Pros and Cons of Montrose ans Sheriffmuir coatees?

[creagdhubh]

Hi Ken,

I own a Sheriffmuir and a stomach.

I believe that the Sherriffmuir has some advantages over the Montrose -

- It is more forgiving for those of us of a fuller figure. It is designed to hang open at the front, so an extra inch (or two) is not noticeable.

- Heat dissipation. Because it is open fronted, it allows the wearer to stay cooler, without having to look sloppy. The Montrose stays buttoned up, or looks terrible.

- Matching waistcoat or Contrasting. Far more choice available to the wearer. Bright, sombre, matching, tartan cut on the bias - all could change the look.

- Take off your jacket. If the Sheriffmuir is removed, the wearer is still wearing a shirt (with tie or jabot) and a waistcoat. Many Montrose wearers, wear only a tee shirt under the jacket in an effort to keep cool.

- Civilian versus Military. I think that the Sheriffmuir looks like a civilian jacket, whereas the Montrose has a definite military look.

- Sash of an Order. If the Sash of an Order is worn at a white tie event it can still be worn under the jacket like its coat-tailed brothers. I do not think it would look right with a Montrose.

Regards

Chas

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[MacRobert's Reply]

Sound advice from Phil and Chas. I have both and have not worn the Montrose for about 20 years! It is generally much too warm in our modern centrally-heated buildings. It can only really be worn with a lace jabot or perhaps a lace-trimmed cravat so the level of formality is rather high. The Sheriffmuir I find is more flexible and can be worn with a lace jabot, lace-trimmed or plain 'white' cravat or black bow tie. As others have said, a variety of waistcoats or even a belt without a waistcoat can be worn with it. I have not worn it with a clerical collar Father Bill but a white cravat (the forerunner of the clerical collar) works well.

DSCF1134c.jpgMacRobert New Year 2011 009.jpgMacRobert New Year 2011 014c.jpgBalgonie etc 2011 031 cropped.jpg

[unixken]

These have all been excellent responses, gentlemen. Thank you! For it's versatility, it's flexibility, it's comfort and waistline forgiveness, it definitely sounds like the Sheriffmuir is the jacket to consider, if I do elect to get one. (I'm expecting a decent tax refund from which I plan to purchase at least one 8 yard tank, and am considering also getting a doublet if not a second tank, with the funds.)

[Chas]

I have just thought of another reason -

- Miniature medals. Can easily be pinned to where the lapel would be on a Sheriffmuir, whereas the buttons on a Montrose might get in the way.

Regards

Chas

[Grizzly]

Hi Ken,

I own a Sheriffmuir and a stomach

Chas

Now come come Chas, you do yourself a disservice, I have seen more fat on a greasy chip. You have the figure of a racing snake compared to me. However I completely agree with the points you make.

[MacRobert's Reply]

Typically, what type of fabric is found in a Sheriffmuir coatee?

Barathea or velvet Lorna. The one pictured is black velvet.

[McElmurry]

Thanks for the thread, a well-structured question and responsive answers.

[unixken]

Thanks for the thread, a well-structured question and responsive answers.

I couldn't agree more. I've been very pleased with the responses to my query. I've particularly liked what I've learned about the Sheriffmuir. I had no idea it could so easily mix and match with different waistcoats and shirts. Every vendor photo I've ever seen always shows it in stark black (or dark) and white, with matching (only) waistcoat. Thank you all, for such great responses!

[Lorna]

Barathea or velvet Lorna. The one pictured is black velvet.

Ok, thanks. I was thinking that a Sheriffmuir would look great made up in a nice charcoal tweed.

[Chas]

Ok, thanks. I was thinking that a Sheriffmuir would look great made up in a nice charcoal tweed.

No reason why not. Matt Newsome has one (and matching waistcoat) in grey tweed. I think the overriding factor is that the fabric should be of good quality. And, of course, colours like bottle green, midnight blue and maroon could also be considered. My best kilt is RAF tartan and I would have a Sheriffmuir in midnight blue if I could.

Regards

Chas