All of these threads were in planning for when I found a jacket to use.

I had someone look at the jacket (it's 100% wersted Berlington wool) when held next to my black suit jacket, which is also 100% wool.

The jacket I will be using is a much "richer" and darker black than my suit, and it also has a nice feel or texture to it. That's not to say my black suit is cheap or junk.

Hopefully I will be able to get epauletts that go well with the jacket, but they will most likely be braided.