A Study on "the Most Versatile Jacket"

[KiltedDixon]

Great Thread with great pics and discussion.

[Nick the DSM]

I'd have to say Tweed is also very versatile.

[Whidbey78]

You know, that's a good point about buttons. I'm not a huge fan of horn buttons on anything but a very casual jacket but black ones would be good. The sweater might even work with that.

The swapable lapel idea is interesting. There is another thread about lapel facings on a custom PC and whether it would be acceptable to use the jacket material for them. Would this dress it down or just be a bad move. Some kind of removable lapel could be handy. Complicated and potentially expensive but it would be neat to see if it could be done in an acceptable way. I would try it just for grins, but that's way beyond my capability at this point.

Still, its a versatile item and while its not perfectly suited to formal wear I think its a servicable jacket if a doublet or coatee is outside your means or you really can't justify the expense because it will see very rare use. Or in a case like mine, rentals are not really an option due to location. I can't wait to add a black argyll to my arsenal if only to simplify things.

[OC Richard]

limited colours and a bit matchy-matchy:

This is the outfit that most people in the Pipe Band world would pick out as their favourite.

It's in that "mid range of formality" which modern pipe band attire strives toward, has black hose, the most popular modern Pipe Band sporran, and the overall dark/muted look so in favour today.

This is how modern Pipe Bands dress, and also how people in the Pipe Band world dress when competing solo or judging.

As a piper and pipe band guy I've worn black Argylls for decades as my go-to jacket.

Inspired by this forum I recently broke away from that and began wearing a charcoal grey Argyll and a Lovat Green kilt jacket for all of my piping gigs. I would say the charcoal is nearly as versatile as the black Argyll, but unlike the black Argyll the charcoal can't make the jump into full formal Evening attire.

Here's how I looked piping at a Burns Supper a couple months ago:



It's about as dressy as a charcoal Argyll can get, I suppose.

Here's my dressed-up version of the black Argyll, but I really need a wing collar shirt, bow tie, and tartan waistcoat!

[Tony]

I'm thinking that a charcoal tweed Argyll with horn buttons would also pass muster from #4 on down to #8 (and maybe even #9 )

edit: never mind - the post above said it much better!

[CMcG]

I'd have to say Tweed is also very versatile.

<snip>
Inspired by this forum I recently broke away from that and began wearing a charcoal grey Argyll and a Lovat Green kilt jacket for all of my piping gigs. I would say the charcoal is nearly as versatile as the black Argyll, but unlike the black Argyll the charcoal can't make the jump into full formal Evening attire.

Here's how I looked piping at a Burns Supper a couple months ago:



It's about as dressy as a charcoal Argyll can get, I suppose.

I'm thinking that a charcoal tweed Argyll with horn buttons would also pass muster from #4 on down to #8 (and maybe even #9 )

If, indeed, one were to go tweed, then charcoal colour advice one would best heed.

So for anyone considering the purchase of a really versatile kilt jacket, they can look at the maximum formality they need it to cover. If they need to be able to go all the way to black tie, then a black barathea metal button Argyll is the best choice. If they are only likely to go as far as dressy, then a charcoal tweed horn button Argyll will give them options in the smart casual range that the dress Argyll doesn't excel in.

[Cygnus]

I don't see why it would need to be a charcoal Argyll jacket. To me, part of the appeal of Highland dress is the possible variation in colour. Even on the most formal occasions, brightly-coloured velvet doublets are not only eye-catching but appropriate.

Find a tweed that you like; be it checked, houndstooth, blue, green, purple, charcoal, or just about any other colour or pattern.

The fact that dark colours are in vogue with the "trousered" doesn't mean the kilted have to follow suit!

[chrisupyonder]

I have a lovat blue tweed with matching vest/waistcoat


With navy blue polo shirt.




Pale blue shirt and blue tie



As above but with vest/waistcoat

Does me for most occasions. But need a semi-dress sporran, and my MacLaren tank is now being made. 8yd 16oz Lochcarron Strome, MacLaren Ancient

[robbiethepiper]

I don't see why it would need to be a charcoal Argyll jacket. To me, part of the appeal of Highland dress is the possible variation in colour. Even on the most formal occasions, brightly-coloured velvet doublets are not only eye-catching but appropriate.

Find a tweed that you like; be it checked, houndstooth, blue, green, purple, charcoal, or just about any other colour or pattern.

The fact that dark colours are in vogue with the "trousered" doesn't mean the kilted have to follow suit!

The point about charcoal is that it works not only for general daywear/weddings, but also for business or funerals where one would not want to dress "brightly"...

[Downunder Kilt]

Does me for most occasions. But need a semi-dress sporran, and my MacLaren tank is now being made. 8yd 16oz Lochcarron Strome, MacLaren Ancient

You will love the MacLaren ancient, I have two of Lochcarran weave, one to the sett and one to the yellow stripe. I also have a House of Edgar weave in ancient, to the sett, a totally different colour pallette. Hope you are handling the jonesing.