Prince Charlie

[Colonel MacNeal]

The problem with a high ( 5 ) button waistcoat with the PC coatee is that the lapels on the coatee are cut low, and a high button waistcoat detracts from the lines intended by the coatee.

But they do look better on "men of substance" than the 3 button vest. On a "man of substance" the smaller vest looks like a rubber band trying to hold back the Hoover Dam.

[JSFMACLJR]

But they do look better on "men of substance" than the 3 button vest. On a "man of substance" the smaller vest looks like a rubber band trying to hold back the Hoover Dam.

Point well taken!!!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

But they do look better on "men of substance" than the 3 button vest. On a "man of substance" the smaller vest looks like a rubber band trying to hold back the Hoover Dam.

and absolutely correct. This is a big problem with the "one size fits all" off-the-rack Prince Charlie coatees and waistcoats. A guy with a substantial "bay window" will never look his best unless he goes for a custom made waistcoat, one that fits properly.

I'd suggest that any of the traditional Highland outfitters on X Marks could supply a four button waistcoat if asked. And whilst they're at it, they could do it in something other than black!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Here's where the Colonel and the Major fall out over "uniform regulations". A tartan waistcoat, cut on the bias (as sported by my kinsman, above) or a waistcoat in a deep red (not bright red) look just fine, and are properly worn with traditional formal Highland attire.

Solid colours, other than a deep red, don't seem to work as well with the Prince Charlie coatee, and prints and patterns really don't work at all as they tend to be far too busy.

So, want something other than basic black? Tartan, deep red, and black silk all make excellent alternatives to the "ordinary" black barathea waistcoat.

[Colonel MacNeal]

I will concede to Rathdown. (hobbles away)

[JSFMACLJR]

prints and patterns really don't work at all as they tend to be far too busy.

So, want something other than basic black? Tartan, deep red, and black silk all make excellent alternatives to the "ordinary" black barathea waistcoat.

I agree with you, Rathdown, about patterns and prints. Of course I wouldn't recommend too busy a pattern!

Tartan, red, and black silk are all good choices, as might be yellow in some cases. White pique/marcella could work, too, but given the casual nature of the PC I'd tend not to go with this.

[macwilkin]

Here's where the Colonel and the Major fall out over "uniform regulations". A tartan waistcoat, cut on the bias (as sported by my kinsman, above) or a waistcoat in a deep red (not bright red) look just fine, and are properly worn with traditional formal Highland attire.

Solid colours, other than a deep red, don't seem to work as well with the Prince Charlie coatee, and prints and patterns really don't work at all as they tend to be far too busy.

So, want something other than basic black? Tartan, deep red, and black silk all make excellent alternatives to the "ordinary" black barathea waistcoat.

Spot on, Rathdown. A tartan waistcoat worn with traditional Highland attire is 100% correct. Let no one tell you otherwise.

T.

[McMurdo]

As James shows in his photos the tartan waistcoat cut on the bias is a very good alternative to plain black. As for the 5 button waistcoat with the PC, I've never really liked that particular take on things as it is nether fish nor fowl.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Ted is absolutely right. A "high cut" waistcoat will work with the coatee, however only if one is wearing a jabot rather than a bow tie. Thanks for pointing that out, Ted!

[Bugbear]

I'm just a fan of the jabot.