Regency era Highland attire

[Woodsheal]

I'd go with double-breasted, worn open to show the waistcoat for evening "dress" affairs. Double-breasted coats would be buttoned across for outdoors "day wear" activities: shooting, riding, walking about town and country....

[Woodsheal]

Thanks for the replies. So, for the coat (since I seem to be on the right track with the waistcoat) I am trying to find a workable length of cut-away and tail so that the kilt is not interfered with.

I found the following image.



This looks a bit informal though not necessarily the stuff of balls.

Do you think it would be better to go with the closed single or double breasted jacket? or to spring off the image of the fellow in a tartan jacket that JSFMACLJR posted and cut it so the jacket falls open in front?

This image looks like strictly "sporting" garb to me. The dress coat pattern on the Reconstructing History page is probably your best bet, modified to go with the kilt, or even a belted plaid if you really want to be impressive!

[blackbeard]

Here are a couple of pictures from the Highland Folk Museum in Kingussie. The kilt and jacket are from around 1800.

[Hothir Ethelnor]

That's interesting.

I might base it off of that although I can't make it out of tartan. I think I like the more open style with a wide lapel. I might make the collar twice as tall and fold it down.

If I do it like that, I will make it single breasted so that it can be buttoned but need not always be so.

It looks as if the front of the jacket is one piece on each side with the dart behind the shoulder rather than in front like modern jackets. (judging from the uninterrupted tartan pattern.)

Keep the suggestions coming and I'll get started on a waistcoat.

Thanks guys for the input so far. I'll be sure to post pics after the event. Unfortunately I found that it's a Regency "option" ball where we will be doing English country dancing and perhaps a Scottish dance or two. I am guessing that beyond some of the ladies, the hosts and myself many of the guests may be in modern clothing. ('sigh')

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

You might also want to take note of the cloth covered buttons...

[Hothir Ethelnor]

You might also want to take note of the cloth covered buttons...

Ah yes an important point encountered several times in my research.

I got some nice silver buttons but I'll save those for another jacket project and use cloth buttons instead.

[Riverkilt]

Not really fair to comment on the "Gunslinger" when he cannot respond. Seems like a "low blow" to me.

The original post was thoroughly discussed on a previous thread and the jacket and complete look are historic for the individual being portrayed.

I happen to know that the garments in the photo were sewn up by a tailor who is an accredited historian and that the tailor consulted a NWC/HBC Historian, a retired University of Aberdeen professor. The waistcoat is from a well know supplier of historic attire.

And, of course, the gentleman in the photo believes the belt is worn exactly as it was by the portrayed individual during that time.

[Hothir Ethelnor]

I did not mean for this to be a low blow I was unaware that the fellow featured in the first post was not on this forum.

He has contacted me (very politely) to ask that I open the discussion on Glen's forum so that he can join in with the comments.

I will post a link to the other thread and hope to see the discussion continue in both places.

http://thescotsforum.com/theforum/index.php?topic=367.0

I only reposted the first post.

[Riverkilt]

Aye, weren't your responses that struck me as a "low blow."

Glad the discussion is being held in a venue where the gentleman who was mocked has a chance to respond. And, he is a gentleman.

[Brian K]

Aye, weren't your responses that struck me as a "low blow."

Glad the discussion is being held in a venue where the gentleman who was mocked has a chance to respond. And, he is a gentleman.

I thought the gentleman in question was a member here. I am sure I've seen him here before Glen's forum was started.

In any event, another option would be somnething along the lines of MacKenzie Frain's 1822 commemorative coatee. It is slightly past Regency, and I'm sure you want to make your own, but a talented tailor, such as yourself should be able to make it for a lot less than they'd charge for it. http://www.mackenziefrain.com/index....gory_id=187397

I like the look of it myself, but even if i could afford it and had somewhere to wear it it might be considered a bit over the top by most folks. A Regency ball, OTOH, would probably be the perfect place for it! (BTW, the link is for the navy version, but it also comes in green and lovat blue)

Regards,

Brian