visit.

**Phil** · 13th June 07, 06:39 AM

Originally Posted by orangehaggis

In re the last point, one must remember that the Highlanders' formal costume has always been "over the top!" The "bling bling" was a result of the Highlander investing his fortune into dress accessories which was a more stable investment at the time than putting his money into a bank.

I believe the reason for silver buttons was to ensure the wearer had a decent funeral should he be unlucky enough to be killed while away from home.

I have a blue velvet doublet which can be worn with either a jabot or a bow tie and can be unbuttoned when things get hot on the dance floor.

I still think the sheriffmuir is the most versatile all-rounder which you can wear from very casual to very formal, daytime and evening.

**kevinkinney** · 13th June 07, 01:17 PM

Robin has a valid point.

Simply wearing a kilt in public makes a bold statement. Mine see more use in the woods than anywhere else. (Although black fly season is upon us now.) Going over the top with formality may be a bit too much for our town.

While I've yet to meet another kilted man in our sleepy northern city, I know they're up here. I'll attend a few more events first and get a better idea which type of dress is appropriate for the locals. The few black tie events we've attended in Duluth are for the mushing community. Bless their hearts, but some of them show up looking and smelling like their kennels, with their dogs waiting in the parking lot.

Thus far, my quiet life hasn't left me with a raft of medals to clutter my lapel. I'm not in the habit of wearing weaponry in public, so I'll reserve my nice new dirk for family gatherings. Even the cantle on my sporran is dulled from hand working the copper before plating, so it may not even cast a reflection.

In the mean time, I'll simply order another tailcoat, and use it to outfit BOTH styles of jackets. I still need more buttons though....lots of nice big shiny ones.

Kevin.

**orangehaggis** · 13th June 07, 01:17 PM

I don't know if I'd wear the Sheriffmuir for casual, but does it ever look nice in your photo! Where'd you get it??

Mark O - Ohio

**Phil** · 13th June 07, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by orangehaggis

I don't know if I'd wear the Sheriffmuir for casual, but does it ever look nice in your photo! Where'd you get it??

Mark O - Ohio

The doublet in the photo isn't a sheriffmuir. It is a Montrose doublet made by Stewart Christie tailors in Edinburgh. It is different from the Montrose most other firms sell which is a double breasted doublet without the tashes. I will try and post a photo of the sheriffmuir to give you an idea but I really do think it is the best all-round jacket for day and evening wear and can look as formal or casual as you like - and like as not nobody else will have one.