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.