What kind of Jacket/Waistcoat needed?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

No solid colored/self-coloured hose are classic, in the sense that traditionally in Highland dress hose were always patterned, either in a pattern we call "diced" or in some sort of simplified tartan.

I'm not exactly sure when "always" began, but generally speaking these days hose worn with formal highland attire should preferably be patterned, not plain; but since both the OP and Sandford were referring to day wear highland attire, then solid coloured hose (which have been worn with day wear since the 1860s) are indeed a classic, and in my opinion, the OP's best choice.

[MacLowlife]

First, congratulations to your wife. If you don't have one ( which I think we can see you don't) a black or dark blue argyll is an excellent jacket to have, particularly if you are only going to have one. The world is filled with navy coats that can be cut down- this is likely to be the cheapest way to go. If your budget runs a little bigger and you don't HAVE to make one jacket do everything, a charcoal tweed would really look good with your tartan.

My guess is this size 40 S will be too small, but it's a great price:


http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-KILT-D...item439ae44196

Let us know.

[ChubRock]

Thanks for the advise all. yes a 40S is too small especially for a guy named ChubRock. More of a 52-54r kind of fella.

[Rob Wright]

Thanks for the advise all. yes a 40S is too small especially for a guy named ChubRock. More of a 52-54r kind of fella.

I'm a 52 R and here is what my tweed looks like:



Rob

[vipermcgee]

I'm not one to give fashion advice, but here is a picture of my wife and me at a recent wedding. I do not own a jacket of any kind, so I opted for just a waistcoat. Bear in mind that I was the only person there kilted and some guests were even wearing jeans.



Robert

[thescot]

A tweed jacket and waistcoat is one of the most versatile outfits available, especially for those of us who rarely go to black tie or formal events. In the US, at least, it will get you through almost any casual to dressy event. And for your wife's upcoming honors, you will want to look sharp.

Save you pennies and buy the jacket with matching 5-button waistcoat. Or have one cut down as mentioned. You can find some really nice jackets at Goodwill believe it or not. Add a pocket square and a tie, and you'll look as good as anyone there.

[Bugbear]

Don't forget corduroy!

[fluter]

Since your role is arm-candy, the best case scenario is to wear a dressy jacket. Possibly most of the attendees will be "business casual," but if your bride is being honored, then you want to dress up to match what she is wearing. Short answer: ask your wife for her preference.

If you're on a budget, look for something like this jacket to be altered to suit the kilt. That one has no vent in back, which is probably preferable to a single vent for our purposes. Check Ebay, local thrift stores, and close-out sales. In your size, you may have to watch and wait for a bit. I have not dealt with that particular Ebay seller, but they have lots of interesting inventory come through; and their feedback numbers look good.

By watching and waiting, I found a summer-weight jacket with a tiny houndstooth pattern, new, on close-out for twenty bucks. This is my next alteration project after I finish up a warmer one.

"Suit separates" (jackets and pants offered separately) are a boon to those of us who don't fit the makers' idea of waist/chest proportion---also good if you don't want the trousers! They also run to dark and dressy-looking. You may be able to find an affordable jacket with side vents, which usually lie better after bob-tailing.

If you have a bit of capital, the charcoal jacket and waistcoat that McMurdo models so well is about the most versatile thing ever. A nice tweed would be equally useful.

Congrats to your wife, happy hunting, and please keep us posted on progress.

[Jock Scot]

Oooops!Quite right Ted.

[ForresterModern]

Dress well but do not steal the show from your wife, and recognize that the kilt alone will be drawing lots of attention, so dress in a not flashy colorset, other than your kilt. Dark jacket and waistcoat, dark but matching tie, black gear, and dark but matching hose and subtle flashes.

Remember, she is the star--as you said in the OP, you are her arm candy, so look good and play her up at every opportunity. Enjoy.