Inverness cape alternatives?

[Riverkilt]

Navy Bridgecoat



Replica Civil War greatcoats. Cavalry models have longer capes.



Surplus military greatcoats. This was $20 from Sportsmansguide.com or something like that. Just had a thread on it. Stock varies from surplus dealers.

Have seen offers of French police capes from Sportsmans guide too, but never in stock in my size. Thought someone on the board picked one up.

Ron

[Riverkilt]

And, just noticed, if you've $180 to spend Sportsman Guide has a new wool U Boat Commander's greatcoat that weights TEN pounds. That's gotta be warm. And, its in Extra Large and TWO Extra Large.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=490262

Ron

[Nanook]

Pretty straightforward, I'm just curious as to potential alternatives to the inverness cape for an overcoat when wearing a kilt. Is that about the only option, or are there others?

An inverness cape, I think, can't be beat. I'm lucky enough to have one of the--- even rare when they were issued--- woolen army bandman's capes. One option is to just wrap yourself in a very large piece of heavy tweed cloth--- the high Lanolin content makes them quite well suited to the task. A few meters of Harris Tweed and a bit of time to fashion fringes and you have an incredibly flexible do anything "garment".
Leaving the Highlands to the Alps, a close cousin (also in a kind of green not too distant from archer green) would be something like an Alpine Loden cape (called "Kotze" which is also, interestingly enough, German vernacular for "vomit").

[McFarkus]

Empire Canvas Works has an oilskin storm cape modeled on the Inverness. I have it on my wish list.

Matt Newsome did a review on it here.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have two coats that I wear- I have a navy blue London Fog trench coat (canvas) and a black leather duster. I find that both work really well, and nothing cuts a dash like an ankle length black leather duster- nothing! Sorry, McMurdo.

Let's see, leather gets heavier as it gets wetter, transfers the cold quicker as it is almost totally lacking in insulating ability, and when worn makes one look like an extra in a spaghetti western... Sorry, but I'm on board with Glen and Jamie on this one. The Inverness is THE dog's "whatsits" when in come to kilted cool.

[Nighthawk]

I think Glen, M.o.R., and I would beg to disagree!

Cheers

Jamie

Beg all you want. I will not relent. (What can I say- I'm old metalhead who grew up with a bunch of bikers. I love my black leather.)

Let's see, leather get heavier as it gets wetter, transfers the cold quicker as it is almost totally lacking in insulating ability, and when worn makes one look like an extra in a spaghetti western... Sorry, but I'm on board with Glen and Jamie on this one. The Inverness is THE dog's "whatsits" when in come to kilted cool.

Yeah, not great for cold weather- I agree. That's why I have London Fog. I've noticed, though, that my leather coat soaks up a lot less water than any other I've ever had. And there is the unbrella idea...

[Bugbear]

The Good, the Bad, and the Nighthawk

Coming soon to a theater near you.

[Nanook]

Let's see, leather get heavier as it gets wetter, transfers the cold quicker as it is almost totally lacking in insulating ability,

Leather is not really about warmth but protection from abrasion-- "tough as leather". That said.. not all leather is ill-suited to cold weather. Heavy sheepskin (of a good quality) can be quite warm (built in wool)--- even if one ends up looking like "McCloud". Some leathers can be quite waterproof as well.. Russian "Juften" leather is a good example albeit for shoes.. for coats horse and walrus (albeit these days available almost exclusively only as antique) leather can provide a good level of protection but I honestly don't see the point of a leather jacket with a kilt. Wool is water resistant ("rain proof"), warm and provides ideal isolation. With all the wool in a kilt one is, I think, best off with another layer (or two) of wool for additional protection from the elements. There are good reasons why traditionally--- from the Himalayas to the Sahara--- wool, silk and linen were the materials of choice for outerwear and leather or wood were chosen for shoes.

[davedove]

Still, there's a lot in favour of an ordinary black umbrella...

But won't that scare the horses?

Actually, that was a reason I discovered for why the US Army doesn't allow umbrellas with the modern service uniform.

[puffer]

IMHO, there are some good alternatives. Here is my take of what I wear.
1 Inverness (Mister Anthony Ulimate)
A. Although not "Formal" the look is GOOD (IMHO) for Dress Business or dress Eve wear
B. Keeps me DRY & the wind at "bay"
c. The major draw back is that it is "sleeveless" & therefor I must wear a "sleeved garment (which is Water/wind proof) in "Inclement conditions"

2. a "DUSTER" (a Black "caped" OUT BACK "oil skin")
A. Again not "formal" but Good for, up to " Casual Business (Tweeds etc)
B. Because of it's design ( Length, split in the back (bottom), full cut (including sleeves) it works GREAT.
C. MAX protection in all kinds of weather.

3. Blanket Coat ("Capote") Casual or period wear

$. Here is the one that is on MY DREAM LIST
http://www.cascobaywoolworks.com/product.php?prod_id=9

Puffer