A trans-Atlantic thing?

**Nighthawk** · 27th February 08, 12:18 PM

Personally, I own an Argyle waistcoat, ivory tuxedo shirt, and a pair of Wolfe family tartan cufflinks. I have a formal Clergy tartan kilt and matching tie. That's the most formal I have. I haven't scraped together the cash for my own PC yet. That's next.

**JS Sanders** · 27th February 08, 12:21 PM

To address Jock Scot's original post....

I too subscribe to the belief that a silver-buttoned black Argyll jacket works well as daytime kilted formalwear. I pipe at a lotta weddings year round and formal wear is hardly foreign to me. In fact, currently working on wearing out a 2nd Prince Charlie.

I try to follow fashion trends with the Argyll, and don a waistcoat of a color other than black, these are fairly inexpensive. In the US, this is the current style favored by groomsmen, with a differing color for the bridegroom.

If it's a formal event after 1700 hrs, a Prince Charlie rig comes into play, black or white tie.

Many folks don't care for them, however, I purchased a "scrunch tie" a few months ago in Scotland - it's a pleasant change from the usual black bow tie. They are unheard of here, yet folks seem to be intrigued by it.

Really don't have a desire for a Sheriffmuir or Montrose. The PC is warm enough for half the year. I do own a piper's doublet with the usual accoutrements, but only wear that when requested. Chicks really dig it, but wow! - is that get-up uncomfortable.

Slainte,
steve

**Chef** · 27th February 08, 02:18 PM

I get the chance to attend a great number of black tie events and then there are events, where as a presenter, I am in black tie even though it may be optional for attendees.

I see many people wearing suits to events that ask for black tie, but interestingly I see few people kilted at black tie events with anything but a PC. I would guess that most people who belong to a Scottish society buy the PC because they expect to wear it to the ball and likely no where else.

Evidence for this can, I think, be seen at funerals. I have been asked, in the past few years, to be a pall bearer at three funerals. All of the funerals were for well respected members of various Scottish organisations and they asked that the pall bearers be kilted. At all of them at least two or more of the pall bearers were wearing a PC with a regular tie. I believe that is probably because it is the only kilt jacket they own.

I am probably one of the few who owns an Argyle, PC and Doublet. I never wear the Argyle for black-tie but for semi-formal evening or formal day wear. The PC I wear either as an attendee at a black tie event or if I am a presenter where I will likely be the only one kilted. The Montrose is saved for white tie or presenting to audiences who are likely to be dressed in the kilt. I am planning to get a Regulation Doublet this summer for the next black tie season. I don't need it but I have always wanted one and I like the idea of wearing it rather than the PC. That and the fact that I can also get a white waistcoat for for formal affairs.

**James MacMillan** · 27th February 08, 02:38 PM

Gee - I would never think of wearing a PC with a regular tie - of course with my beard, nobody sees the bow tie anyway.

When it comes to ties; PC = Bow tie; Argyle, Braemar, Crail = regular tie.

**JS Sanders** · 27th February 08, 02:57 PM

Geez - don't get me really going on funeral attire. I pipe at more of them than weddings, so several times weekly I have the opportunity to make these observations.

In cooler months, most folks tend to dress more properly - but they could do better. In summer though, it seems all bets are off. Most funeral graveside services are performed early-mid afternoon. It can be oppressively hot. I've seen many folks pass out from the heat, even members of military details.

That said, too many mourners show up wearing T-shirts, sandals, knee-length shorts, unshaven, etc. Many of these people look like they just left a pool party. I can understand removing an outer jacket or even shirt sleeves. I'm paid to perform & be properly attired, but if it tops 95 degrees, mine comes off.

Countless times I've seen shapely young females wearing black dresses - but they're black cocktail dresses!

And then there's those cursed cellphones no one ever silences....

Slainte,
steve

**berserkbishop** · 27th February 08, 03:54 PM

The best I own right now is a Green Harris tweed day jacket. It is very nice and has served me well so far. One day I would like to have a black Argyle or a regulation doublet. Right now, I cant afford such luxuries though. Eventually. . . . I have worn the get up I have to Burn's suppers and inductions. I dont have ANY black tie wear, kilted or not, so I wear the best I have.

BB

**James MacMillan** · 27th February 08, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by berserkbishop

The best I own right now is a Green Harris tweed day jacket. It is very nice and has served me well so far. One day I would like to have a black Argyle or a regulation doublet. Right now, I cant afford such luxuries though. Eventually. . . . I have worn the get up I have to Burn's suppers and inductions. I dont have ANY black tie wear, kilted or not, so I wear the best I have.

BB

This = "so I wear the best I have." says a lot...

Bravo!!!

**Chef** · 27th February 08, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by James MacMillan

Gee - I would never think of wearing a PC with a regular tie - of course with my beard, nobody sees the bow tie anyway.

When it comes to ties; PC = Bow tie; Argyle, Braemar, Crail = regular tie.

James, I agree that a regular tie with a PC is incorrect, that was my point. That even though it was during the day they were wearing a PC, probably because it was the only jacket they had.

**Coemgen** · 27th February 08, 05:27 PM

The most formal I have is a Prince Charlie. Actually, that's the only kilt jacket I have. I would like, at some point, to have an Argyle, a tweed jacket (no particular preference), and a Montrose. For now, when I go to non-Black tie formal occasions, I usually wear pants and a jacket with a regular tie.

**mexpiper** · 27th February 08, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by JS Sanders

Many folks don't care for them, however, I purchased a "scrunch tie" a few months ago in Scotland - it's a pleasant change from the usual black bow tie. They are unheard of here, yet folks seem to be intrigued by it.

I love the look of the Scrunch tie. I wore mine to the SOKS Burns Dinner. ( I actually made it!).I will make another,because the pattern for it was too thin to my liking. In my area they are selling and using them in the bridal/groom stores. He was selling them for $75.00, used or $125.00 new! I went to order one and he said it would take about 4 to 6 weeks. ( I guess everyone is not like Stillwater Kilts!!!)