What to (or not to) wear with your Kilt

[Ian.MacAllan]

Often the bride's mother is the recognized arbiter of appropriate attire and behavior at a wedding, if she's qualified and willing. I understand that this is a reception, not the wedding, but I think it would be gracious to consult her unless you have persuasive evidence of her lacking judgement. Your parents, because of their familiarity with Scots' attire, your circumstances, and the personalities of the bride's mother and some of the other guests, probably can offer good advice.

I think the key to fitting in at most social affairs is doing what is expected. The real challenge is in figuring out in advance what will be expected, and for that knowing the players is often more helpful than knowing the rules.

Best wishes for a very good time at the reception.

.

[Chef]

Since your Dad is wearing a PC I would consider renting one. Matt Newsome is located in NC and he rents PC's as well as full kilt outfits. You can check his site HERE. If he can't rent you an Argyll he can probably point you to someone who can

Please don't wear a sportcoat with the kilt. They just look wrong. The waistcoat is a possibility but only if you expect other guests will be coming without a jacket. If the men are expected to wear a jacket and tie (semi-formal) or more formal then a waistcoat is not appropriate. If you don't think you will be needing a formal jacket other than for this event for the foreseeable future renting is likely your best short term option.

Of course if the invitation is (semi-formal) the PC is a bit dressy (an Argyll is perfect) but you will look good. Another option for semi-formal would be to hit the second hand shops for an inexpensive tweed jacket and then have a tailor convert it for you. Personally I would go with the PC to be on the safe side. Do a conversion when you have the money for a second choice in case it doesn't come out as hoped.

Yes your cream hose are fine with a white shirt if you go with a PC or a conversion. There are members on the forum who prefer coloured hose, but I would rather see you put the money into a jacket than worry about the hose since yours would be appropriate.

As far as the tie if you go with a PC you get a black bow tie. If you can find an Argyll or if you do a conversion you can wear the matching tie you already own. Not my favourite choice (I prefer solids as well) but it is acceptable so spend the money elsewhere.

[Mr. Woolery]

One expedient used by less affluent pipe bands (or bands in hot places) is not to wear a jacket. Use a long sleeved white dress shirt and wear a black waistcoat (vest). You may well find a good one at a thrift store, actually.

As to tie, the rule I like to use is that black never lets you down. Black vest, black tie, white shirt and you will look sharp. Cream hose will almost certainly work fine with the ensemble. However, would just a vest be too informal for this event?

My wife's rule of thumb is that if something looks appropriate for the occasion from the waist up, it will generally be acceptable with the kilt. So, for example, while lots of people love poofy "Jacobite" shirts, if such is not appropriate for the chosen venue when worn with trousers, it will not likely be appropriate with a kilt.

I'm going to say that some sport coats are cut lower than others. Try yours in front of a mirror and see what you think. I suspect that it will be too long, as others here are saying, but it is worth trying it on. If in doubt, have someone take a picture and post it here for advice.

There is also a thread with lots of discussion about formal wear with the kilt on the cheap. I seem to recall the idea of a waiter's tux jacket being easily made to work well. The cost was in the neighborhood of $30 for the jacket. Look for that thread for details.

-Patrick

[Gàidhlig]

Ok, I think I have almost all the info that I need except this.....


What is the difference in the sport coat, and an argyle jacket? Is it just the cut? Could I purchase a black sport coat at a thirft store, and modify it by, say...cutting the waist length shorter? What separates a sport coat, from an Argyle?
I have limited budget, and time...but my wife can sew like the dickens.

[Monkey@Arms]

Ok, I think I have almost all the info that I need except this.....


What is the difference in the sport coat, and an argyle jacket? Is it just the cut? Could I purchase a black sport coat at a thirft store, and modify it by, say...cutting the waist length shorter? What separates a sport coat, from an Argyle?
I have limited budget, and time...but my wife can sew like the dickens.

Mainly its about the cut. Shorter, and with room for the sporran. If you do a search for jacket conversions on the forum, you'll find detailed discussions as to how to go about converting a sport coat to kilt jacket, and lots of great photos of the work in progress. Good luck.

Best regards,

Jake

[McMurdo]

This is my Braemar jacket


This is one of my Argyll's


As you can see they both look different from a sport coat, they are shorter than a sport coat, and as M@A said above there is room for the sporran, also notice the difference in the sleeve detail, the pocket detail and the epaulettes.
Those are the differences and the reasons why a sport jacket does not work well with with a kilt.
I would still say see if you can rent what you need to complete the kilt outfit so that it will work for the wedding, best of luck with it.

[Chef]

Ok, I think I have almost all the info that I need except this.....


What is the difference in the sport coat, and an argyle jacket? Is it just the cut? Could I purchase a black sport coat at a thirft store, and modify it by, say...cutting the waist length shorter? What separates a sport coat, from an Argyle?
I have limited budget, and time...but my wife can sew like the dickens.

As mentioned take a look at the jacket conversions, other than the extra decorating details (which you can pass on) there are three main differences. First is the length. The jacket should finish at approximately the bottom of the fell on your kilt. Second is the shape of the front; it curves away more than a sportcoat does. Lastly is the fit. A kilt jacket is a more fitted jacket than a sports coat.

If the event is a semi-formal I would pass on the black sport coat in favour of a dark tweed instead. You don't want the finish of the jacket to be too smooth as it will look a bit odd with the kilt and unless you find a black camel hair jacket a black sport coat will likely have the wrong finish.. A tweed give the texture that looks well with the wool of the kilt so the jacket you make will end up looking more traditional.

[ian]

Make sure the tie is the proper length.

[Daaaaang]

Yeah, you'll definitely want to tie your tie shorter than with pants, or it looks pretty weird.

Also, in before somebody says they can't see a tie in that picture.

[bjproc]

^^ geeeez