Highland Evening Doublet made of Strome Tartan

[MacLowlife]

Kyle,

I am also a devotee of the tartan doublet. In Sanford's montage I did not see this time a fine weathered red tartan doublet worn by a gent in Atlanta (I believe) that has appeared before. Like all kilt wearers, he is distinguished, and he has a moustache, as I recall. Anyway, I mention him because his doublet appears to have been retrofitted from a sportcoat. It is a beautiful job with bucket cuffs and scalloped pocket flaps. I may be mistaken about its original form, but it is NOT cut on the bias. I mention it here because you might know of a blazer or dinner jacket lying around that you might remake as a first step. Thousands of pounds, even hundreds of pounds, is a lot to plow into something you may always admire but not often wear.

(Actually, he may appear as a headless man with a double breasted waistcoat standing on a blue patterned carpet. . Please, no references to the Duchess of Argyle.)


I would get your dream doublet in the lightest weight you can find, especially if you are going to wear it to balls and events where you might be dancing. 12 ounce is still pretty warm, especially in a crowded ballroom. My suggestion is to get a medium-gorge jacket and both high-cut and low cut waistcoats. That will give you a jabot option.

The Duke of Rothesay is said to favor the Balmoral style doublet, which at least one house makes up as a high gorge lapel style, belted with flaps and no waistcoat at all. I would use it as a departure point, not a final destination. I have a Montrose that I love, but I have learned that waistline expansion is a constant battle. Your tailor will suggest that you plan on it and I agree. And the ventilation of an open jacket, even with a waistcoat, is important.

Quite a while back, I asked a neophyte's question about wearing multiple tartans and was given sound and sympathetic advice. You might enjoy reading those responses, particularly with regard to different setts of the same clan tartan.

I believe you are still a young man, which is why I mention waistline expansion. Like bifocals, it is nearly inevitable. I hope you get your doublet soon and wear it into a long, ripe old age.

[creagdhubh]

Thank you very much for your most generous and detailed response MacLowlife, it is much appreciated.

Kind regards,

[JSFMACLJR]

While the red tartans do look smashing, probably one of the best tartan suits I've seen is that worn by McKerrill of Hillhouse. Sandy, can you post a picture?.

I wish I had a pic of Charles in tartan, but alas! I do not.

[Hothir Ethelnor]

Being a tailor in training I undertook a tartan doublet made from polyviscose.

Here are some pics.

[creagdhubh]

Thanks for posting your photos, they look great!

[saxandpipes]

Being a tailor in training I undertook a tartan doublet made from polyviscose.

Here are some pics.

Well done,

I think this looks great!

Cheers,

Michael

[Hothir Ethelnor]

You are welcome, bias cut is the way to go.

I think I like the look of a simple tartan on the bias because it isn't too overwhelming.

[MacLowlife]

Thanks, HE,

What I really like is the different scale of the doublet with the same tartan in the kilt. The doublet is a wonderful thing. I'd love to see a few more shots of the front of it. I applaud your work.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Having arrived late at the ball (my postillion was struck by lightning) I have to say I'm impressed with your tailoring skills. Your doublet is absolutely first class.

Now...let me see... where is my partner for The Congress of Vienna??

Oh! There she is...

[castledangerous]

didnt see this before either. lovely!